Summer 2009/Pasadena
Two-week Intensive: June 22 - July 2
OT504
P. Scalise
OT504: WRITINGS. Pamela J. Scalise.
DESCRIPTION: A study of the third section of the Hebrew Scriptures, in English
translation, including Psalms, Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Ruth, Song of
Songs, Lamentations, Esther, Daniel, Ezra-Nehemiah, and 1-2 Chronicles.
Attention will be given to the shape of the books, their content, literary
forms, and theological concerns.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will (1)
better know and understand the OT Writings books; (2) develop ability in
interpreting the Bible through reading and critical interaction via historical,
cultural, literary and other methods; (3) become more skilled in reading the
Bible theologically in view of their contexts; (4) see more clearly the nature
of the Bible as both human word and holy Scripture; (5) read the Bible as
formative for Christian discipleship.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The Writings books address God's word to the everyday
needs and ultimate concerns of God's people.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet daily in four-hour sessions for lecture,
discussion, and other learning activities.
REQUIRED READING:
- The biblical books Ruth, 1-2 Chronicles, Lamentations, Psalms,
Daniel, Esther, Ezra-Nehemiah, Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs,
in NRSV or TNIV.
- Anderson, Bernhard W. Out of the Depths. 3rd revised & expanded
ed. Westminster John Knox, 2000.
- Brown William P. Character in Crisis. Eerdmans, 1996.
- Clifford, Richard. The Wisdom Literature. Nashville: Abingdon,
1998.
- Throntveit, Mark. Ezra-Nehemiah. Interpretation. Westminster John
Knox, 1992 (& iPreach database).
- Seow, C. L. Daniel. Westminster Bible Companion. Westminster John
Knox, 2003.
- Articles and chapters by authors such as Phyllis Trible, Julie Chu, and
Itumeleng Mosala (available in full-text databases through the Fuller Seminary
library.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Bush, F. Ruth/Esther. Word Biblical Commentary. Word,
1996.
- Childs, B. S. Introduction to the Old Testament as Scripture.
Fortress, 1979..
- Davies, P. R. Daniel. OT Guides. JSOT Press, 1995.
- de Claisse-Walford, Nancy. Reading from the Beginning. Mercer
University Press, 1997.
- Goldingay, J. E. Daniel. Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas: Word,
1989.
- Miller, Patrick D. They Cried to the Lord. Fortress, 1994.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Reading in preparation for class and participation in class activities
(20%).
For the first day of class, read the book of Ruth and J. Chu,
"Returning Home: The Inspiration of the Role Redifferentiation in the the Book
of Ruth for Taiwanese Women," in Semeia 78, 1997. (Available online
through the Fuller library in the ATLA full-text database.) For the second
day of class, read 1 & 2 Chronicles and L. Allen, "Introduction" to "1
and 2 Chronicles in New Interpreters Bible, Vol. 3. (Available online
through the Fuller library, iPreach database.)
- Every day submit a list of reading you have completed and a brief question
or comment about what you have learned from the reading.
- A paper that includes researched interpretation and theological exposition
of a Psalm (2500-3000 words) (30%). Due August 10, 2009.
- A midterm exam (take-home, open book) (25%). Due June 29, 2009.
- A final exam (take-home, open book) (25%). Due July 20, 2009.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament "C"
(OTC).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes (take-home).
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (4/09)