Fall 2009/Pasadena
OT502
P. Scalise
OT502: HEBREW PROPHETS. Pamela Scalise.
DESCRIPTION: A study of the content and literary qualities of the Former and
Latter Prophets in light of their historical background and their developing
theology (Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel,
Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai,
Zechariah, and Malachi).
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE & MINISTRY: The books of the Prophets are essential
for understanding God's ongoing words and works of redemption. A student in the
course should expect (1) to learn a basic outline of Israel's history; (2) to
gain a greater familiarity with the content and arrangement of these twenty-one
books; (3) to identify and reflect theologically upon the principal prophetic
themes; (4) to evaluate and use exegetical tools and scholarly resources
in the interpretation of specific texts; and (5) to develop interpretive skills
and insights.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing the course will have
demonstrated that they (1) have a knowledge and understanding of the Hebrew
prophets books; (2) are able to interpret the Bible using a range of
appropriate interpretive approaches, including ones that reflect the diversity
of contexts from which the text can be read; (3) have reflected on the nature
of the Bible as both human word and holy Scripture; (4) have articulated some
reflection on the significance of the Hebrew prophets books for their
discipleship and ministry.
COURSE FORMAT: Class will include lecture and discussion and will meet 8am to
12 noon on the following dates (Fridays and Saturdays): October 9-10, 23-24;
November 6-7, 13-14; December 4-5.
REQUIRED READING:
- The 21 prophets books listed above, in the NRSV or the TNIV.
- A comprehensive, analytical concordance. (Use in a library. Not a required
purchase.)
- Articles by J. Ahn, R. Weems available in the ATLA full-text database
through the Fuller library.
- Goldingay, John. Isaiah. NIBCOT 13. Hendrickson, 2001.
- Gowan, Donald E. Theology of the Prophetic Books: The Death and
Resurrection of Israel. Westminster John Knox, 1998.
- King, Philip J., and Lawrence E. Stager. Life in Biblical Israel.
Westminster John Knox, 2001.
- Lapsley, Jacqueline. Whispering the Word: Hearing Women's Stories in the
Old Testament. Westminster John Knox, 2005.
- Tate, Marvin E. From Promise to Exile: The Former Prophets. Smyth
& Helwys, 1999.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Bright, John. A History of Israel. 4th ed. Westminster John
Knox, 2000.
- Clements, R. E. Old Testament Prophecy: From Oracles to Canon.
Westminster John Knox, 1996.
- Gordon, R. P. 1 & 2 Samuel. OT Guides. JSOT, 1984.
- McConville, J. Gordon. Grace in the End. Zondervan, 1993.
- Newsome, James D., Jr. The Hebrew Prophets. Westminster John Knox,
1996.
- von Rad, Gerhard. The Message of the Prophets. Harper & Row,
1965.
ASSIGNMENTS & ASSESSMENT: (1) For the first two class meetings, read
King & Stager, pp. xvii-129, 201-58; Gowan, pp. xii-xiii, 8-16, 24, 78-79,
144-46; Joshua-2 Samuel 4; Tate, pp. 1-55; Lapsley pp. 1-19, 35-67. (2)
Preparation & participation: The course requires reading in preparation for
class and participation in class projects and discussions. A report of pages
read and a brief comment or questions is due at the beginning of every class
session (20%). (Missing more than one class meeting may result in a failing
grade.) (3) Quiz, on historical setting (lecture, King & Stager, Gowan),
Friday, Oct. 23 (10%). (4) A midterm exam (open books, notes, and Bible)
take-home, due Friday, Nov. 12 (25%). (5) A paper on a passage from Isaiah,
researched interpretation (i.e., exegesis) 2500-3000 words, due Friday, Dec. 4
(30%). (6) A final exam, in class, Dec. 5 (15%). (To pass the course, all
assignments must be submitted.)
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament "b"
(OTB).
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (7/09)