Fall 2009/Pasadena
OT567
Caudill
OT567: AMOS (ENGLISH TEXT). Norah W. Caudill.
DESCRIPTION: This course will provide an overview of the historical context,
literary forms and theological themes of the book of Amos, introduce the
student to a variety of critical approaches to the text, and study the book
chapter-by-chapter.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The book of Amos is a rich theological
resource from which the minister can develop exegetical skills; expand his/her
understanding of a range of issues pertinent to prophetic literature; and
contemplate how themes such as divine sovereignty, ethics, and social justice
are relevant for the church today.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will have
demonstrated (1) a fundamental knowledge of the literary forms and thematic
content of the book of Amos; (2) an acquaintance with a range of issues
pertaining to the historical and social setting of Amos as well as to the
larger corpus of prophetic literature; (3) an ability to apply exegetical and
hermeneutical skills to specific texts; (4) an ability to reflect upon and
evaluate the unique theological issues raised by the book of Amos and to
discern their implications for Christian faith and practice; (5) an awareness
of culturally diverse approaches to reading and interpreting Scripture.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet one night a week for three hours of lecture
and discussion.
REQUIRED READING:
- Blenkinsopp, Joseph. A History of Prophecy in Israel.
Revised and enlarged ed. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1996.
- Gorman, Michael J. Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for
Students and Ministers. Revised and expanded ed. Peabody: Hendrickson,
2009.
- Gowan, Donald E. Theology of the Prophetic Books: The Death and
Resurrection of Israel. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1998.
- Hubbard, David Allan. Joel and Amos: An Introduction and Commentary.
Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries 22b. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press,
1989.
- McComiskey, Thomas E., ed. The Minor Prophets: An Exegetical and
Expository Commentary. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2009.
- Tucker, Gene M. Form Criticism of the Old Testament. Guides to
Biblical Scholarship: Old Testament Series. Edited by J. Coert Rylaarsdam.
Philadelphia: Fortress, 1971.
- Course Reader: A selection of articles will be available on Moodle
or through library databases.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Achtemeier, Elizabeth. Preaching from the Minor Prophets: Texts
and Sermon Suggestions. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998.
- Andersen, Francis I., and David Noel Freedman. Amos: A New Translation
with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Bible 24A. New York: Doubleday,
1989.
- Bellis, Alice Ogden, ed. Many Voices: Multicultural Responses to
the Minor Prophets. Lanham: University Press of America, 1995.
- Matthews, Victor H. Social World of the Hebrew Prophets. Peabody:
Hendrickson, 2001.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: Faithful attendance and active participation in
classroom discussions is expected. Weekly assignments will include required
reading and preparation of projects/discussion questions. The final grade will
be based on (1) Reading assignments (30%); (2) Projects/discussion
questions (20%); (3) An exegesis paper on an approved text in Amos (12-15 pp.)
(30%); (4) A final exam (20%).
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets the MA program requirements for OT book
study (OTBK).
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (8/09)