Spring 2010/Pasadena
OT502
Jacobs
OT502: HEBREW PROPHETS. Mignon R. Jacobs.
DESCRIPTION: This survey course studies the Hebrew prophetic literature,
focusing on the Latter Prophets (Isaiah-Malachi). It examines the historical,
theological, literary, and canonical perspectives of selected texts as well as
the prophetic traditions that inform and shape the Hebrew Prophets.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The primary goals of the course are to
promote understanding of God's specific involvement in human history (as seen
in the prophetic literature) and to facilitate use of the texts in light of
their significance for contemporary perspectives on divine revelation, ethics,
spirituality, leadership responsibility, and justice.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course will enable students to (a) better know and
understand the content of Hebrew Prophets; (b) better understand the nature of
the Hebrew Prophets, i.e., the literary features and historical and cultural
situations; (c) develop skills in discerning the theological concerns of the
Hebrew Prophets; (d) recognize the hermeneutical challenges of interpreting the
Hebrew Prophets.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions of
lecture and discussion.
REQUIRED READING:
- NRSV Bible.
- Chisholm, Robert B., Jr. Handbook on the Prophets. Grand Rapids:
Baker Academic, 2008.
- Matthews, Victor H. Social World of the Hebrew Prophets. Peabody:
Hendrickson, 2001.
- Newsome, J. D. The Hebrew Prophets. Louisville: Westminster John
Knox, 1986.
- Sweeney, Marvin A. The Twelve Prophets, Vol. 2: Micah, Nahum,
Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. Berit Olam: Studies in
Hebrew Narrative and Poetry. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2000.
- Other books and articles on library reserve (including selected chapters
from books listed under recommended reading**).
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Bellis, Alice Ogden, ed. Many Voices: Multicultural Responses to
the Minor Prophets. Lanham: University Press of America, 1995.
- Blenkinsopp, Joseph. A History of Prophecy in Israel. Revised and
enlarged ed. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1996.
- Brenner, Feminist Companion to the Latter Prophets. Sheffield
Academic Press, 1995.**
- Bright, John. A History of Israel. 3rd ed. Philadelphia:
Westminster, 1981.**
- Floyd, Michael H. Minor Prophets Part 2. FOTL 22. Grand Rapids:
Eerdmans, 2000.
- Gordon, Robert P., ed. "The Place Is Too Small for Us": The Israelite
Prophets in Recent Scholarship. Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 1995.
- Page, Hugh, ed. The Africana Bible. Philadelphia: Fortress,
2009.**
- Sweeney, Marvin A. The Twelve Prophets, Vol. 1: Hosea, Joel,
Amos, Obadiah, Jonah. Berit Olam: Studies in Hebrew Narrative and Poetry.
Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2000.
- Zimmerli, Walther. The Fiery Throne: The Prophets and Old Testament
Theology. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2003.**
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: Weekly preparation, attendance, and participation
are required components of the course. The final grade will be based on
attendance and participation (10%), a term paper (30%), quizzes (30%), and a
final exam (30%).
- **Reading of J. Bright, A History of Israel, pp. 229-69, by
the first class meeting is strongly encouraged.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament "b"
(OTB).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (Posted January 2010)