Fall 2010/Pasadena
OT502
Goldingay
OT502: THE HEBREW PROPHETS. John Goldingay.
DESCRIPTION: The course studies the contents of the Former Prophets (Joshua to
Kings) and the Latter Prophets (Isaiah to Malachi), their possible historical
backgrounds, different approaches to their interpretation, and their
significance for us today.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The narrative from Joshua to Kings and the
Prophets offer revolutionary insight on God, the world, human life, leadership,
and the people of God.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing the course will have shown
that they have
- gained familiarity with the narrative in Joshua to Kings;
- come to understand how the prophets address Israel concerning its past,
present, and future;
- reflected on issues concerning the historical nature of Joshua-Kings and
the authorship of the prophetic books; and
- considered ways in which the Prophets confront the church today and the
issues they raise for it.
COURSE FORMAT: The course meets weekly for three-hour sessions; in addition
students spend one hour per week in online discussion with other students in
their group. Classes also require specific reading of the biblical text and
other preparation, on average a further four hours per week. Recordings of the
class are posted on Moodle and on iTunes.
REQUIRED READING:
- TNIV or NRSV Bible..
- Arnold, B. T., and H. G. M. Williamson, eds. Dictionary of the Old
Testament: Historical Books. InterVarsity Press, 2005. ISBN
0-8308-1782-4. $60.
- Eaton, J. H. Mysterious Messengers. Eerdmans, 1998. Posted on the
course site on Moodle.
- Syllabus and Course Notes, posted on Moodle during finals week of the
quarter before the course.
RECOMMENDED READING: Recommended reading will be listed in the course
syllabus.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
- Attendance at classes, preparation homework, and participation in online
discussion (pass/fail)
- Two 2,500-3,000-word papers (50% each)
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. (July 2010)