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Introduction to the Old Testament 2
The Prophets and the Writings Spring Semester, Thursday, 6:30-9:30 PM Thomas B. Dozeman (Prophets) tdozeman@united.edu Vivian Johnson (Writings) vjohnson@united.edu
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This is a course on the Prophets and the Writings. Students will engage literary, cultural, and historical issues that come to bear on interpretation of the text.
II. TEXTBOOKS:
Michael D. Coogan. The Old Testament: A Historical and Literary Introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures. New York: Oxford University Press, 2005. John H. Hayes and Carl R. Holladay. Biblical Exegesis: A Beginner’s Handbook. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2007. Joseph Blenkinsopp. A History of Prophecy in Israel. Revised and Enlarged. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1996. James L. Crenshaw. Old Testament Wisdom: An Introduction. Revised and Enlarged. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1998. NRSV Study Bible
III. RATIONALE:
Introduction to the Old Testament 2 will further students’ knowledge of the biblical literature of the Prophets and the Writings. The course will introduce students to the central themes of the literature and its history of interpretation especially in the modern era. The course will also introduce students to a range of interpretative methodologies that have emerged in the modern era.
IV. SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:
Students will: 1. Read the primary literature to discern central themes. 2. Read the secondary literature to become familiar with the history of interpretation in the modern era 3. Develop exegetical skills through the writing of short papers 4. Write one exegetical paper that demonstrates the student’s ability to discern the structure and central themes of a biblical text and its theological significance for a contemporary audience
V. TEACHING STRATEGIES:
The course will be a combination of lectures on the history and literature of ancient Israel and close readings of texts to develop exegetical skills.
VI. CALENDAR OF TOPICS AND READINGS:
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THE PROPHETS
Week One: February 12 Introduction to the Prophets 6:30-7:45 The Prophetic Books in the Hebrew Canon Prophets and Kings 8:00-9:20 The Role of Prophets in the Northern and Southern Kingdoms Reading: Coogan, The Reign of Solomon, pp. 266-85 (Note in particular The Ideology of the Davidic Monarch) Coogan, The Divided Kingdom, pp. 287-306 (Note in particular The Excursus on Prophets) Blenkinsopp, Prolegomena: Defining the Object of Study, pp. 164 (Note in particular, Sources for the Study of Israelite Prophecy, pp. 7-16; Labels and Roles, pp. 26-30; The Social Locations of the Prophet, pp. 30-39 ) Blenkinsopp, From the Beginnings to Amos, pp. 41-64.
Prophecy in the Assyrian Period
Week Two: February 19 The Northern Tradition of Prophecy: Amos and Hosea 6:30-7:45 Amos Reading: The Book of Amos (outline the book, not to be handed in) Coogan, pp. 307-18 Blenkinsopp, 64-82 8:00-9:20 Hosea Reading: Coogan, pp. 318-326 Blenkinsopp, 82-90 Writing: The writing assignment has three parts: 1. Outline the book of Hosea. 2. Identify four central themes which suggest that Hosea is part of the Northern tradition of prophecy. 3. Clarify how the marriage of Hosea and Gomer in chaps. 1-3 provides the central themes for interpreting the relationship of Yahweh and Israel in chaps. 4-14. (2-4 pages) Week Three: February 26 The Southern Tradition of Prophecy 6:30-7:45 Isaiah of Jerusalem Reading: Isaiah 1-12 Coogan, 327-44 Blenkinsopp, pp. 97-110 8:00-9:20 Micah Reading: Use Coogan and Blenkinsopp as needed to undertake the exegetical assignment. Writing: Exegesis of Micah 6:1-8: Follow the exegetical procedures in the hand. Make notes of each step in the hand—do not write a paper. We will go through the process of exegesis together in class. (2-4 pages). Week Four: March 5 No Class
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Prophecy in the Neo-Babylonian Period
Week Five: March 12 The Transformation of the Northern Tradition of Prophecy: Jeremiah 6:30-7:45 Jeremiah and the Deuteronomic Reform Movement 8:00-9:20 The Message of Jeremiah Reading: The Reform of Josiah: 2 Kings 22-23 Deuteronomy 12, 17, 18 Jeremiah 1 (call), 2-6 (harlotry), 7 (temple sermon), 11 (covenant), 18 (God the potter), 30-33 the book of consolation) Coogan, pp. 366-77 Blenkinsopp, pp. 129-47 Writing: Summarize the themes in Jeremiah and relate them where possible to Hosea and to the book of Deuteronomy (2 pages). Week Six: March 19 Ezekiel and the Priestly Tradition of the Pentateuch 6:30-7:45 The Exile and the Kabod Yahweh 8:00-9:20 The Central Themes of Ezeikiel Reading: Ezekiel 1-3 (vision of the Kabod), 8-11 (departure of the Kabod), 16 (the genealogy of Jerusalem)18 (individual guilt), 20 (salvation history), 37 (dry bones), 40 (the temple), 47-48 (The New Land) S(Coogan, pp. 381-400 Blenkinsopp, pp. 148-80
Prophecy in the Persian Period
Week Seven: March 26 Prophetic Eschatology and Protest 6:30-7:45 Prophecy and Future Hope Reading: Isaiah 40-55 Coogan, pp. 401-16 Blenkinsopp, pp. 181-93 8:00-9:20 Prophecy, Eschatology, and Protest Reading: Isaiah 24-27, 56-66 Blenkinsopp, pp. 212-22 Coogan, pp. 401-44. Writing: An Exegetical Paper on one of the following prophetic texts: Hosea 11:1-11 Amos 5:18-24 Micah 4:1-4 Any other prophetic text is also possible upon approval. The Paper is due on April 16. Week Eight: April 2 No Class Week Nine: April 9 No Class
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The Writings (50% of Work for the Class)
(The specific texts and assignments will be handed out in class) Week Ten: April 16 Week Eleven: April 23 Week Twelve: April 30 Week Thirteen: May 7 No Class Week Fourteen: May 14 Week Fifteen: May 21 Week Sixteen: May 28 VII: SEMINARY STANDARDS A. Inclusive language United Theological Seminary has an official policy regarding the use of Inclusive Language. The policy may be found in the Seminary Catalog and is further explained in the Student Handbook. If you have specific questions, please see me. B. Academic Integrity Student integrity regarding all work assigned in this class is a basic expectation of the Seminary community. A detailed policy regarding what constitutes a violation of academic integrity can be found in the Student Handbook.
IX. METHOD OF DETERMINING FINAL GRADE:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Hosea Paper Micah Exegetical Notes Jeremiah, Hosea and Deuteronomy Exegesis Paper Assignments on the Writings 10% 10% 10% 20% 50%