Winter 2009
FSW – Phoenix
OT502
Parker

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).

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will (1) know and understand better the prophetic books of the OT; (2) develop ability in interpreting the Bible through creative reading and critical interaction via historical, cultural, literary, and other methods; (3) develop an appreciation of how we may learn from historically and culturally diverse vantage points to better read, use, and obey this portion of scripture; (4) see more clearly the nature of the Bible as both human word and authoritative holy Scripture.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The biblical prophetic literature forms a rich testimony to the interaction between God and his people during the biblical period. This course will study how an understanding of this interaction may shed light on contemporary church issues and perspectives.

COURSE FORMAT: Class will include lecture and discussion and will meet 8am to 5pm on the following dates: January 10, 24; and February 7, 21.

REQUIRED READING:
• The 21 prophets books listed above, in any modern translation of the Bible (preferably NRSV).
• Borowski, Oded.  Daily Life in Biblical Times.  Atlanta: SBL Press, 2003. [126 pp.] ISBN 1589830423.
• Fretheim, Terence E.  Deuteronomic History.  Nashville: Abingdon, 1983. [158 pp.] ISBN 0687104971.
• Lapsley, Jacqueline E.  Whispering the Word: Hearing Women’s Stories in the Old Testament.  Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2005. [176 pp.] ISBN 0664224350
• Petersen, David L.  The Prophetic Literature.  Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2002. [236 pp.]  ISBN 0664254535.
• Selected articles.

RECOMMENDED READING:
• Achtemeier, Elizabeth. Preaching from the Minor Prophets: Texts and Sermon Suggestions. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998.
• Bellis, Alice Ogden, ed. Many Voices: Multicultural Responses to the Minor Prophets. Lanham: University Press of America, 1995.
• Bright, John. A History of Israel. 4th ed. Philadelphia: Westminster, 2000.
• Goldingay, John. Isaiah. NIBCOT 13. Hendrickson, 2001.
• Gordon, Robert P., ed. "The Place is too Small for Us": The Israelite Prophets in Recent Scholarship. Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 1995.
• Gowan, Donald E.  Theology of the Prophetic Books: The Death and Resurrection of Israel. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1998. [200 pp.] ISBN 0664256899
• Zucker, David J.  Israel's Prophets: An Introduction for Christians and Jews.  New York: Paulist, 1994.

ASSIGNMENTS:
Preparation, attendance, and participation are required components of the course. The final grade will also be based on the following:
1. Attendance, homework, and participation (10%)
2. Term paper 1, 2500 – 3000 words (30%)
3. Term paper 2, 2500 – 3000 words (30%)
4. Final exam (30%)

PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: M.Div.: OTB; M.A.T.: OT/OTB; M.A.C.L.: OT/OTB
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification.