Course Syllabus SPRING/SUMMER 2012 I & II KINGS OLDT 0520W / RLGS 3163W. April 30 July 20, 2012 Online

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1 Course Syllabus SPRING/SUMMER 2012 I & II KINGS OLDT 0520W / RLGS 3163W April 30 July 20, 2012 Online Dr. Keith Bodner Phone: (506) , ext Keith.Bodner@crandallu.ca To access your course materials at the start of the course, please go to DESCRIPTION At a dark moment in Israel s history, the lost book of the Law was found in the temple. The discovery of this book ushered in an era of revival and reformation. Ironically, this story is told in 2 Kings 23, a book that itself needs to be rediscovered by a new generation of readers. This course is a recovery operation, and develops a reading 1 & 2 with sensitivity to the literary, historical, and theological dynamics of this incredible story. Starting with the death of a king, the book ends with the death of kingship, and the future of God s people hanging so it seems by a slender thread. The book of Kings has a powerful message for our contemporary world, with matters of faith often marginalized, and changing paradigms emerging. As we will discover, the establishment of the monarchy represented a crucial stage in the story of Israel, with a host of questions about leadership, divine sovereignty, identity, courage in the midst of crisis, and the drama of trust in the prophetic word. II. LEARNING OUTCOMES At the end of the course, students should be able to:

2 1 & 2 Kings Syllabus demonstrate a broad knowledge of 1 & 2 Kings in terms of content, themes, and theological purposes for its composition. understand this sweeping and expansive narrative as a sophisticated and highly nuanced work of theology, with all its attendant complexities, triumphs and tragedies. perform competent exegesis of selected texts with sufficient literary appreciation and theological depth. take preliminary steps toward disseminating the message of this book to various audiences in the academic world and the church. III. COURSE REQUIREMENTS A. REQUIRED TEXTS For the research paper in the course we will use a required text, my recent book on the career of Jeroboam in 1 Kings: Keith Bodner, Jeroboam s Royal Drama (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012) Supplementary materials will be posted within the discussion forums, and the course bibliography can also be used for the discussion questions and for the research paper. OUTLINE PART I. 1 Kings Week 1. Introduction / The Accession of Solomon (1 Kings 1-2) Week 2. Constructive Criticism (1 Kings 3-9) Week 3. Divided Heart, Divided Nation (1 Kings 10-13) Week 4. Northern Exposure (1 Kings 14-18) Week 5. Prophetic Contests (1 Kings 19-22) PART II. 2 Kings Week 6. Chariots and Fire (2 Kings 1-3) Week 7. Days of Elisha (2 Kings 4-8) Week 8. Jehu s Reign (2 Kings 9-12) Week 9. Requiem for Samaria (2 Kings 13-17) Week 10. Hezekiah s Assyrian Crisis (2 Kings 18-21) Week 11. Babylon Rising (2 Kings 22-24) Week 12. Judah s Captivity (2 Kings 25) Week 13. FINAL EXAM ASSESSMENT 1. Discussion Forums 25% 2. Reflection Questions 25% 3. Research Paper 25% 2

3 4. Final Exam 25% 1 & 2 Kings Syllabus 1. Discussion Forums During each week we will have the opportunity to engage in online class discussions of the relevant chapters under consideration. Students will be divided into groups, with each group responsible to share their opinions on a given question with the class. The questions in the discussion forums will also be the questions on the final exam at the end of the Each student is expected to make a useful contribution, either in the form of opinions proffered, critical engagement, relevant contribution from a key secondary source, or responses to comments from the group. Assessment is cumulative, and will comprise 25% of the total grade. Forum Discussion Evaluation Rubric Weekly Reflection Question Grading Rubric Category SCORE Completeness of post addresses none of the questions presented; far too short; nearly all are incomplete addresses less than all of the questions; shorter in length; several answers are incomplete addresses all parts of the questions; respectable length; somewhat complete completely addresses all parts of the questions; respectable length; complete response Promptness and Initiative initial posting after Tuesday; does not respond to most postings; rarely participates freely initial posting on or before Tuesday; responds to most postings several days after initial discussion; limited initiative initial posting on or before Tuesday; responds to most postings within a timely manner; requires occasional prompting to post initial posting on or before Tuesday; consistently responds to postings in a timely manner; demonstrates good self-initiative Delivery of Post utilizes poor spelling and grammar in most posts; posts appear "hasty" errors in spelling and grammar evidenced in several posts few grammatical or spelling errors are noted in posts consistently uses grammatically correct posts with rare misspellings Relevance of Post posts topics which do not relate to the discussion content; makes short or irrelevant remarks occasionally posts off topic; most posts are short in length and offer no further insight into the topic frequently posts topics that are related to discussion content; post prompts further discussion of topic consistently posts topics related to discussion topic; cites additional references, post prompts further discussion Expression Within the Post does not express opinions or ideas clearly; no connection to topic unclear connection to topic evidenced in minimal expression of opinions or ideas; mostly unsubstantiated opinions opinions and ideas are occasionally substantiated; stated clearly with occasional lack of connection to topic expresses substantiated opinions and ideas in a clear and concise manner with obvious connection to topic 3

4 1 & 2 Kings Syllabus Contribution to the Learning Community does not make effort to participate in learning community as it develops; seems indifferent occasionally makes meaningful reflection on group s efforts; marginal effort to become involved with group frequently attempts to direct the discussion and to present relevant viewpoints for consideration by group; interacts freely aware of needs of community; frequently attempts to motivate group discussion; presents creative approaches to topic TOTAL 2. Reflection Questions Every week one question will be posted under this category, yielding a total of 12 for the entire These questions are inductive and engaging, and based on each weekly section of 1 & 2 Kings. For instance, the reflection question for week 1 is as follows: In your opinion, how is Solomon characterization in 1 Kings 1-2? Comment on his first words and early actions in the narrative. This assignment will allow the student to explore a range of issues in 1 & 2 Kings, and provide a chance for in-depth thinking on each major section of the text. It is expected that each question will require a solid paragraph (single-spaced) response, and the student is free to employ various secondary sources where appropriate. When completed, this assignment should be ed as an attachment to the professor as a Word or.pdf document. Due: one week after the end of term, for 25% of total grade. Reflection Rubric Writing Quality A B C D Ability to write Provides generalized cogently. Provides examples. Writing is some personal not well organized and examples. Writing is lacks a concise organized and leads to a conclusion. conclusion. Ability to write clearly and cogently. Provides adequate personal examples. Writing is well organized and builds to a definite conclusion. Writing difficult to follow. Lacks specific examples. Work it is not organized and lacks a conclusion. Insights, Understanding and deductive reasoning Work conveys clear awareness of the impact that knowledge of truth about God has on understanding of self in relation to God and the world as well as the response we are to make to God. Clear connection between work reviewed during the past week and reflections. Work conveys awareness of the impact that knowledge of truth about God has on understanding of self in relation to God and the world as well as the response we are to make to God. There is a connection between work reviewed during the past week and reflections. Work conveys some awareness of the impact that knowledge of truth about God has on understanding of self in relation to God and God. Makes no little mention of required response. Some connection between work reviewed during the past week and reflections. Work conveys little direct awareness of the impact that knowledge of truth about God has on understanding of self. Reflection appears unconnected to concepts reviewed during the week. Awareness of areas of tension with own values and that of surrounding Work conveys clear awareness of the tensions created when Work conveys an awareness of the tensions created when Work conveys some awareness of the tensions created when Work conveys little awareness of the tensions created when 4

5 culture deeper knowledge of truth about God confronts personal and cultural values based on worldly ideologies. Clearly identifies and articulates these tensions referring to appropriate specific examples and suggests changes required to align own life with the Truth. deeper knowledge of truth about God confronts personal and cultural values based on worldly ideologies. Identifies and articulates these tensions using some examples and suggests changes required to align own life with the Truth. 1 & 2 Kings Syllabus deeper knowledge of truth about God confronts personal and cultural values based on worldly ideologies. Identification and articulation of these tensions sometimes unclear. Mentions a few generalised examples. deeper knowledge of truth about God confronts personal and cultural values based on worldly ideologies. Includes few or no examples. Transformation clear commitment to change. Boldly identifies attitudes, choices, behaviour and or relationship changes inspired by insight into the nature of God, our call and eschatology as expounded by the commitment to change. Identifies attitudes, choices, behaviour and or relationship changes inspired by insight into the nature of God, our call and eschatology as expounded by the. some commitment to change. Identifies some attitudinal, behavioral and or relational change required. Connection between changes required and work reviewed sometimes unclear. little commitment to change. Little identification of attitudes, choices, behaviour and or relationship changes required. Connection between changes required and work reviewed unclear. Demonstrates ability to incorporate reflections into changed attitude towards God, self, others and the world. Reflections culminate in clearly articulated approach to worship, ministry, relationships and the world. This approach is consistent with the work reviewed. an articulation of an approach to worship, ministry, relationships and the world that is consistent with the work reviewed some articulation of an approach to worship, ministry, relationships and the world that is consistent with the work reviewed loose articulation of an approach to worship, ministry, relationships and the world. Lack of consistency with the work reviewed Integration of material and growth in awareness of impact and importance of theology for spiritual growth Demonstrates an ability to build on insights from previous lectures to add to the current reflection. Shows progression in grasp of importance theology for spiritual growth. Demonstrates an ability to integrate insights from previous lectures to add to the current reflection. Shows progression in grasp of importance theology for spiritual growth Demonstrates some ability to build on insights from previous lectures to add to the current reflection. Shows some progression in grasp of importance theology for spiritual growth. Demonstrates little ability to build on insights from previous lectures. Demonstrates little progression in grasp of importance theology for spiritual growth where required 3. Research Paper Since this course is designed for those who will be involved in various levels of leadership in the church and the academy, this assignment presents an opportunity to carefully consider matters of application, scholarship, and relevance of the Kings material. This paper is to be 3500 words in length, and provides the chance to showcase research skills combined with careful exegesis and theological interpretation. Our subject matter for this paper is the Jeroboam narrative in 1 Kings 11-14, and there are a range of possible topic options. For instance: how is Jeroboam characterized in 1 Kings, and how does his career move from great promise to disaster? Or: 5

6 1 & 2 Kings Syllabus What is the contribution of 1 Kings 13 to the larger history of Israel in Kings? Or: The prophet Ahijah is an important figure in the story, how is he presented? Students are free to choose any topic within 1 Kings and our textbook should be helpful here but given that the paper is due at the end of week 8, it is recommended that a topic be selected no later than week 3. Due at the end of week 8, for 25% of the total grade. Rubric for Final Paper Identifies Issues/Problems (if applicable) Connections: Theory and Practice. A B C D Demonstrates a clear Demonstrates an understanding of the understanding of the contemporary issue contemporary issue based in theological based on theological understanding of understanding of contemporary culture contemporary culture Demonstrates a clear and deep understanding of the contemporary issue clearly based in theological understanding of contemporary culture Makes appropriate, insightful and powerful connections between the issue/problem and the material covered. Makes appropriate and insightful connections between the issue/ problem and the material covered. Makes appropriate but somewhat vague connections between the issue/problem and the material covered. Demonstrates superficial understanding of the contemporary issue based on limited theological understanding of contemporary culture Makes little or no connection between the issue/problem and the material covered. Integration of all material covered Accurately and precisely integrates all relevant conceptual material from the References clearly recognizable. Accurately integrates relevant conceptual material from the course References recognizable. Limited integration of conceptual material from the course References somewhat obscure and difficult to identify. Integrates few or no concepts from the References difficult to find. Recommendations Makes realistic, appropriate and insightful recommendations clearly supported by the theological principles learnt. Makes realistic and appropriate recommendations clearly supported by the theological principles learnt. Makes realistic or appropriate recommendations supported by the theological principles learnt. Makes realistic or appropriate recommendations with limited support from the theological principles learnt. Incorporation of redemptive mission of God, call of the church and understanding of eschatology Deductive reasoning Response clearly framed in terms of God s redemptive mission, eschatology and consequent call to and mission of the church as covered in the Shows clear evidence of deductive reasoning. Definition of problem and response clearly derived from theology. Response framed in terms of God s redemptive mission, eschatology and consequent call to and mission of the church as covered in the Shows evidence of deductive reasoning. Definition of problem and response derived from theology Response contains some references to God s redemptive mission, eschatology and consequent call to and mission of the church as covered in the Shows some evidence of deductive reasoning. Some link between definition of problem and response and theology. Reverts to inductive thinking Response contains little reference to God s redemptive mission, eschatology and consequent call to and mission of the church as covered in the Shows little evidence of deductive reasoning. Reasoning indicates incoherent link with theology. Resorts mostly to inductive thinking unrelated to 6

7 Formulation of Response Communication: Adaption as opposed to adoption Response clearly addresses the problem in a way that fosters transformation/redempti on based on sound theology. Clearly articulates response in language devoid of Christianeze. Response clearly directed at live audience. Truth is expressed fully and unambiguously yet graciously. Message clearly adapted to perceived audience but avoids temptation to adopt cultural mindset. Clearly confronts and addresses problem without condemnation. Response addresses the problem in a way that fosters transformation/redempti on based on sound theology. Articulates response in language mostly devoid of Christianeze. Response directed at live audience. Truth is expressed unambiguously yet graciously. Message adapted to perceived audience but avoids temptation to adopt cultural mindset. Confronts and addresses problem without condemnation 1 & 2 Kings Syllabus unrelated to theology theology. on occasion. Response addresses the Response does not problem. Response is address problem not necessarily directly. Tends to be redemptive. prescriptive and not redemptive. Articulates response in language mostly devoid of Christianeze. Response somewhat contrived. Truth is expressed somewhat ambiguously. Message somewhat adapted to perceived audience. Mostly avoids temptation to adopt cultural mindset Exhibits some accommodation with culture. Language contains Christianeze. Contains ambiguity. Message not adapted to perceived audience. Tendency to accommodate culture and avoid presentation of the truth. 4. Final Exam To be written during the last week of term, this exam is an opportunity for the student to share insights gleaned over the duration of the As mentioned above, there will be no new or surprise questions, only those encountered and discussed during the Each week we will have four questions in our discussion forums, and these will provide the material for the final exam. consequently, exam preparation will be relatively easy, as the student is simply expected to integrate our course discussions, and present final responses to the questions we have discussed together. This is an opportunity to draw all of our resources together, and share our learning in a useful way. To be written during the final week of term, for 25% of the total grade. Student Time Expectation Table % of Grade Average Time Required Average Weekly Time Required Weekly Reading and Listening (12 weeks) hours 5 hours/week Weekly Discussion (10 weeks) 25% 20 hours 2 hour/week Reflection questions (12 responses) 25% 10 hours (student schedules) Research paper 25% 36 hours (student schedules) Final Exam Prep 25% (student schedules) Total Grade 100 % 126 hours 10.5 hours/week (average) 7

8 1 & 2 Kings Syllabus BIBLIOGRAPHY Alter, Robert. The Art of Biblical Narrative. New York: Basic Books, Amit, Yairah. Reading Biblical Narratives: Literary Criticism in the Hebrew Bible. Philadelphia: Fortress, Anderson, Gary A. Sin: A History (New Haven and London: Yale University Press, Ash, Paul S. Jeroboam I and the Deuteronomistic Historian s Ideology of the Founder, CBQ 60 (1998) Auld, A. Graeme. Kings. DSB; Louisville, Ky.: Westminster John Knox Press, Avioz, Michael. The Book of Kings in Recent Research (Part II). CBR 5.1 (2006) Barton, John. Reading the Old Testament: Method in Biblical Study, Revised and Enlarged. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, Boer, Roland. National Allegory in the Hebrew Bible, JSOT 74 (1997) Bowman, Richard. G. Narrative Criticism: Human Purpose in Conflict with Divine Presence, pp in G. A. Yee (ed.), Judges & Method: New Approaches in Biblical Studies, Second Edition. Minneapolis: Fortress, Branch, Robin Gallaher. Jeroboam s Wife: The Enduring Contributions of the Old Testament s Least-Known Women. Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson, Brueggemann, Walter. 1 & 2 Kings. Macon: Smyth & Helwys, Brueggemann, Walter. Solomon: Israel s Ironic Icon of Human Achievement. Columbia: University of South Carolina Press, Cogan, Mordechai. I Kings: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. AB 10; New York: Doubleday, Coggins, Richard. On Kings and Disguises. JSOT 50 (1991) Cohn, Robert L. Literary Technique in the Jeroboam Narrative. ZAW 97 (1985) Cohn, Robert L. Convention and Creativity in the Book of Kings: The Case of the Dying Monarch. CBQ 47 (1985)

9 1 & 2 Kings Syllabus Conti, Marco (ed.) Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, Old Testament Volume 5 (1-2 Kings, 1-2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther). Downers Grove, Ill. IVP, DeVries, Simon J. 1 Kings. WBC, 12; Waco, TX: Word, Fretheim, Terence E. First and Second Kings. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, Frisch, Amos. Jeroboam and the Division of the Kingdom: Mapping Contrasting Biblical Accounts, JANES 27 (2000) Fritz, Volkmar. 1 & 2 Kings. Continental Commentary; Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, Fuchs, Esther. The Literary Characterization of Mothers and Sexual Politics in the Hebrew Bible. Pp in Women in the Hebrew Bible: A Reader, edited by Alice Bach. New York: Routledge, Gray, John. I & II Kings, 2 nd Edition. OTL; London: SCM, Hendel, Ronald S. Remembering Abraham: Culture, Memory, and History in the Hebrew Bible. Oxford: Oxford University Press, Kang, J. J. The Persuasive Portrayal of Solomon in 1 Kings Bern: Peter Lang, Lasine, Stuart. Reading Jeroboam s Intentions: Intertextuality, Rhetoric, and History in 1 Kings 12. Pp in Danna Nolan Fewell, ed., Reading Between Texts: Intertextuality and the Hebrew Bible. Louisville, Ky.: Westminster John Knox Press, Leithart, Peter. 1 & 2 Kings. Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible; Grand Rapids: Brazos, Leuchter, Mark. Jeroboam the Ephratite, JBL 125 (2006) Linville, James R. Israel in the Book of Kings: The Past as a Project of Social Identity. JSOTSup 272; Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, Long, Burke O. 2 Kings. FOTL 10; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Long, Jesse C. 1 & 2 Kings. College Press NIV Commentary; Joplin, MO: College Press, Matthews, Victor H. Back to Bethel: Geographical Reiteration in Biblical Narrative. JBL 128 (2009) Meier, Samuel A. Themes and Transformations in Old Testament Prophecy (Downers Grove, Il.: Inter-Varsity Press, Mulder, Martin J. 1 Kings. HCOT; Leuven: Peeters,

10 1 & 2 Kings Syllabus Nelson, Richard D. First and Second Kings. Interpretation; Atlanta: John Knox Press, Power, Bruce A. All the King s Horses : Narrative Subversion in the Story of Solomon s Golden Age. Pp in From Babel to Babylon: Essays on Biblical History and Literature in Honour of Brian Peckham, edited by Joyce Rillett Wood, John E. Harvey, and Mark Leuchter. LHBOTS 455; New York: Τ & Τ Clark, Reis, Pamela Tamarkin. Unspeakable Names: Solomon s Tax Collectors, ZAW 120 (2008) Römer, Thomas C. The So-Called Deuteronomistic History: A Sociological, Historical, and Literary Introduction. London: T. & T. Clark International, Schwartz, Regina M. Adultery in the House of David: The Metanarrative of Biblical Scholarship and the Narratives of the Bible. Semeia 54 (1991) Sweeney, Marvin A. I & II Kings. OTL. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, Tomes, Roger. 1 & 2 Kings. Pp in James D. G. Dunn and John W. Rogerson (eds.), Eerdmans Commentary on the Bible. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Walsh, Jerome T. 1 Kings. Berit Olam; Collegeville: Liturgical Press, Walsh, Jerome T. Old Testament Narrative: A Guide to Interpretation. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, Wyatt, Nicolas. Of Calves and Kings: The Canaanite Dimension in the Religion of Israel. SJOT 6 (1992)