OTS 5512: INTRODUCTION TO THE OLD TESTAMENT (PART 2) ASHLAND THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, ASHLAND CAMPUS

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1 OTS 5512: INTRODUCTION TO THE OLD TESTAMENT (PART 2) ASHLAND THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, ASHLAND CAMPUS Spring Semester, 2018 Wednesdays, 8:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. L. Daniel Hawk, Ph.D. Phone: I. Course Description This study focuses on the content, interpretation, and theology of the books of the Old Testament canon from Chronicles through Malachi. It will also explore the ancient Near Eastern context for these books and their relevance for the New Testament. Prerequisite: Students should have successfully completed BSG5510: Engaging Biblical Contexts and OTS5511: Introduction to the Old Testament, Part 1. II. Student Learning Outcomes 1. Articulate the content and major themes of the Prophetic Literature and Writings. 2. Demonstrate proficiency in biblical and historical exegesis and theological reflection (including appropriate use of the biblical languages). A. Interpret the Prophets and Writings in light of their historical, cultural, and literary contexts. B. Incorporate relevant secondary literature into the interpretation of the biblical texts. C. Extend the theological vision of the Prophets and Writings into contemporary contexts Not assessed III. Course Requirements A. Textbooks The Bible in one of the following translations: NRSV, TNIV, TANAK, ESV. Class lectures and discussion will utilize the NRSV. Brueggemann, Walter and Tod Linafelt. An Introduction to the Old Testament: The Canon and Christian Imagination. 2nd ed. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, ISBN: Brueggemann, Walter. The Prophetic Imagination. 2 nd edition. Fortress, ISBN Heschel, Abraham J. The Prophets. Harper, ISBN Rasmussen, Carl G. Zondervan Essential Atlas of the Bible. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, ISBN: (pbk.). Recommended Boda, Mark J. and J. Gordon McConville, eds. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Prophets. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity, ISBN Longman, Tremper and Peter Enns, eds. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry and Writings. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity, ISBN Yee, Gale, Hugh R. Page, Jr. and Matthew J. M. Coomber, eds. Wisdom, Worship, and Poetry: The Fortress Commentary on the Bible. Minneapolis: Fortress, Yee, Gale, Hugh R. Page, Jr. and Matthew J. M. Coomber, eds. The Prophets: The Fortress Commentary on the Bible. Minneapolis: Fortress, ISBN: B. Attendance In conformity with the Student Handbook, attendance at all class sessions is expected. Absence from more than three hours will require the submission of makeup work. Any student missing more than the 1

2 equivalent of nine class hours will not receive credit for the course. Time absent due to late arrivals to or early departures from class will be counted toward the nine-hour limit. Extensions and Incompletes will be granted only when unanticipated circumstances significantly impede the timely completion of course requirements. C. Assignments/Assessment of Student Learning 1. Exegesis Paper. The student will submit an exegesis paper of pages in length on a selected passage of Scripture (6-10 verses poetry, verses prose) on or before April 11. The paper will follow the format specified in Writing Matters below and reflect informed use and interaction with at least ten scholarly sources. The paper will be based on the student s firsthand work on the passage, supplemented by informed interaction with at least ten secondary sources (at least one of which must be a scholarly journal article to be eligible for a grade of A ). 2. Book Reviews Two critical book reviews, of 3-5 pages each, will be submitted on The Prophets (Book One) and The Prophetic Imagination. Each book review will present the author s thesis in a single sentence and summarize how the author develops his argument. The review will then offer a critical reflection on the book, of at least one paragraph, highlighting insights the reader has received and identifying points of agreement and/or disagreement, with supporting arguments. A bibliographic reference need not be appended, but references to specific discussions in the books should be referenced by page numbers in parentheses. 3. Tests Two short tests will be administered, the first on the Prophets and second on the remaining books on the schedule. The tests will assess the student s grasp of essential ideas associated with the critical study of each of the books. Writing Matters Papers are to be descriptive and analytical, exhibit clear organization of thought, and give proper attention to style and grammar. Turabian Format and correct documentation of sources must be followed, as specified in the ATS Writing Handbook. Papers are to typed and doubled-spaced with one inch margins and with font set at 12 point Times New Roman. Page counts signify full pages; that is, pages means no less than 12 full pages and no more than 15. Evaluation of papers will be based on the depth of critical interaction with the topic, coherence and organization of ideas, clarity of writing, and informed incorporation of secondary materials. Papers will receive a deduction in grade if: The paper is less than or more than the assigned limits (one grade deduction per page) The paper is submitted after the due date (one grade deduction after one week). The paper does not follow the correct format for documenting sources (up to one grade deduction). Note: Papers submitted with significant mechanical deficiencies (e.g. grammar, organization, form) will be returned without grade and must be resubmitted within two weeks. A one-grade deduction will be applied to all resubmitted papers. 2

3 Submissions All written work is to be submitted in electronic format and uploaded to the relevant assignment link on Blackboard. NOTE: No written work will be accepted after April 27. D. Calculation of Grade and Connection of Learning Outcomes Assignments Learning Outcomes Percent of Final Grade Heschel Review 1 20% Brueggemann Review 1 20% Exegesis Paper 1, 2 35% Test % Test % IV. Course Schedule. Week Date(s) Lecture/Topic Assignments 1 Jan 10 Exile. Lamentations. Course Orientation. The Prophets. The 8 th Century. Read prior to the first class: The Bible: Lamentations Introduction, The Latter Prophets (pp ), Lamentations 2 Jan 17 8 th Century Prophecy Hosea, Amos, Micah Intro, Hosea, Amos, Micah OTSurvey: Atlas: The Divided Kingdom 3 Jan 24 Zion Theology Isaiah of Jerusalem Isaiah 1-39 Intro, Isaiah (pp ) 4 Jan 31 Isaiah Expanded Isaiah Intro, Isaiah (pp ) Heschel Paper Due 5 Feb 7 Class Does not Meet Video Lecture Zephaniah; Nahum; Habakkuk; Obadiah Intro: Zephaniah; Nahum; Habakkuk; Obadiah Atlas: Judah Alone Video link: 6 Feb 14 Jeremiah: Ministry and Message Jeremiah 1-25 Intro, Jeremiah 7 Feb 21 Jeremiah: Portrait of the Prophet Jeremiah 26-51; Obadiah Intro: Obadiah 8 Feb 28 Ezekiel Ezekiel 3

4 Intro: Ezekiel Brueggemann Paper Due Mar 7 Spring Break! 9 Mar Chronicles 1-2 Chronicles Intro: The Books of 1 and 2 Chronicles 10 Mar 21 The 6 th Century Post-exilic Prophecy Jonah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi Intro: Jonah; Joel; Haggai; Zechariah; Malachi Atlas: Exile and Return Test 1 11 Mar 28 Psalms Psalms Intro: Introduction to the Writings, The Book of Psalms 12 April 4 Wisdom Literature. Proverbs Proverbs Intro: The Book of Proverbs 13 Apr 11 Job, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs Job, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs Intro: The Book of Job, The Book of Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs Exegesis Paper Due 15 Apr 28 Ezra, Nehemiah, Ruth, Esther Ezra, Nehemiah, Ruth, Esther Intro: The Book of Ruth, The Book of Esther, The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah 15 Apr 25 Daniel Daniel Intro: The Book of Daniel Atlas: The Arrival of the Greeks Test 2 V. Recommendations for Lifelong Learning 1. Purchase relevant modules from Logos Bible Software Utilize your alumni access to the Ashland University Library Page for: online resources through Ministry Matters and journal articles through the ATLA Serials and Academic Search Complete databases. 3. Regularly listen to a podcast or watch an online video featuring a lecture or discussion by biblical scholars on topics of interest. See particularly the Bible Odyssey site hosted by the Society of Biblical Literature at Bible Odyssey. VI. Seminary Guidelines A. ATS Academic Integrity Policy Ashland Theological Seminary expects each student to uphold the Seminary s core value of academic excellence by contributing to an environment that is both challenging and supportive. In such an environment a student will neither seek nor offer improper assistance. All students have an 4

5 obligation to be forthright in their academic endeavors and to respect ethical standards. The work that one submits for academic evaluation must be one s own, unless an instructor expressly permits certain types of collaboration. Academic integrity requires that each student will use one s own capabilities to achieve one s fullest potential and will neither offer nor accept aid that is not in keeping with regularly accepted standards of academic integrity. Failure to conform to this conduct shall constitute academic dishonesty. The full Academic Integrity Policy statement may be found in the Student Handbook. B. Academic Support Services The Seminary Writing Consultation Service can help you brainstorm, draft, and revise your writing assignments in your graduate Seminary classes. Masters-qualified Consultants can advise you online or in person. your request for assistance to swc_group@ashland.edu Include the following information: Your name, the course # & professor s name, a brief description of the assignment, and your timeline. For more information, visit: C. Accessibility Resources and Accommodations It is Ashland University s goal that learning experiences be as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience physical or academic barriers based on a disability, please contact the Student Accessibility Center at , or send an to dservices@ashland.edu. The Student Accessibility Center office and the course instructor will work together in order to establish accommodations and to meet your learning needs. D. ATS Grading Scale Grade Percent Description A Superior achievement of course objectives, diligence and originality, high degree of freedom from error, outstanding evidence of ability to utilize course knowledge, initiative expressed in preparing and completing assignments, positive contributions verbalized in class. A B B Good work submitted, commendable achievement of course objectives, some aspects of the course met with excellence, substantial evidence of ability to utilize course material, positive contributions verbalized in class, consistency and thoroughness of work completed. B C C Acceptable work completed, satisfactory achievement of course objectives, demonstrating at least some ability to utilize course knowledge, satisfactory class contribution. C D D Passing but minimal work, marginal achievement of course objectives, poor performance in comprehension of work submitted, inadequate class contributions. 5

6 D F Below 65 Unacceptable work resulting in failure to receive class credit, inadequacy of work submitted or of performance and attendance in class. Hawk s Interpretation of the ATS Grading Scale A Signifies work that generally exhibits a depth of research, thought and critical thinking, and may include an insight I haven t thought of before or information I haven t encountered. Sparks are flying. You ve got me thinking! B Signifies work that exhibits thoughtful integration, a direct and careful engagement with the assignment, and sound critical thinking. I experience a deep sense of fulfillment that learning has taken place. C Signifies a minimal engagement with the assignment characterized by a perfunctory or hackneyed response and shallow critical reflection. I yawn. D Signifies gaps in thinking or a deficient response to the readings or written work. I reach for my Tums. F Signifies failure to address the core components of the reading or written assignments. I turn on Green Acres in a vain attempt to restore my cheery disposition. VI. Recommendations for Lifelong Learning 1. Purchase relevant modules from Logos Bible Software Utilize your alumni access to the Ashland University Library Page for: online resources through Ministry Matters and journal articles through the ATLA Serials and Academic Search Complete databases. 3. Regularly listen to a podcast or watch an online video featuring a lecture or discussion by biblical scholars on topics of interest. 4. Subscribe to a biblical studies blog. VII. Selected Bibliography Brown, Jeannine K. Introducing Biblical Hermeneutics: Scripture as Communication. Grand Rapids, Mi.: Baker Academic, Brueggemann, Walter. Cadences of Home: Preaching among Exiles. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, Clifford, Richard J. The Wisdom Literature. IBT. Nashville: Abingdon, Goldingay, J. Old Testament Theology. 3 vols. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, Gorman, M. J. Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers. Hendrickson, ISBN Newsom, Carol A. et al., eds. Women s Bible Commentary. 3 rd ed. Revised and Updated. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, Patte, Daniel. Global Bible Commentary: Biblical Interpretation from Worldwide Perspectives. Nashville: Abingdon, Sweeney, Marvin. A. The Prophetic Literature. IBT. Nashville: Abingdon, Yee, Gale, Hugh R. Page, Jr. and Matthew J. M. Coomber, eds. The Fortress Commentary on the Bible: The Old Testament and Apocrypha. Minneapolis: Fortress,