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.

By the end of the course students should have

• gained familiarity with the narrative in Joshua to Kings with its insight on human life, leadership, and the people of God;

• come to appreciate the way the prophets address the people of their day concerning their past, their present, and their 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 difficulties they raise for it.

The course meets twice weekly for classes of one hour forty minutes. Most classes require specific reading of the biblical text and other preparation, on average a further four hours per week. The classroom time then combines lectures, work in groups of four or five, and plenary discussion. The course is thus not primarily lecture-based; it emphasizes collaborative learning, and students need to accept a commitment to working together with other students.

Students are not required to possess any books except an NRSV and a copy of the Course Reader, which includes work by J. Blenkinsopp, R. E. Clements, J. L. Mays, L. G. Perdue, D. L. Petersen, G. M. Tucker, C. Westermann, and H. W. Wolff.

Brenner, A., ed. A Feminist Companion to Judges, and A Feminist Companion to Samuel and Kings, and A Feminist Companion to the Latter Prophets. Sheffield Academic Press, 1993, 1994, and 1995.

Brueggemann, W. Hopeful Imagination. Fortress, 1986.

__________. Prophetic Imagination. Fortress, 1978.

Eaton, J. H. Mysterious Messengers. Eerdmans, 1998.

Goldingay, J. Men Behaving Badly. Paternoster, 2000.

Rad, Gerhard von. The Message of the Prophets. Trans. D.M.G. Stalker. SCM Press, 1968.

1. Preparation for classes, with submission of notes each class (50% of final grade).

2. Two 7-10 page papers (50% of final grade).

None.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in Old Testament "b" (OTB).

Only for students who miss more than one class. The mark is then combined with that for the files of preparation notes.