DESCRIPTION:

A study of the English text of the third portion of the Hebrew scriptures, which includes the Psalms, the Wisdom literature (Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes), the Festival books (Ruth, Song of Songs, Lamentations, and Esther), the apocalyptic book of Daniel, and the Chronicler's history. Attention will be given to surveying the content of this varied literature, to discerning its different literary forms, and to reflecting upon its distinctive theological contributions. Exegesis of representative passages.

Students completing this course will have demonstrated:

1. a basic competence in exegetical and hermeneutical skills;

2. an overview of this portion of the Hebrew canon and of the introductory issues pertaining to each portion of it;

3. a grasp of several theological issues which characterize the later period of Israel's history: worship; wisdom and its diversity; competing understandings of the future hope.

The course will meet twice weekly, two hours per session.

Senior, Donald et al., eds. The Catholic Study Bible: New American Bible. New York: Oxford University Press, 1990.

Anderson, B. W. Out of the Depths. Third. ed. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2000.

Murphy, Roland E. The Tree of Life: An Exploration of Biblical Wisdom Literature, Second Edition. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996.

Readings from course syllabus and library reserve shelf.

Collins, John J. The Apocalyptic Imagination: an Introduction to Jewish Apocalyptic Literature, Second Edition. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998.

1. A paper consisting of two parts:
   a.a 5-6 page exegetical treatment of a selected passage;
   b.a 5-6 page exposition of a related theological issue.

2. A one-hour midterm examination.

3. A two-hour final examination.

None.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in Old Testament "c" (OTC).

Yes.