Course Description
The origin and development of the phenomenon of prophecy as it existed throughout the history of ancient Israel.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Additional readings will be assigned along with a research paper and more extensive examinations to reflect the graduate students' additional responsibilities.
Athena Title
PROPHETIC LIT OT/HB
Prerequisite
Junior or senior standing or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered every even-numbered year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
(1) To expose the student to the history of scholarship on the subject of ancient prophecy, including the methodlogies of literary, source, form and traditio-historical criticism. (2) To instruct the student in proper methods of interpreting the prophetic corpus. The student will be expected to demonstrate his/her ability to interpret prophetic literature in regard to its Sitz-im-Leben including the historical and sociological aspects of ancient Israelite society. (3) To introduce the student to the religion of the prophets as they bring their understanding of Yahwism to bear as a social critique of the abuses of the power structure (king & priest) as it existed in ancient Israel in the Iron Age. (4) To require the student to demonstrate his/her mastery of the material through a term paper project and examinations which include essay question. Communicate Effectively through Writing To strengthen skills in written composition, analysis, and presentation by means of projects such as essays, papers, reports, and examinations. Communicate Effectively through Speech To strengthen skills in oral expression, analysis, style, and interaction by means such as class reports, class discussion, and oral examinations. Critical Thinking To foster critical thinking by engaging in activities such as classroom discussion and debate, essay examinations, and oral presentations. Moral Reasoning (Ethics) To assist in the continued development of moral and ethical reasoning and reflection by encouraging creative thinking regarding individual and community concerns and needs, the challenging of prejudices and stereotypes, and examining rational and ethical bases of constructive social interactions.
Topical Outline
I. Modern Critical Study of Prophecy A. Terminology B. History of Scholarship II. Ancient Near Eastern Prophecy and the Problem of Origins A. Prophecy in Mesopotamia B. Prophecy in Egypt C. Prophecy in Palestine and Syria III. The Office of the Prophet A. The various words used to designate seers and prophets in the Hebrew Bible B. Prophetic Call Narratives C. Prophetic Biography D. The Role of the Prophet IV. Pre Literary Prophecy from the Early Period to the Monarchy A. Samuel B. Elijah C. Elisha V. The Assyrian Period A. Amos B. Hosea C. Micah D. Isaiah of Jerusalem E. Joel F. Nahum G. Zephaniah VI. The Babylonian Period. The Exilic and Deuteronomic Responses A. Jeremiah B. Habakkuk C. Obadiah D. Ezekiel E. Deutero-Isaiah VII. The Persion Period and the Eschatological Reinterpretation of Prophecy. The Emergence of Apocalyptic Literature A. Trito-Isaiah and the Isaianic Apocalypse B. Haggai C. Zechariah D. Malachi E. Jonah VIII. Transmission of Prophetic Material. The Prophetic Influence.
Syllabus