SYLLABUS

Hebrew Bible 3: Introduction to the Hebrew Bible I
(formerly Introduction to the Prophets)
Michaelmas 2000
M-W-F 9:15-10:05, Classroom 2
Instructor: Dr. Steve A. Wiggins
Office: B House, 646-6523 (with voice mail)
Home: 646-5562 (with answering machine)
Email: stephwig@nashotah.edu

PURPOSE OF THE COURSE

As with all HB courses, the purpose of this course is to introduce students to the contents and concepts contained in the Bible. In demonstrating the methods of interpretation long applied to the Bible, as well as more recent methods, it is hoped that the student will acquire the skills necessary for serious scriptural exegesis. Ultimately what is desired is an understanding of Scripture informed by reason, tradition, and experience.

Since this course is still in transition between trimester and semester systems, we will commence with the Joseph Cycle in Genesis, picking up where we left off last term. The remaining four books of the Pentateuch will be covered, as well as the section of the Hebrew Bible known as the "former prophets" (Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings). The "latter prophets" (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Book of the Twelve), which complete the second division of the Hebrew Bible (The Prophets), will be covered next term along with the third section, The Writings. If time remains at the end of this term we may begin to cover Isaiah as well.

The purpose of this course specifically is to provide an introduction to the contents of the books listed and their interpretation in as much detail as time allows. Basic exegetical questions will be considered for each book.

METHOD OF PRESENTATION

Just as the contents of the Genesis were presented thematically last term, so will be the contents of the remainder of the Pentateuch and the prophetic books this term. These books will help to set the context of Israelite history. The reason for this is primarily determined by the books themselves - the "former prophets" are a theological synopsis of Israel's history. This will be essential background to the "latter prophets" which we will cover next term.

REQUIRED READING

The main text for this course will be the biblical books themselves. Although some knowledge of Hebrew is expected, the books are to be read in English translation. The required Bible translation is the New Revised Standard Version of the New Oxford Annotated Bible (NOAB). It is required that all of the books to be covered this term be read in their entirety, along with the introductory material and notes for each book in the NOAB: this will be assumed on the examination.

Reading is also required from N. Whybray, Introduction to the Pentateuch, S. Niditch, Ancient Israelite Religion, and J. Blenkinsopp, A History of Prophecy in Israel, revised edition. A suggested reading schedule is provided below. It is advisable to have read the material concerning the book under study prior to the day we discuss it in class. You will find pacing yourself useful as exam time draws near.

In addition, R. N. Soulen's Handbook of Biblical Criticism (second edition) will continue to be very valuable in exegetical research. You may also find articles in the Anchor Bible Dictionary, New Jerome Bible Commentary, and Oxford Companion to the Bible on individual books useful. As always, James Pritchard's Ancient Near Eastern Texts (on permanent reserve in the library) will be a source for extra-biblical material. A brief bibliography has been added below which may be helpful in starting on pursuing further interests, particularly in the prophets.

GRADING

Two primary elements count towards your grade: an exegetical paper and a final examination. Each explores a different aspect of your thinking. The exegetical paper is an exercise in learning the proven tools for effective biblical study. It has a fixed form, and you should follow the guidelines in detail. The final exam is an opportunity to apply what you have learned. It is not a research project, but an exercise in your interpretative ability.

The exegetical paper is to be done on a passage in the Pentateuch of your own choosing; with instructor approval. The suggested pericope size is 5-10 verses. Your proposal must be submitted to me, in writing, by Wednesday, 13 September. The exegetical paper must be submitted by Monday, 6 November. This is a time-consuming exercise, so it is essential to PACE YOURSELF. An exegetical paper cannot be written the night before it is due, or even within a week -- begin work on it now. Significant grade reduction will be given on late papers.

The paper should be typed/computer-printed and should be 15-20 pages. Papers over 25 pages will not be accepted. Footnotes must follow the form set out in the Handout. The paper should have at least 10 sources, including at least one periodical article. Old Testament introductions and Bible versions do not count as one of these 10 sources. This paper is worth half of your grade (100 points). For further details consult the handout "HOW TO WRITE HEBREW BIBLE EXEGETICAL PAPERS".

The final exam will be handed out on Friday, 8 December and will be due on Friday, 15 December at 9:15 a.m.

No late exams will be accepted! The exams will consist of some short answer/ identifications, and some essay questions. There will be some choice of which essay questions to answer.

OTHER HOUSEKEEPING MATTERS

• Overheads used in class and replacement copies of handouts are available on the world-wide-web. They may be found at www.execpc.com/~stephwig/hndt.html or by following the seminary page's "Course Resources" links.
• Clarity of meaning is essential. To this end, written work for this class must use the correct collective terms for humanity. In standard written English "man" and "mankind" refer specifically to male subjects and are appropriate in that context only. The collective terms "humanity" and "humankind" are not gender specific and are appropriate for groups of mixed gender. This is not "inclusive language" but the insistence that you write what you mean. Language concerning the Deity is left to the writer's discretion. Points will be deducted from written work when lack of clarity is evident.
• The grading scale is as follows: 98-100 = A+, 94-97 = A, 90-93 = A-, 88-89 = B+, 84-87 = B, 80-83 = B-, 78-79 = C+, 74-77 = C, 70-73 = C-, 68-69 = D+, 64-67 = D, 60-63 = D-, 0-59 = F.
• Although I will gladly answer any specific questions on assignments, I will not pre-read papers or exams to enhance grades. I believe this practice to be unethical since it is inherently unfair. Instead, I will provide extensive commentary on your actual graded work.
• Any usage of another person's words or ideas, even if paraphrased, must be cited in written work. Failure to name your sources constitutes plagiarism. Any plagiarized work will receive the grade of F.
• Class attendance is not optional. You are expected to attend unless you are ill or have a serious reason for being absent. If there is such a reason, please notify me as soon as possible. Unexcused absences may hurt your grade.
• Please feel free to call me at home or at my office if you wish to make an appointment. I frequently work at Ivins House (since my computer is there), and it is not an interruption for you to call me at home (prior to 9 p.m., please).

SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY

There are hundreds of books available on the prophetic books. What is provided below is a sample of the range of material to be found on the prophets. This bibliography could be expanded considerably; however, these books should serve as a good starting-place for further investigation.

The commentaries on individual books are sometimes helpful. The following series are especially useful: Anchor Bible, Hermeneia, International Critical Commentaries, New Century Bible Commentaries, Old Testament Library, Word Bible Commentaries.

For books on specific prophets, the bibliographies in Blenkinsopp are quite thorough.

REMEMBER: There is no substitute for curiosity! If you see a book on the shelf on your topic which appears interesting, look it over!

Ackerman, S., Under Every Green Tree: Popular Religion in Sixth Century Judah
Brueggemann, W., The Prophetic Imagination
Crenshaw, J., Prophetic Conflict: Its Effect upon Israelite Religion
Graham, W. C., The Prophets and Israel's Culture
Hallo, W. W. and K. L. Younger, The Context of Scripture, 3 volumes
Heschel, A. J., The Prophets, 2 volumes: recommended
Hyatt, P. J., Prophetic Religion
Jemielty, T., Satire and the Hebrew Prophets
Johnson, A. R., The Cultic Prophet in Ancient Israel
Koch, K., The Prophets, 2 volumes
Lindblom, J., Prophecy in Ancient Israel
Mowinckel, S., Prophecy and Tradition
Mullen, E. T., Narrative History and Ethnic Boundaries
Overholt, T. W., Channels of Prophecy: The Social Dynamics of Prophetic Activity
Pritchard, J., ed., Ancient Near Eastern Texts
von Rad, G., The Message of the Prophets
Rowley, H. H., (ed.), Studies in Old Testament Prophecy
Sawyer, J. F. A., Prophecy and the Prophets of the Old Testament
Vawter, B., The Conscience of Israel: Pre-exilic Prophets and Prophecy
Westermann, C., Basic Forms of Prophetic Speech
Zimmerli, W., The Servant of God

TOPICS COVERED AND SUGGESTED READING SCHEDULE

Wednesday 6 September: Joseph
Focus: Although not properly a "patriarch" of Israel's ancestral period, Joseph is nevertheless given considerable attention in the latter part of Genesis. This session will be concerned with the figure of Joseph and the story in which he occurs.
Read: Genesis 36-50; Niditch 3-33.

Topics covered on individual dates are subject to change. I have included several "Catch-up Days" in the schedule to allow for more time for discussion of topics of interest to the class. This is because of the transition to a semester system which has resulted in nine extra weeks in Hebrew Bible curriculum for this cycle only.

Click to view Handout List.
Click to view Hebrew Bible 4 Syllabus.
Click to return to Curriculum Vitae.
Click to return to Nashotah House Course Resources page.

This page was last modified on 15 August 2000.