OT501: Syllabus page 4
OT501: Syllabus E. Tod Twist
Summ 2011 (InMinistry) Bethel Seminary
Jun 20-Aug 26, 2011 Email:
Intensive Week: Jul 18-22, 2011
Genesis-Ruth
Course Catalog Description:
“An examination of the books of Genesis through Ruth, including the contents, major themes, and theological messages of each. Special emphasis is placed on the nature and significance of God’s promises and covenants with His people. Special attention is also given to legitimate ways of reading the Bible. This involves understanding the particular qualities of narrative literature and of Old Testament law, and developing a valid hermeneutic for interpreting them.”
Goals and Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
Know …
1. The structure and contents of the books Genesis-Ruth.
2. The key theological themes in these books.
Be able to …
3. Interpret biblical narratives and demonstrate their relevance to the modern Christian.
4. Interpret biblical law and demonstrate its relevance to the modern Christian.
Required Texts:
Alexander, T.D. and D.W. Baker, eds. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch. Downers Grove: Intervarsity, 2003. ISBN: 0830817816 [= DOTP]
Alter, R. The Art of Biblical Narrative. New York: Basic Books, 1981. ISBN: 046500427X [= ABN]
Vogt, Peter T. Interpreting the Pentateuch: An Exegetical Handbook. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2009. ISBN: 9780825427626 [= IPEH]
Additional Material Required for All Students (Posted on Moodle):
Howard, D.M., Jr. “Joshua,” “Judges,” “Ruth” in An Introduction to the Old Testament Historical Books (Chicago: Moody, 1993).
McConville, J. Gordon. “Deuteronomy: Torah for the Church of Christ.” European Journal of Theology 9, 1 (2000): 33-47.
Additional Material for Selected Worksheets (Posted on Moodle):
Note that the various worksheet assignments will often have readings associated with them (these will be posted on Moodle). These readings will depend on your selections of worksheets.
“Atrahasis,” in Myths From Mesopotamia: Creation, the Flood, Gilgamesh and Others, trans. S. Dalley, 1-38. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1989. ISBN: 9780198143970
“Akkadian Epic of Creation (Enuma Elish),” in The Context of Scripture. Vol. 1, Canonical Compositions From the Biblical World, ed. Hallo, W. W. and K. L. Younger. Leiden: Brill, 1997.
“Gilgamesh.” The Context of Scripture, vol. 1: 458-60.
“Gilgamesh Epic.” Ancient Near Eastern Texts, ed. Pritchard, J. B., 72-73, 93-97.
Harrell, Daniel. “The 30-Day Leviticus Challenge.” Christianity Today (August 2008): 30-33.
HALTON, CHARLES and JOHN HOBBINS. “Kugel Abridged” and response in thread. http://awilum.com/?p=409
Kitchen, Kenneth A. “The Patriarchal Age: Myth or History?” Biblical Archaeology Review 21/22 (1995): 48-57, 88-95.
KUGEL, JAMES. “Appendix 1: Apologetics and ‘Biblical Criticism Lite.’” http://www.jameskugel.com/apologetics.pdf
Vogt, Peter T. "Social Justice and the Vision of Deuteronomy." JETS 51,1 (2008): 35-44.
Assignments:
1. Forums and Reading (20%): Seminarians will participate in three online forums in Moodle. I will post the questions or topics for the forums at the beginning of the appropriate week. Please see the section at the end of this syllabus for specific expectations about the Forums and the rationale for the design of this part of the course. You have my solemn commitment that I will engage the Forums with energy and seriousness; your time will not be wasted.
All readings are to be read as listed in the class schedule. Each quiz will include a signed statement indicating what percentage (not pages read) of the reading was completed, and whether it was completed on time. Please keep track throughout the course of your completion of the reading.
You are to read the entire contents of the books Genesis-Ruth in any version desired. International students may read the Bible in their own language. Each book is to be read in one sitting. You are free to read ahead, of course, but you must have completed the reading of the biblical material by the week in which that book is examined.
2. Two Quizzes (20% total): There will be two quizzes in this course. The quizzes will be distributed via Moodle, and each one will represent 10% of your grade. You will complete each quiz and then submit your answer sheet. The quizzes will be based primarily on the themes and structure of the books as presented during the intensive week. Both quizzes are “closed book.” Quiz 1 will cover Genesis – Numbers, and Quiz 2 will cover Deuteronomy – Ruth.
3. Worksheets or Option for Genesis Stories Project (60%): Seminarians will complete eight worksheet assignments on specific issues related to the biblical books studied in this course. Worksheets 1 and 8 will be the same for every student, and every student must do them. The other six worksheets will be chosen from a list of options so that students can explore topics that interest them individually. The basis for the list of worksheet options primarily comes from DOTP, but the “Resources” section in Moodle will have a few other items posted there. Please see the separate worksheet packet posted in Moodle for the list of worksheets as well as article-title index to DOTP.
If, however, after completing Worksheets 1 and 8, students do not wish to complete any more worksheets, there is an option to create a four-part set (lessons, Bible studies, teaching sessions, or even sermons, though that would be a lot of extra work) based on a series of stories from Genesis. Option 1 is to cover Creation, Fall, the flood, and the call of Abraham. Option 2 is to cover the Call of Abraham, the Three Visitors (Gen 18), Sodom and Gomorrah, and the testing of Abraham (Gen 22). Option 3 is to cover the blessing of Jacob, Jacob and Laban, Jacob wrestling with God, Jacob and Esau meeting. If you are interested in this option, I have written guidelines available. Note that students are responsible to manage their own time and keep appropriate limits on these optional tasks if they choose this route.
4. Two Reflection Papers (8%): It is my prayer (and conviction) that the materials we will be studying will be relevant to your life and ministry as Christians. To facilitate awareness of the relevance of the materials we are studying, seminarians will complete the reflection papers in accordance with the guidelines provided on Moodle.
5. Completion of Course Evaluation (2%): Student course assessments are an important part of course development and enhancement. In order to recognize the value of your input and to encourage you to provide that input. Completing the course evaluation at the end of this course is included as a component of class participation. While your responses are anonymous, failure to submit an electronic evaluation will reduce your course grade by 2%. For any questions regarding the course evaluation process, please go to https://bethelnet.bethel.edu/ureg/bssp/eval_index.
Time Allotment:
Reading/viewing 40 hours
Class time 30
Quizzes (with prep time) 10
Worksheets or Genesis Stories Project 36
Reflection Papers 4
TOTAL 120
Academic Course Policies: Please familiarize yourself with the catalog requirements as specified in Academic Course Policies document found on the Registrar's website at: https://bethelnet.bethel.edu/ureg/bssp/acp/. You are responsible for this information, and any academic violations, such as plagiarism, will not be tolerated.
Plagiarism and Cheating
Any work that involves plagiarism or cheating will be assigned a grade of “0.” Repeated or especially egregious violations may result in the denial of credit for the course, in accordance with the policy outlined in the current catalog. Ignorance of what constitutes plagiarism is not an acceptable excuse. If you are unsure as to what constitutes plagiarism or cheating, it is up to you to take the initiative to find out.
Accessibility
Please contact the instructor as soon as possible if disability-related accommodations are needed. Accommodations for students with documented disabilities are set up through the office of Disability Services. Contact Disability Services at 651-638-6833. You may visit <www.bethel.edu/disability> for further, detailed information.
Grading Scale
Your work will be graded according to the following scale:
· 95 – 100 = A · 85 – 86 = B- · 75 – 76 = D+
· 93 – 94 = A- · 83 – 84 = C+ · 72 – 74 = D
· 91 – 92 = B+ · 79 – 82 = C · 70 – 71 = D-
· 87 – 90 = B · 77 – 78 = C- · 69 and below = F
Late Work and Incompletes
All assignments are to be handed in by the date indicated on the course schedule. Unless prior arrangements are made with the professor, late work will be penalized 10% for each day it is overdue, beginning with the first day. No assignments will be accepted more than five days late.
Students should take the initiative as much in advance as possible to alert the professor to extenuating circumstances. I am more than willing to take emergencies and crises of various sorts into account. Note, however, that procrastination, over-scheduling, and over-committing (even in the context of a worthwhile endeavor like ministry) do not constitute a crisis or emergency.
In accordance with the policy in the seminary catalog (p. 59), a grade of incomplete is granted only by written contract. Please see the catalog for full details.
Note on Computers
You are welcome to use a laptop computer for note-taking in class. However, as a courtesy to me and to your classmates, I request that you not use your computer for other purposes, such as game-playing, e-mailing, surfing the Internet, etc., during class time. Your cooperation in this will be greatly appreciated.
Course Schedule
NOTE 1: Unless otherwise indicated specifically in the instructions on a specific worksheet, no outside resources are to be used in completing any worksheets. These worksheets are to be exercises in your own research and skill development.
NOTE 2: Every effort has been made to even out the work load week by week, but some weeks’ workloads will of necessity be heavier than those of other weeks. You are encouraged to work ahead during weeks that the load is especially light. (Special note: Week Seven has two worksheets due.)
NOTE 3: Please ensure that your name is included on every assignment that you submit. If you are submitting some sort of electronic file, your name should be in the document itself and in the file name. The usual deadline for submission of any written work for the week is midnight on Monday, your time zone.
Abbreviations: DOTP = Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch
IPEH = Vogt, Interpreting the Pentateuch: An Exegetical Handbook
ABN = Alter, The Art of Biblical Narrative
Week 1: Jun 20 (M) – Jun 27 (M) Read GenesisDOTP, “Genesis, Book of”
IPEH, “Genres …” (pp. 25-60); “Major Themes …” (pp. 61-91)
Forum 1 – Questions for Looking Forward”
Worksheet 1 Due (Abrahamic Covenant)
Week 2: Jun 28 (T) – Jul 3 (Sun!) Read Exodus
DOTP, “Exodus, Book of”; “Sacrifices and Offerings”
IPEH, “Interpreting the Pentateuch” (pp. 129-155)
Worksheet 2 Due (Your Choice)
Week 3: Jul 5 (T) – Jul 11 (M) ABN, cp.s 1-2
DOTP, “Historical Criticism”
View online material on Pentateuchal source criticism
Forum 2 - “Two Ways of Reading”
Worksheet 3 Due (Your Choice)
Week 4: Jul 12 (T) – Jul 17 (Sun!) Read Leviticus and Numbers
DOTP, “Leviticus, Book of”; “Numbers, Book of”
IPEH, “Communicating the Genres …” (pp. 157-178)
IPEH, “Putting It All Together” (pp. 179-228)
Worksheet 4 Due (Your Choice)
Week 5: Jul 18-22 OT501 Intensive
Week 6: Jul 25-29 Intensive Week Two – No Assigned Work
Week 7: Aug 1 (M) – Aug 8 (M) Read Deuteronomy
DOTP, “Deuteronomy, Book of”
McConville Article
ABN, cp.s 3-4
Worksheets 5 and 6 Due (Both Your Choice)
Week 8: Aug 9 (T) – Aug 15 (M) Read Joshua
Howard, “Joshua”
ABN, cp.s 5-6
Worksheet 7 Due (Your Choice)
Quiz 1 Deadline (w/ reading report—do after intensive)
Week 9: Aug 16 (T) – Aug 22 (M) Read Judges, Ruth
Howard, “Judges,” “Ruth”
ABN, cp.s 7-9
Forum 3 – “Taking this into the Field”
Worksheet 8 Due (Kingship)
Week 10: Aug 23 (T) – Aug 26 (Fri!) Quiz 2 Due (with reading report)
Reflection Papers Due
Forum Guidelines
Forum 1: Introduction and Your Expectations
Purpose: This post is an opportunity for you to think through several questions that are designed to prompt you to engage the process that you are entering in this course. I encourage you to set a high standard for your engagement in this course. Your time and resources may be limited (whose aren’t?), but aim for something formative for yourself in this course. Note that I will respond to each of your posts individually in this forum.
Forum 2: Two ways of Reading
Purpose: This forum addresses a major contrast in approaches to the OT. In addition, we will introduce the broad topic of critical scholarship in biblical studies and lay a foundation for considering strategies to encounter and address critical scholarship in a productive way.
Forum 3: From the Workshop to the Field
Purpose: A secondary goal for this course is to foster the regular practice of Bible reading. This forum addresses your specific strategies for reading the Bible in your own life. We will incorporate material from ABN in this forum.
Conduct: You are expected to read all the postings, but need not respond to them (though you may, if you desire). Your initial posting in that forum should be made no later than midnight (Central time) on Wednesday to allow sufficient time for responses. You should then post your responses no later than Monday at Midnight. Your responses should be substantive and constructive in nature (i.e., “I agree,” or “Right on,” while encouraging, is not a substantive posting). If you disagree with someone, explain why you disagree, and be sure your criticism is constructive and reflective of your identity as a Christian.
Standards: You will be graded on the overall quality of your submissions. I am looking for indications that you have read the relevant material thoroughly and can engage in thoughtful discussion of the issues raised. Specific references to readings are helpful (i.e. like a citation or page number), but you also need to demonstrate that you can address the general substance of the issues at hand. Note that this involves addressing evidence and claims at their strongest points rather than seeking minor flaws. Outstanding submissions will also demonstrate a capacity to synthesize the course material with other disciplines and courses.