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OT3341 D. Hodge

POETICAL BOOKS

Course Syllabus

ZionBibleCollege

OT3341-01 3 Credits

Spring 2011

Wednesdays (8:00 – 9:50 a.m.) - 103

Fridays (10:00 – 10:50a.m.)- 103

Rev. David Hodge, Adjunct Faculty

Office: Admissions, Academy Hall 126

Campus Phone: 978-478-3432

Email:

Office Hours: Wednesday3:00-4:30p.m. or by appointment

The mission of ZionBibleCollege is to teach and train students for excellent Pentecostal ministry, in fulfillment of the Great Commission.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course studies the poetical books of the Old Testament: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. It stresses the nature and styles of Hebrew poetry, the use of this literature in the national life of early Israel, the theological emphases of these books, and their practical value in Christian ministry.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Upon the completion of this course, each student should be able to:

  1. Define the terms and forms of Hebrew poetry and wisdom literature and detect these techniques.
  2. Identify the historical figures, events, and facts which provide the context for the poetical books.
  3. Recognize and explain key doctrines and theological themes in the poetical books and note their unique contributions to Scripture.
  4. Explain the meaning of various literary elements and their influence upon the application of Scripture.
  5. Discover godly principles and apply them to contemporary circumstances.
  6. Memorize theologically significant Scriptures found in the poetical books.

TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS:

  1. The Holy Bible. English Standard Version.
  2. Estes, Daniel. Handbook On The Wisdom Books and Psalms. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2005.
  3. Turbian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers. 7th ed. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 2007.

PROFESSOR’S PERSONAL GOALS:

During the scope of this course, it is my desire to fulfill the following goals:

  1. To provide each student with a basic foundation for studying these books. The textbookand other recommended sources will provide further detail.
  2. To cultivate a greater understanding of the nature and character of God.
  3. To foster an appreciation of literature as an expression of our emotions to God.
  4. To highlight the applications these books provide to the Christian life.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

The following requirements are designed to provide a strong foundation upon which to build your future study of the Bible.

  1. Examinations: There will be four (4) examsthroughout the semester.Exams will be composed of objective questions including true/false, completion, matching, and multiple choice but will also include essays and short answer questions to ensure that you understand concepts and Scripture applications.
  • Exam 1 will include the Introductory material and Psalms.
  • Exam 2 will cover Song of Solomon and Proverbs.
  • Exam 3 will test Ecclesiastes and Job.
  • Exam 4 will comprise all Scripture memory verses and will be administered at the same time as Exam 3.
  1. Homework: Interaction and analysis questions will be assigned to integrate reading and class lectures and provide a foundation for classroom discussion.
  • Homework may be typedorneatly written. The question number should be included with each response.
  • All homework assignments must be submitted on the due date to receive full credit. Assignments received after the due date will receive a 20 point deduction.
  • No late homework will be accepted after the final exam is submitted.
  1. Bible and Textbook Reading: Each student will be required to read Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon in the Bible. The followingPsalms are also required: 1-8, 19,22, 25-26, 33,40-50, 55, 59, 61-71, 80-87, 95-99, 100, 110,103-104, 111, 113-114, 117, 120-134, and 145-150. The entire textbook must be read.
  • While it is best to complete the reading in conjunction with class lessons, verifications will be accepted until you submit your final exam.
  • You may complete your Bible reading from any version you choose.Listening to an audio version of the Bible is acceptable.
  • No partial reading credit will be granted for portions oftheBible or textbook reading assignments.The reading will be verified by submitting verification at the end of the semester.
  • I am willing to assist you in developing a more detailed reading schedule on an individual basis if needed.
  1. Presentation:One of the following five-minute presentations will be required from each student. The objective is to require you to apply Scripture to your own life and the lives of others.
  1. Present a devotional from some passage in the poetical books.
  • This must contain the following elements.
  • Briefly outline the historical and contextual background.
  • Note any poetical techniques found in the text and explain their meaning and importance in your passage. If you cannot state them all, identify the most important ones and note the remainder in your typed manuscript which you submit.
  • Explain the meaning (main message) of the passage.
  • Draw attention to the theological theme(s) present in the passage such as trust, God’s love, the fear of YHWH, etc.
  • Identify specific principles and applications which your audience can assimilate to their lives.
  • A typed copy of your devotional must be submitted to the professor prior to the presentation. A bibliography of any sources used for the presentation must be includedin Turabian format.
  • Presentations less than 5 minutes or longer than 8 minutes will receive a five point grade deduction.
  • The grade will be primarily based upon the content of your presentation and the clarity of your presentation. A small percentage of the grade will reflect your communication style (tone, appearance, eye contact, posture, and projection).
  1. Present an original artistic composition (poem or song).
  • This must contain the following elements.
  • Use at least three different techniques identified from our study of Hebrew poetry (repetition, similes, metaphors, parallelism, etc.). Identify these in your presentation and explain their meaning and importance in your composition.
  • The composition should relate to some real or even personal situation.
  • Provide a brief description of the events which provoked the composition.
  • Identify specific principles and applications which your audience can assimilate to their lives.
  • Use of audio-visual equipment (music, etc.) is not required, but if utilized must be of good quality and will be considered as part of the grade.
  • A typed copy must be submitted to the professor prior to the presentation. A bibliography of any sources used for the presentation must be includedin Turabian format.
  • Presentations less than 5 minutes or longer than 8 minutes will receive a five point grade deduction.
  • The grade will be primarily based upon the content of your presentation and the clarity of your presentation. A small percentage of the grade will reflect your communication style (tone, appearance, eye contact, posture, and projection).

Students will be assigned a day for presentation. Any student who misses their designated day will receive an automatic 10 point deduction.

  1. Theological Summary Paper: A 2-3 pagesummary paper on one theological theme present in the poetical books must be written according to the Zion Bible College writing standard using the current Turabian guidelines with proper formatting including an outline and headers.
  1. Discuss appearances of the theme (make sure to include at least 10 Scripture references from the poetical books) by summarizing the overall message that these Scriptures present about this theological topic.
  2. You may choose from the following list: the presence of God, wisdom, the fear of God, a characteristic of God (sovereignty, power, strength, etc.), or you may select your own theme with approval of the professor.
  3. No outside resources are required for this paper; in fact, it is preferable that none be utilized. If you choose to use sources, however, you must properly cite them.
  1. Scripture Memorization: God’s Word is life. In following the admonition of Psalm 119:11, “Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee,” you will be required to memorize several theologically significant verses. These include:

Job – Choose 2: 19:25-26; or36:24-26; or37:23-24

Psalms – Choose 2: 8:3-4; or40:5; or91:1-2

Proverbs – Choose 2: 12:19; or14:27; or20:24

Ecclesiastes – Choose 2: 3:11;or3:14;or12:13

Choose 1additional verse(or passage) of your choice from the poetical books

These will be tested ona Scripture exam at the end of the semester. Please note:You

may use any translation you choose but not paraphrases such as The Message, theGood

News Bible,or theLiving Bible.

POLICIES:

  1. Class Attendance: Zion believes that the classroom is an important part of the learning process, and therefore attendance for all class periods is not only expected but necessary. If you are absent for any reason, it is your responsibility to obtain all notes and handouts distributed during your absence. Six absences are permitted throughout the semester for illness, personal matters, or emergencies. Excessive absences will be handled as outlined in the Student Handbook.
  2. Cell Phones:Due to federal regulations related to the CLERY Act, cell phones are permitted in class in case of a campus emergency. All phones must be on vibrate and need only be checked if every phone vibrates at the same time.
  3. Plagiarism: A student who submits written material as his/her own work which has been copied in whole or in part from an author or another person’s paper without acknowledgement is guilty of plagiarism. This includes copying material from printed books and magazines without giving credit to the original source. Material, whether published or unpublished, copied from another writer, must be identified by the use of quotation marks with specific citation of the source. Paraphrased material must likewise be attributed to the original author. Any student who submits a plagiarized paper or who permits another person to copy his/her work is subject to any of the following actions:
  1. A grade of “zero” or “F” for the paper.
  2. Failure in or expulsion from the class.
  3. Being reported for further disciplinary action according to the Student and Faculty Manuals.
  1. Cheating:Cheating is a breach of integrity and will be dealt with by the professor or higher authorities if needed. Cheating consists of such infractions as using unauthorized notes or material when taking an examination;copying answers to examination questions, obtaining or helping others to obtain, unauthorized copies of examination questions, copying another person’s class work/assignments and/or homework and submitting it as one’s own; having another student do one’s paper, or any other assignment, in whole or in part and submitting the assignment as one’s own work; allowing another student to copy one’s paper or assignment; and copying another student’s paper with that student’s permission. Any student found guilty of cheating will be subject to one or more of the following actions:
  1. Receive an “F” for the assignment or course.
  2. Dorming or campusing
  3. Suspension
  4. Dismissal
  1. Due Dates:
  1. Make-up exams will only be permitted according to the guidelines outlined in the Student Handbookand must be completed within one week of the original exam date.
  2. You will be assigned a specific date for your presentation. The first ones will begin on Wednesday, February 23. If you are absent from class on the day scheduled for your presentation, you will receive an automatic 10-point deduction.
  3. The paper is due at the beginning of class on Friday, March 18, no exceptions. Extensions will only be granted for the following four reasons: 1) hospitalization for illness. A doctor’s note confirming such is required; 2) extended serious illness that prevents a student from attending class. This requires a doctor’s note and signature of verification from the student’s Resident Director; 3) funerals or family emergencies granted as an approved absence by the Academic Dean and Dean of Students; 4) school-approved activities. If the student meets one of these exceptions, a “Request for Extension Form” must be filled out one week in advance of the due date. The form can be obtained from the Office of Admissions or the Office of the Academic Dean. If your paper is turned in after attendance is taken on March 18, you will receive an automatic point deduction of five (5) points. For each twenty-four hour period (including Saturdays, Sundays and school breaks) the paper is not turned in, there will be a forfeiture of five (5) points from the total points. If the paper is not submitted within five twenty-four hour periods after the due date and time, an automatic score of zero (0) will be entered for the grade with no chance of making up the paper. If a hard copy cannot be presented in person by the specified time and hour, an email copy may be submitted by the deadline for verification of completion with a hard copy following.
  4. No work will receive credit after the final exam has been submitted.
  5. A comprehensive list of due dates for all assignments follows.

Date / Preparation / To Be Covered
(subject to change) / Assignments Due
1/19/11 / Syllabus and Introduction
1/21/11 / Introduction
1/26/11 / Homework 1 / Introduction / Homework 1
1/28/11 / Read Text pgs 141-155 / Psalms
2/2/11 / Read Text pgs155-165 / Psalms
2/4/11 / Homework 2 / Psalms / Homework 2
2/9/11 / Read assigned Psalms
Read Text pgs 178-190 / Psalms
2/16/11 / No Class – Prayer and Fasting
2/18/11 / Read Text pgs 165-177 / Psalms
2/23/11 / Read Text pgs 190-199 / Psalms
2/25/11 / Read Song of Solomon (in one sitting, if possible)
Homework 3 / Song of Songs / Homework 3
3/2/11 / Read Text pgs 393-438 / Song of Songs
3/4/11 / Exam 1 / Exam 1 – Intro & Psalms / Exam 1 – Intro & Psalms
3/9-11/11 / No Class – Spring Break
3/16/11 / No Class – Prayer and Fasting
3/18/11 / Read Proverbs (in one sitting, if possible) / Proverbs / Theological Summary Paper Due
3/23/11 / Homework 4 / Proverbs / Homework 4
3/25/11 / Read Text pgs 213-224 / Proverbs
3/30/11 / Proverbs
4/1/11 / Read Text pgs 224-261 / Proverbs
4/6/11 / Read Ecclesiastes (in one sitting, if possible)
Homework 5
Read Text pgs 271-285 / Ecclesiastes / Homework 5
4/8/11 / Read Text pgs 285-384 / Ecclesiastes
4/13/11 / Exam 2 / Exam 2 – Song of Song Proverbs
Job / Exam 2 – Song of Solomon & Proverbs
Job
4/15/11 / Read Text pgs 11-54
Homework 6
Read Text pgs 70-84 / Job / Homework 6
4/20/11 / Read Job (in one sitting, if possible)
Read Text pgs 84-102 / Job
4/22/11 / No Class - Easter Break
4/27/11 / Read Text pgs 103-113
Homework 7 / Job / Homework 7
4/29/11 / Read Text pgs 113-128 / Job
5/4/11? / Exams 3-4 / Exam 3 Ecclesiastes & Job
Exam 4 Scripture Memory / Exam 3 – Ecclesiastes Job
Exam 4 Scripture Memory
All Reading and Late Homework Due
  1. Grading Scale:

Bible and TextbookReading:10%

Homework:20%

Paper:20%

Presentation:20%

Exams:30%

  1. Extra Credit: Extra credit may be obtained from the professor upon request.Extra credit will consist of a smallassignment or paper and is worth up to 3 points added to the final grade.Each student may complete only one extra credit project which will not be permitted to replace the required paper.

SUPPORT SERVICES:

  1. Center for Academic Development: If you need help studying for this class or others, please feel free to seek assistance through the Center for Academic Development. Its purpose is to assist you in learning the most that you can in every class. See the Coordinator of the Center to learn what opportunities for academic enhancement are available to you.
  2. Study Groups: I would suggest that you find some individuals with whom you may study for exams. Group study (when it is well organized and purpose-driven) is often a benefit to all participants. Not only will this help you learn required material, but group study will also help you to learn from others’ perspectives on God’s Word.

SOURCES CONSULTED

Andersen, Francis I. Job. Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries. Leicester, England, UK: Inter-

Varsity Press, 2005.

Arnold, Bill T. and Bryan E. Beyer. Encountering the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker

Books, 1999.

Arnold, Bill T. and Bryan E. Beyer. Readings from the Ancient Near East. Grand Rapids, MI:

Baker Books, 2002.

Beale, G.K. and D.A., eds. Carson. Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old

Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2007.

Bellinger, W.H., Jr. Psalms. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1990.

Blomberg, Craig L, William W. Klein, and Robert L. Hubbard, Jr. Introduction to Biblical

Interpretation. 2nd ed. Nashville, TN: Nelson, 2004.

Brown, William P. Character In Crisis. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing, 1996.

Bullinger, E.W. Figures of Speech Used in the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1968.

Bullock, C. Hassell. An Introduction to the Old Testament Poetic Books. Chicago, IL: Moody

Press, 1988.

Craigie, Peter C. Psalms 1-50. Word Biblical Commentary 19. Waco, TX: Word, 1983.

Dion, Paul. Hebrew Poetics. 2nd ed. Mississauga, Ontario, Canada: Benben Publications, 1992.

Estes, Daniel. Handbook On The Wisdom Books and Psalms. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books,

2005.

Fee, Gordon D. and Douglas Stuart. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. Grand Rapids, MI:

Zondervan, 1993.

Gaebelein, Frank, ed. Expositor’s Bible Commentary. vol. 4 Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan,

1988.

Garrett, Duane A. Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs. New American Commentary 14.

Nashville, TN: Broadman, 1993.

Geisler, Norman. A Popular Survey of the Old Testament.Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books,

1977.

Harris, R. Laird, Gleason L. Archer, Jr., and Bruce K. Waltke. Theological Wordbook of the Old

Testament. Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 1980.

Harris, Ralph W. Pictures of Truth.Springfield, MO: Gospel Publishing House, 1977.

Johnson, Paul. A History of the Jews.New York, NY: Harper Perennial, 1987.

Kidner, Derek. Psalms 1-72. Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries 14a. Leicester, England,

UK: Inter-Varsity Press, 1973.

Kidner, Derek. Psalms 73-150. Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries 16. Downers Grove, IL:

Inter-Varsity Press, 1975.

Longman, Tremper III and Peter Enns, eds. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry

and Writings. Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 2008.

Longman, Tremper III. How to Read the Psalms. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1988.

______. Literary Approaches to Biblical Interpretation. Grand Rapids, MI:

Zondervan, 1987.

Matthews, Victor H. Manners and Customs in the Bible. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson

Publishers, Inc., 1988.

Minot, Stephen. Three Genres. 8th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007.

Niehaus, Jeffrey J. Ancient Near Eastern Themes in Biblical Theology. Grand Rapids, MI:

Kregel Publications, 2008.

Pierce, James. Poetical Books Class Notes: Book of Job. Zion Bible Institute.

Purkiser, W.T. ed. Exploring the Old Testament.Kansas City,MO: Beacon Hill Press, 1955.

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