OLD TESTAMENT

BOLD 101.H2

HARDING UNIVERSITY

SPRING 2007

 

M-F     1:00-1:50          MCIN 234

 

Instructor: Dr. K. Stanglin

Office phone: 279-4620

Email: kstanglin@harding.edu

Website: www.harding.edu/kstanglin and www.facebook.com

Office hours: MCIN 209, 8:00-9:00, 10:00-11:00 (M-F)

Office phone, hours, and email should suffice for class business.  Please don’t call me at home unless there is an emergency.

 

Course Description (from catalog):

A historical study.  Selected books and passages are given special attention in order to learn the message of the Old Testament for its day and for today.

 

Course Objectives:

In light of the university’s mission and objectives, the student who successfully completes this course will be able to:

  1. List the OT books in correct canonical order.
  2. Give an intelligible, accurate, and chronological account of the major events of the OT.
  3. Responsibly interpret and apply passages of the OT.
  4. State the major theological themes and purpose of each book and of the OT as a whole.
  5. Articulate how these OT theological themes merge with those of the NT.

 

Required Course Textbooks:

Bible.  I prefer that you use either the NIV, TNIV, NASB, or NRSV.  Study Bibles are best.

 

Walton, John H. and Andrew E. Hill. Old Testament Today: A Journey from Original Meaning to Contemporary Significance. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2004.

 

Bring these two books to each class meeting.

 

Attendance Policy:

Students are expected to attend classes regularly.  In the event of illness, family emergency, a school-sponsored activity, or an extenuating circumstance, it is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor as soon as possible of the reason for the absence.  A doctor’s or school nurse’s note is required for excusing personal illness.  Print a hard copy for my records.  N.B.: Excuses will not be accepted after “dead week.”

 

According to the policies stated in the university catalog (p. 25), the equivalent of one week of unexcused absences (5) is allowed in this class.  Each additional absence above 5 automatically reduces your final grade by three percentage points.

 

You will be considered tardy if you are not present when the roll is checked or if you leave during class.  3 tardies = 1 unexcused absence.

 

Students with Disabilities:

It is the policy for Harding University to accommodate students with disabilities, pursuant to federal and state law.  Therefore, any student with a documented disability condition (e.g. physical, learning, psychological, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations, must contact the instructor and TRIO Student Support Services at the beginning of each semester.  (If the diagnosis of the disability occurs during the academic year, the student must self-identify with the Disabilities Director as soon as possible in order to get academic accommodations in place for the remainder of the semester.)  The TRIO Student Support Services office is located in Room 109 of the Lee Academic Center, telephone, (501) 279-4028.

 

Academic Honesty:

Harding University places a high priority on honesty and a biblical commitment to truth.  Incidents of cheating, plagiarism, or any other activities deemed dishonest will result in penalties.  These penalties may range from failing the assignment to failing the course or dismissal from the school.  (According to Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, to “plagiarize” is to steal and use as one’s own the ideas, words, etc., of another.  Collaborating on written assignments that should be done individually would fall under this category of dishonesty.)

 

For more information on plagiarism, as well as helpful tips on library research, please visit http://quest.harding.edu/trek/choices.htm

 

Classroom Expectations and Decorum:

I expect all students to behave in a Christian manner in and out of the classroom.  Appropriate behavior includes abiding by the conduct and dress codes set by the university.  Turn off all cell phones and pagers.  Do not eat food in the classroom.  No food or drink is allowed in this classroom.  The only exception is a closed, spill-proof container of water.

 

Class will be dismissed when I finish, not necessarily when the bell rings.

 

Course Requirements:[1]

1. Every student should carefully read the chapters of the Old Testament noted in the syllabus and the entire text by Walton and Hill (WH).  The student is responsible for all the information in the readings.  On the final exam, you will be asked to sign a statement indicating how much you actually read.

 

Each day you should be prepared to participate in and contribute to the class discussion of these texts.

 

2. The student should keep a notebook containing all lecture notes and handouts.

 

3. Nine reading quizzes will cover the noted sections of WH.  Pay attention to key terms, characters, and ideas.  There will be no make-up quizzes.  The two lowest quiz grades (or first two missed) will be dropped at the end of the semester.  175 pts. (25 pts. each)

 

4. You will be quizzed on your ability to list—in correct order and with correct spelling—the 39 books of the OT.  The quiz will be worth 50 points.  If you have more than two books out of order OR more than five spelling errors total, you must re-take the quiz, but this time for 45 points maximum.  A third and final attempt would be worth only 35 points maximum.  If this attempt is unsuccessful, you will receive a zero.

 

5. Six tests will cover the noted sections of OT readings and lecture material.  Memory work relevant to each section will be included on the tests as well.  475 pts. (75 pts. each, 100 pts. for final) 

 

6. Reading Questions and Reflections (RQR): On the Fridays of designated weeks (see schedule), turn in a brief paper over the assigned OT readings.  Each paper should include three components in response to the readings: 1) Five objective questions (T/F, multiple choice, fill in blank), including correct answers and textual citations, to be used on tests.  2) Tell what passage or story was particular striking and applicable to your life.  How does it impact you?  ½ page single-spaced.  3) Respond to the following: “The passage I find most difficult to understand in these readings is…”  Or, “Why I find this passage difficult to apply is…”  ½ page single-spaced.  150 pts. (15 pts. each)

 

7. After being divided into groups and assigned a particular minor prophet from the OT, your group will research that book and teach it to the class.  Answer questions such as (but certainly not limited to): What is the historical background of this book?  Can this book be—and is it actually—interpreted in more than one way?  What are the difficulties in interpreting this book?  What are the key terms and passages for understanding the book?  What is the overall theme of the book?  How does it relate to other biblical books?  What is its distinctive theology, and how does it contribute to theology in general?  What is the practical implication for us?

 

Consult at least two books from the course bibliography, plus at least two commentaries on the book (that’s at least four books total).  Feel free to use all the tools of research available, including your own experience.  How you present the material is up to each group.  The presentation should take at least 25, but no more than 50, minutes.  Introduce and teach the material.  Tell the class something they might not otherwise know.  Interact with the class.  Be ready to answer questions from the class after (or during) the presentation. 

 

Turn in a handout/outline to me, which must include the names of group members and a bibliography of works used.  In addition, your handout for me should include at least two or three items that you think should be on the next test.  Then each member will complete a report evaluating the work of fellow group members.  100 pts.  Evaluation criteria: Organization, presentation, content, handout, individual contribution to the group.

A note on group work: Group collaboration is a common method for accomplishing tasks in the so-called “real world,” including churches.  The group’s success is measured by the product, not only by individual input.  Groups should meet and work during class time on designated Tuesdays.  Additional meetings may be necessary as well.

 

8. Each student will write, in his own words, a 270-330 word response to the designated case study.  It will be due at the beginning of class two days after being announced.  30 pts.

 

Make-up Policy:

A test may be made up only if the absence is excused (see “Attendance Policy” above).  Contact or see me as soon as possible to arrange it.  After I am notified, the make-up test will be given on Tues./Thurs., 6:00 p.m., room 233.  All make-up tests will be entirely essay format.  There will be no make-ups for unexcused absences.

 

Grading Scale:

 

980 points total.

 

90-100% = A     80-89 = B     70-79 = C     60-69 = D      0-59 = F

 

Although it is your responsibility to keep up with your grades and absences, I will periodically post them on my website.  Check your grades with last name and password (H number).

 

Course Schedule:

Wk. 1, 1/15                 Introduction, background, OT world, getting started. 

 

Wk. 2, 1/22                 Quiz 1 (WH I, lect.)              Gn. 1-12

Tues.                          (Creation and the Fall of humanity)

 

Wk. 3, 1/29                 Quiz 2 (WH II/1)      Gn. 15-17, 19, 22, 27-28, 32, 37-38, 41, 45, 50

                                    Tues.                          (Life of Abraham, Story of Joseph)  RQR

                                   

OT Book Quiz- Fri.

 

Wk. 4, 2/5                   Test 1 (Mon.)             Ex. 1-4, 7, 10-11, 14-15, 18-20, 32, 34, 40

                                                                        (Plagues, Crossing Red Sea, Giving of Law)

Lev. 1-4, 7, 10, 16, 19, 26

(Priesthood and laws)  RQR

 

Wk. 5, 2/12                 Quiz 3 (WH II/2)     Num. 6, 11, 13-14 (Wilderness wandering)

Mon.                           Dt. 2-4, 6, 8, 10-13, 28, 34 (Shema)  RQR

 

Wk. 6, 2/19                 Test 2             (Wed.)                        Josh. 1-3, 6-7, 10, 23-24

                                    (Conquering and settling the promised land)

Jud. 1-2, 4, 6-7, 16

(Highlight more important judges)  RQR

 

Wk. 7, 2/26                 Quiz 4 (WH II/3)     Ruth 1-4; 1 Sam. 1-8, 15-17, 20, 24

                                    Mon.                           (Rise and fall of Saul)

 

Wk. 8, 3/5                   Test 3 (Thurs.)          2 Sam. 1, 5-7, 11-18 (Reign of David)  RQR

 

3/11-17                       Spring Break!

 

Wk. 9, 3/19                 Quiz 5 (WH III/1)    1 K 1-3, 8, 17-19 (Reign of Solomon)

Wed.                           2 K 2, 5-7, 10, 17-19, 22, 25 

(Importance of justice and holiness; consequences of idolatry)  RQR

 

Wk. 10, 3/26               Test 4 (Fri.)               1 Chr. 17, 28-29; 2 Chr. 5-7, 20, 26, 29-30, 32-

35; Ezra 3-4, 6, 9-10; Neh. 2, 4, 6, 8-9; Esth. 1-2, 4, 8 (Participation in Second Temple)

Hos. 1-3, 10-11, 14; Joel 1-2 

 

Wk. 11, 4/2                 Quiz 6 (WH III/2)    Pss. 1-2, 9, 14, 19, 22-23, 27, 51, 73, 84, 89-

Thurs.                         90, 100, 103, 106, 118-119, 133, 136-37, 139,

145, 148, 150 (Heb. Poetry, Types of Psalms)

Amos 1-2, 4-5, 9; Obad.  RQR

 

Wk. 12, 4/9                 Quiz 7 (WH VI/1-2) Job 1-3, 27-28, 38, 41-42; Prov. 1, 3-5, 8-10,

Thurs.                         15, 31; Ecc. 1-4, 12; Song 1-2

(Human motives for serving God)

Jon. 1-4; Mic. 1-2, 4-5  RQR

 

Wk. 13, 4/16               Test 5 (Thurs.)          Isa. 1-2, 6-7, 9, 11, 25, 40, 42, 52-53, 55, 58,

                                    61, 65 (Literary-historical studies)

                                    Nah. 1-2; Hab. 1-3  RQR

 

Wk. 14, 4/23               Quiz 8 (WH part V)  Jer. 1-2, 6-7, 15, 17, 23, 31, 38; Lam. 1, 3;

Mon.                           Zeph. 1, 3; Hag. 1-2

 

Wk. 15, 4/30               Quiz 9 (WH IV/1-2) Dan. 1-7, 12; Eze. 1-4, 8, 18, 36-37, 39;  

Mon.                           Zech. 1, 8, 14; Mal. 1, 3-4  RQR

                                     

           

Monday, May 7, 1:30 pm         Final, Test 6

 

N.B.: Tuesdays of weeks 3-9 will be spent doing group preparation in the library.  Tuesdays and Wednesdays of weeks 10-15 will be spent hearing group presentations in class.

 

Memory work will include:

Verses: Gen. 1:1-2; Lev. 19:18; Dt. 6:4-9; Josh. 24:15; Ps. 1:1-2; 19:1; 23; Isa. 7:14; 53:6; 59:2; Jer. 17:9; Lam. 3:22-24; Dan. 2:44.

Items: Books of OT; 12 sons of Jacob; 10 commandments; tabernacle furnishings and court.

Dates: 1440/1290 (exodus); 722 (fall of Samaria); 597 (siege of Jerusalem), 587 (fall of Jerusalem); 539 (fall of Babylon).

BIBLIOGRAPHY FOR OT SURVEY

 

Alter, Robert. The Art of Biblical Narrative. Basic Books, 1981.

 

Anderson, Bernhard W. Contours of Old Testament Theology. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1999.

 

Boadt, Lawrence. Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction. New York: Paulist Press, 1984.

 

Bright, John. The Kingdom of God: The Biblical Concept and Its Meaning for the Church. Pierce and Washabaugh, 1953; repr., Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1981.

 

Childs, Brevard S. Old Testament Theology in a Canonical Context. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1985.

 

Dillard, Raymond B. and Tremper Longman III. An Introduction to the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994.

 

Freedman, David Noel, ed. The Anchor Bible Dictionary. 6 vols. Garden City: Doubleday. 1992.

 

            . Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2000.

 

Hasel, Gerhard. Old Testament Theology: Basic Issues in the Current Debate. 4th ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991.

 

Heschel, Abraham J. The Prophets. 2 vols. Harper Collins, 1962; repr., 2 vols. in 1. Peabody: Prince Press, 1999.

 

Hill, Andrew E. and John H. Walton. A Survey of the Old Testament. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2000.

 

LaSor, William Sanford, et al. Old Testament Survey: The Message, Form, and Background of the Old Testament. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996.

 

Niditch, Susan. War in the Hebrew Bible: A Study in the Ethics of Violence. New York: Oxford University Press, 1993.

 

Ollenburger, Ben C., ed. Old Testament Theology: Flowering and Future. Sources for Biblical and Theological Study, vol. 1. Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 2004.

 

Rad, Gerhard von. God at Work in Israel. Trans. John H. Marks. Nashville: Abingdon, 1980.

 

Schultz, Samuel J. The Old Testament Speaks. 4th ed. New York: Harper and Row, 1990.

 

Thompson, J. A. The Bible and Archaeology. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1982.

 

Walton, John H., et al. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament. Downers Grove: Inter-Varsity Press, 2000.

 


[1] N.B.: The course requirements and course schedule are subject to change.