Course Description

An examination of the current status of research in studies relative to the poetic and prophetic books. Special attention will be given to biblical introduction, hermeneutics, and the acquiring of a strategic grasp of the historical setting, literary genres, and structure of each book, as well as areas of particular critical concern.

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Rationale

This course provides an introduction to the literature and message of the Old Testament that is foundational to the graduate-level study of the Old Testament in the seminary program.

Measurable Learning Outcomes

The student will be able to:

1. 1. Identify the major themes and general contents of the Prophetic and Poetical Books.
   2. Analyze the literary features of Hebrew poetry and their significance for interpreting Old Testament texts.
   3. Identify major critical issues related to the authorship and historicity of the Prophetic and Poetical Books and defend an evangelical view of Scripture in the context of these issues.
   4. Apply the teachings of the Old Testament to issues related to key theological and ethical issues related to the practice of the Christian life.

Course Assignment

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

The student will post one thread of at least 600 words by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Thursday of the assigned Module: Week. The student must then post 2 replies of at least 250 words by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sunday of the assigned Module: Week. For each thread, students must support their assertions with at least 3 scholarly citations in the current Turabian format. (MLOs: B, C, D)

Quizzes: Reading Reports (8)

The student will complete the required reading each module: week and report the completion of reading through a simple quiz (asking whether or not reading has been completed). (MLO’s: A, C)

Quizzes: Presentation Reports (8)

The student will view the required presentation(s) each module: week and report the completion of that activity through a simple quiz. (MLO’s: A, C)

Content Essay Assignments (2)

Students will write an essay answering specific question prompts that require research and inductive analysis of the historical, literary, and theological elements of the biblical text. The essay must be at least 1000 words and follow the current Turabian format. At least three academic sources (beyond course textbooks) must be cited. (MLOs: B, C)

Interpretive Commentary: Title Page and Bibliography Assignment

Following the current Turabian format, students should submit their title page and bibliography for the Interpretive Commentary Assignment on Habakkuk. At least 5 academic sources are necessary for the bibliography. (MLOs: A, C, E)

Interpretive Commentary: Final Assignment

The student will write a commentary on Habakkuk that is at least 2500 words excluding the title page and bibliography. The paper should include an introduction that emphasizes introductory matters pertaining to the author, audience, historical setting, literary genre, and theological motifs. The paper should also include a conclusion that emphasizes application in areas of practice and theology.

The main body of the paper is an interpretive commentary on Habakkuk.  You will provide interpretive commentary that discusses, analyzes, and interprets the content within the text of Habakkuk.

The Interpretive Commentary Assignment must follow the current Turabian format. At least 5 sources are necessary for the assignment. (MLOs: A, B, C, D, E)