REL 337W: Biblical Topics – King David, Spring 2004.    SYLLABUS.    RJDKnauth
Class T/Th 1:00-2:50 pm in D-302.  Office Hours MWF 3:00-5:00, T/Th 9:30-11:30 in D-320.
Tel: 321-4298 (xGAYT), home: 326-3822 (DAN-DUBB), email: knauth@lycoming.edu.

King David is a central figure in biblical history and literature, presenting a complex story of heroism, pathos and tragedy.  This course will explore the "multi-voiced truth" about the legendary character of King David as preserved in biblical tradition, seeking to place him in proper literary, historical, political and theological context.  We will use various scholarly approaches and methodologies to enlighten our understanding of the larger biblical message.  Using primarily the books of 1-2 Samuel, with parts of Judges and 1Kings (in the "Deuteronomistic History"), we will look at the development of David's character from various viewpoints in terms of the "charismatic leadership ideal," in contrast with Saul, Absalom and Solomon, and in the context of biblical debates over kingship and temple.  Brueggemann will represent the standard traditional Judeo-Christian perspective.  Halpern seeks to represent the alternative and more critical perspective of David's enemies.  Between them we will discover a complex character full of both human weakness and divine inspiration. 
This is intended to be an upper-level seminar, which will be offered as writing intensive and thus will incorporate a variety of written assignments and attention to the writing process. 

Texts:  The use of a complete Bible (any version) will be required in class.
            Baruch Halpern, David's Secret Demons - Messiah, Murderer, Traitor, King (2001)
            Robert Gordon, I&II Samuel (1986)  **OUT OF PRINT** substitute commentary below
            Walter Brueggemann, David's Truth in Israel's Imagination and Memory (2nd ed. 2002)
            Eugene Peterson, Leap Over a Wall (1997) - selected portions on electronic reserve

Recommended:  Robert Alter, The David Story (translation/commentary - 1999)          - on reserve
                            Stephen MacKenzie, King David - A Biography (2000)                      - on reserve
                            Kyle McCarter, I Samuel and II Samuel (Anchor Bible - 1980, 1984) - on reserve
                            Richard Friedman, Who Wrote the Bible? (1987)                                - on reserve
                            Richard Friedman, The Hidden Book in the Bible (1998)                     - on reserve
                            Walter Brueggemann, I and II Samuel (1990)                    -ordered for book store
                            Robert Polzin, David and the Deuteronomist (1993)

Some useful reference books which you may find in the library:
            Understanding the Old Testament, Anderson                                                        - on reserve
            Introduction to the Old Testament as Scripture, Childs                                          - on reserve
            Old Testament Survey, Hill & Walton                                                                   - on reserve
            Old Testament Parallels, Matthews & Benjamin (OTP)                                         - on reserve
            Ancient Near Eastern Texts, Pritchard (ANET)                                                    - on reserve
            Canaanite Myth and Hebrew Epic, Frank Moore Cross (CMHE)                         - on reserve
            From Epic to Canon, Frank Moore Cross (E-C)                                                  - on reserve
            The Anchor Bible Dictionary  (ABD)                                                                   - reference
            Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible  (IDB)                                                           - reference
            The Anchor Bible commentary series                             - BS 192 in stacks (now on reserve)
            other commentaries                                                       - BS 1200 in stacks (now on reserve)
These will point the reader to further useful bibliography, as will the ATLA Religion Index
(look on the library web site under "databases").

 REL337I Course Requirements:

1.      Attendance and informed participation (readings having been completed and reflected upon in writing in an informal journal) at all class sessions will be expected, worth 20% of the final grade.   Included in this participation grade will be some short in-class exercises, occasional short presentations, an informal journal (spot-checked), and regular discussion.  The attendance policy for this course is that there are no excused absences without a written note from a doctor or parent/guardian regarding a serious family or medical emergency (e.g. requiring hospitalization).  Each set of 2 absences (or 4 partial absences) lowers your final grade by 1%.

2.      There will be 6 short assignments, 1 paper proposal, 2 peer reviews and a self-evaluation, worth a total of 20% of the final grade.  Assignments should be approx. 2 pgs each, typed, due in class on Thursdays, and will be the basis for class discussion on that day.  Late assignments will be accepted, but penalized, as preparedness will be crucial to our discussion time.

3.      There will be two take-home exams (each worth 15% of the final grade).  They will be open-book, limited-time (2 hours) essay exams (thematic, issue-oriented), taken on the honor system.  Review sheets will be handed out in advance.  Exams should be typed and handed in ON TIME as instructed in the syllabus.

4.      Each student will sign up to be responsible for one week as "discussion facilitator," worth 10% of the final grade.  Facilitators will produce a substantive outline of major issues (to be handed out to the class), take the lead in discussion, and hand in a brief summary of major points in the readings for that week. 

5.       Students will do one Biblical Research Paper (6 pages, plus annotated bibliography), to be proposed, written, revised on the basis of peer reviews, and presented in class (worth 20% of the final grade).  Proposals for the paper will be submitted in advance (due Friday March 19; see appended form); 2 peer reviews, self-evaluation and writing center visit are required.  The paper will be submitted electronically at http://turnitin.com (class ID 20608, enrollment password “btotw02”), where you should then be able to read each others’ papers for the purpose of doing peer reviews and participating in discussion.  See my OT Rubrick for grading.

Note:  Plagiarism (copying material - words or ideas - from books, articles, web sites, or other students’ work without citing your source) will not be tolerated in the formal paper, in the exams, or in the short assignments.  Just use proper citation.  The difference between plagiarism and good research is only proper citation!

Schedule of Classes:

Week 1:  Introduction.  David's Literary and Historical Context - Historiography, Problem of Bias
All history is necessarily selective, told with a purpose.  Discerning purpose is essential to interpretation.
1-2 Samuel is a composite text with several perspectives, including apologetic political propaganda.
Read Brueggemann Intro and Halpern ch. 3-5, 13-14, 23 (appendix).
T  (Jan 13)- Introduction.  David's place in Biblical history: Iron Age transition from "tribal league"
to united monarchy, and current debate over 10th century archaeological remains.
Writing:  In-class Exercise 1 on history writing.
Th (Jan 15)- David's place in Israelite historiography: Noth's "Deuteronomistic History,"
Friedman's "Super-J," and Brueggemann's "multi-voiced truth" and "construction" of reality. 

Week 2:  Evaluating Leadership - The "Charismatic Ideal" and Debate over Kingship
Read Judges plus Malamat, “Charismatic Leadership in...Judges,” in Magnalia Dei (on reserve).
T  (Jan 20)-  The “Charismatic Leadership Ideal” in Israel - Moses, Gideon, Judges generally.  E.g.:
  Moses: Exod. 1-19, 32-34; Num. 11-14, 16-17, 20-21, 25, 27, 31.
  Judges: Judges 3:15-25, 4:4-9, 6:1-7:22, 11:1-11, 13:2-14:20; 1 Sam. 1-3, 9-10, 16-17; Deut. 9.
Writing:  In-class Exercise 2 on choosing a focus and formulating a thesis.
Th (Jan 22)-  Debate over Kingship: Pro- and Anti-Monarchic Tendencies in Judges & Samuel
Structure in Judges as pattern of decay ("In those days...") vs. key speeches (Gideon/Abimelech/Jotham)
Asst. 1 on using evidence - Is/was the book of Judges primarily pro- or anti-monarchic?
                                          Support your answer with evidence from the biblical text.   

Week 3:  Samuel and the Ark Narrative
Read 1Samuel 1-7, 2Sam 6; Gordon ch. 1-2. 
T  (Jan 27)- The Central role of Samuel as transition figure, literary glue. 
Samuel's leadership as Judge, Prophet, Priest and King-Maker.
Birth Narrative and Call of Samuel.  Issue of word-plays with "Saul."
Writing: Hebrew poetry and the impact of genre and structure on content.
Th (Jan 29)- The "Ark Narrative" and the Sovereignty of God. 
Issues of theological polemic, miniature exile, textual difficulties.
Asst. 2: Re-write the “ark narrative” using Hebrew poetic form, acrostic or chiastic structure.
              Reflect on how the literary format influences the content and message.

Week 4:  Asking for a King and Introducing Saul
Read 1Samuel 8-12 (review 1Sam 2).  Compare Deut. 17, 1Kings 11, 2Kings 21, 23-24. 
Read Gordon ch. 3, and Friedman's Who Wrote the Bible? ch. 5-7 (on reserve).
T  (Feb 3)- The Problem of Succession, Israel's Request for a King and Samuel's Speeches.
Philistine political role in galvanizing Israel toward monarchic state, sons not following ways of fathers.
The Priests of Shiloh and the Deuteronomistic History.  
Writing: Evaluating opinions, topic vs. thesis (again).
Th (Feb 5)- Introducing Saul as Charismatic Leader - Last Judge, First King.  
Issue of Anti-Kingship polemic in an "apology" document, character of Saul.
Asst 3:  Discuss 6 ways in which Saul's character is developed in 1Sam 9-11.

Week 5:  Rejection of Saul, Enter Jonathan.                                                 Facilitator =   Ann          
Read 1Sam 13-15, Gordon ch. 4.  Compare Gen. 22, Judges 11.
T  (Feb 10)- Rejected Saul as “foil” for David - insane jealousy, power-grasping, lack of faith.
Th (Feb 12)- Jonathan as Perfect Heir.  Issue of Saul's sacrifice (compare Abraham and Jephthah).
Asst 4:  Discuss the proposed sacrifice of Jonathan in comparison with the binding of Isaac and the
             sacrifice of Jephthah's daughter.  How does this reflect on the character of Saul?

Week 6: Introducing David:  Anointing and first meeting(s) with Saul            Facilitator =   Ed           
Read 1Sam 16-17, plus 1Sam 21:8-9, 2Sam 21:15-22 and 1Chron 20:4-8.
Read Gordon ch. 5; Halpern ch. 1, 2A, 2B, 15; Brueggemann ch. 1 to p. 27. 
Issues: Development of David's character; duplicate introductions (note apparent contradictions).
T  (Feb 17)- David the shepherd and musician 
Th (Feb 19)-  David the giant slayer (?) 
Asst 5:  Discuss how might one explain and/or reconcile the two introductions of Saul and David.

Week 7:  David's Claims for Legitimacy - Ruth, Michal and Jonathan          Facilitator =   Jessica       
Read Ruth; Num. 22-25, 31; Deut. 7, 23:2-8;1Sam 14, 18-20, 25:44; 2Sam 3:6-21, 6:12-23; 1Ki 2:13-25; Halpern ch. 16.
Issues: David the Moabite, Saul's children siding with David as political propaganda?
T  (Feb 24)- Ruth as Davidic Apology; Michal as political pawn (1Sam 18-19, 25:44, 2Sam 3:6-21, 6:12-23, 1Ki 2:13-25).
Th (Feb 26)- David and Jonathan - brothers and friends (1Sam 14,19-20).
**Hand out Take-Home Exam - due by 5:00 pm on Friday** 

***Spring Break!!!  Enjoy your week!***

Week 8:  Saul's Insane Jealousy and David's "Innocence"                  Facilitator =                      
Read 1Sam 21-31, 2Sam 1; Gordon ch. 5 (cont.); Halpern ch. 2C, 17; Brueggemann ch. 1 (pp. 27-32 re 1Sam24)
T  (March 9)- Violent Rebel or Innocent Victim of Saul's Paranoia?  How do you decide?
Issues: Nob execution justified? Saul spared twice. Abigail's anti-violence wisdom. Necromancy works.
Writing: responding to the counter-argument.
Th (March 11)- Consorting with the Philistine Enemy and David's Professed Innocence in Saul's Death
Issues:  Must explain duplicity w/ Philistines, mercenary status, establish innocence in suicide/regicide.
Asst 6:  Discuss the conflicting versions of Saul's death, and possible motives for changing the story.
             Which version do you think is more likely to be accurate?  Why?

Week 9:  Establishing Davidic Kingship and the Davidic Covenant          Facilitator =                      
Read 2Sam 2-7; Gordon ch. 6; Peterson ch. 16 (Mephibosheth); Halpern ch. 2D, 17F, 18-19, Brueggemann ch. 3.
Covenant: Gen. 9, 12, 15, 17, 22; Exod. 19-20, 34; Deut. 5-6, 8-11; Josh. 8:30-35, 23-24; 1Kings 11, 2Kings 24-25, Psalm 89. Review 1Sam 13, 15-16.
T  (March 16)- Civil War with the House of Saul and the Fate of Mephibosheth (2Sam 2-5).
Library talk/tour. Discuss Annotated Bibliography- finding/evaluating sources, determining viewpoint/bias. 
**Research Paper Topics Due!  Start on Bibliography!
Th (March 18)- Jerusalem, the Ark, and the Davidic Covenant: Eternal and unconditional (?)
“Foolish before God: David vs. Saul via Michal in the Ark Narrative”
Asst 7:  Paper Proposal with Annotated Bibliography (5 items) due Thursday in class.

Week 10: Establishing the Kingdom - David's Wars & Historicity                       Facilitator =                      
Read 2Samuel 8-10; Halpern ch. 2E, 6-12, 20.
T  (March 23)- David's Wars and Historicity.
Th (March 25)-  Writing Center talk. Discuss paper revision, peer review.
                          Guidelines: thesis, evidence, argument. Clear? Organized? Convincing?
Asst 8:  Preliminary Draft of Research Paper due in class Thursday for in-class peer review. 

Week 11:  David’s Downfall - Bathsheba and the “succession narrative”         Facilitator =                        
Read 2Sam 11-14; Gordon ch. 7; Peterson ch. 17; Brueggemann ch. 2, Halpern ch. 2F.
Regina Schwartz, "Adultery in the Household of David" in Bach Reader pp. 335-350.
Phyllis Trible, Texts of Terror ch. 2 "The Royal Rape of Wisdom" (Tamar).
Issues: Children punished for sins of father.
Foreign wives, queen mothers (1 Kings 1-12, 16:21-22:53, 2 Kings 9-11). 
T  (March 30)- David's sin, repentance and punishment.  
Th (April 1)- The “Succession Narrative” as the disintegration of Davidic Rule

Week 12:  Absalom's Rebellion                                                                  Facilitator =                      
Read 2Sam 15-19; Peterson ch. 18; Halpern ch. 2G, 4C, 21.
Issues: Chiastic structure. Positive/negative view of David. Who benefits? Pro-/Anti-David implications.
T  (April 6)- Absalom as second “foil” for David; Power-grabbing in Saul/David/Absalom sequence.
Th (April 8)- Faith made perfect in weakness – David as the “man after God’s own heart”
Jeremiah and the Exilic Perspective: “If God is pleased with me…” (?)

**2^nd draft of research paper due at ARC by Thursday April 8th.**

Week 13: Debates over Temple and Succession                                      Facilitator =                      
Read 2Sam 20-24, 1Kings 1-12, Deuteronomy 17:14-20.
Review Judges 9, 1Sam 8, 12, 2Sam 7, 1Chron 10-29, Lam 3:21-27, Isa 55:3, Psalms 89 and 132. 
Read Gordon ch. 8, Halpern ch. 22, Brueggemann ch. 4 + conclusion. 
T  (April 13)- Trusting God's Punishment, Death-bed Advice.  The Samuel Appendix.
Th (April 15)- Solomon and the Establishment of the Temple (and dynastic kingship "like the nations")
                       The Deuteronomic “Law of the King” (Deut 17:14-20) as anti-Solomonic polemic?

**3^rd draft of research paper due Thurs. - hard copy to instructor, electronic submission at Turnitin.com**
Exchange peer reviews again (papers can be read online at Turnitin.com for second peer review).

Week 14: Student Oral Presentations of Research Papers

            T  (April 20)-   1.

                                    2.

                                    3.

                                    4.

            Th (April 22)-   5.

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                                    9.

*Hand out 2nd Take-Home Exam - due at the end of the officially scheduled exam time slot for the course.*
Final paper revisions are also due at this time (in instructor’s mailbox),** and will be collected into a book.

**All students must submit a self-critique plus 2 written peer reviews along with the final paper draft
(give one copy to author and one to instructor).  These reviews will count as part of the assignment grade. 
Please also re-submit your original paper proposal (marked up) and annotated bibliography, as well as any
xeroxed sources used, along with the final draft of your paper.

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