REL 113: Old Testament Faith and History, Fall 2004. SYLLABUS. RJDKnauth
Class
time MWF 10:15-11:20 am in B309. Office hours MWF 2:10-3:00pm, T/Th 9:30-11:30am.
Office D-320. Email: knauth@lycoming.edu.
Tel: 321-4298(GAYT), home: 326-3822.
Religion Tutors at ARC: Katie John, Kent Hayden, Cynthia Betz, Jill Parker.
The primary purpose of this course is for you to (1) READ THE ENTIRE OLD TESTAMENT and (2) be introduced to some tools and historical background that will help you to understand it.
Note:
Primary
Text: The Bible. Any
version is fine, but a good study Bible with notes and historical
background is helpful. The
bookstore will carry the Harper Collins Study Bible (NRSV).
Secondary
Texts: A Survey of the Old
Testament (2nd ed.), Hill & Walton (“Hill” in syllabus)
Who
Wrote the Bible? R. Friedman
note historical outline p. 333)
4. Wisdom Literature
("Writings")
1)
Attendance and informed participation (readings having been completed) at all
class sessions will be expected (worth 10% of the final grade).
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 3 absences lowers your final grade 1%.
2)
Weekly
Quizzes on the readings for that week (worth 10% of the final grade) will take
place at the beginning of class each Wednesday as listed in this syllabus, so be
sure to complete the readings by Wednesday of each week.
Of 12 quizzes, the lowest 2 grades will be dropped from the average.
3)
Weekly
Written Assignments,
exercises or reflections on the readings as specified in the syllabus (worth 10% of the final grade)
will be collected in class most Fridays, and will be the basis for class discussion on
those days. If participation is
scanty, then the instructor will call on students at random.
Assignments should be 1 page, typed in 12-point, Times New Roman font,
single spaced, with 1-inch margins all around.
Always print 2 copies, hand one in, and keep the other to take notes on. Late assignments will be
penalized.
4)
Students wishing to make up for absences or missed quizzes may submit Chapter Outline Summaries
5)
There will be 3 short (1 hour, non-cumulative) Tests
(each worth 10% of the final grade) on each of the first three sections of the
course, covering relevant historical background, scholarly theories and content.
Review sheets will be handed out in advance.
6) A short (6 pg.) Exegesis Project (worth 20% of the final grade, due on Friday, Nov. 12th) will be required, giving a close thematic analysis of an Old Testament text (or texts) concerning some major issue discussed in class, plus some personal reflection and application of that text. Your paper proposal (see the Exegesis Project Guidelines proposal form), including a statement of your primary biblical text, topic, thesis, and bibliography will be due on Monday, Oct. 11th. Your revised proposal plus a 1-pg description in outline form will be due in class on Friday, Oct. 22nd, and will count as your "written assignment" for that week. Rough drafts will be accepted until this date. Prior to turning the completed project in, each student must visit the writing center once (no paper will be accepted without documentation of a visit to the ARC), and solicit one peer review. Copies of your sources, the original and revised proposals, the peer review (signed by your reviewer) and your "self evaluation" (on the proposal form, including the date of your visit to the writing center) will be turned in along with the final project, which should include an adequate bibliography as specified in the guidelines, on Nov 12th. Turn in a hard copy to the instructor's mailbox (outside D-320), and an electronic copy at http://www.turnitin.com (class ID 20604, enrollment password "otfh01").
7)
A Final Exam (2 hours, worth
20% of the final grade), covering the entire course, will be given during exam
period. The exam will be essay
format (with some choice) and issue oriented.
8)
Extra Credit will be granted at the instructor's discretion for the
following:
a) Chapter Outline Summaries
from the textbook as specified above.
b) Sets of I.D. flashcards for learning names, dates and
books of the Bible, etc.
c) Attending special events (Bill Dever lecture, Fall
Symposium)
d) Creative cartoons, limericks, etc. that capture the
message of a particular story or character in the Bible in association with the
name (include an explanation) - to be shared with the class. For example,
picture two garden hoses lovingly entwined - one (labeled "Hosea")
looks up to heaven; the other with big eyelashes (labeled
"wife/Israel") stretches away. Explanation: God commanded
Hosea to take an adulterous wife (symbolic of unfaithful Israel), whom he
repeatedly wooed back despite her infidelity - an example of "prophetic
symbolism" representing God's unconditional love for Israel.
e) Watching "Biblical" movies relating to the Old
Testament and submitting points of disagreement with the actual biblical account
(citing chapter and verse). To get credit, the student must also submit
movie ticket stubs with theater and date, video receipt with date and time
watched, or TV schedule including channel and time watched. I know you watch these. Get out your Bibles and check up on them for
credit!
Schedule
of Classes:
Section
1: The Pentateuch (Torah)
Week
1: Introduction, Genesis I:
Primeval History
Read Genesis 1-11; Hill pp. 18-80, 146-166, 290-303,
384-399, 571-587;
Friedman Intro. + ch. 2; OTP pp.
9-18, 25-28 (on-line reserve) (total 168 pgs).
M (Aug. 30)- Introduction: "Salvation History," Genres, ANE
context, "distinctiveness."
W (Sept. 1)- "Primeval History:" creation, fall, redemption.
F (Sept.
3)- Pentateuchal Criticism: J, E, P, D and all that, issues of
dating and authorship.
*Asst. 1 (handout, due Fri): Exercise
on evaluating multiple sources in Gen. 1-11 (J vs. P).
Week
2: Genesis II: Patriarchs –
Inheritance of the Promise
Read Genesis 12-50; Hill ch. 2; Friedman ch. 1-4.
Compare OTP 61-75,
Pritchard ANET pp. 24-27 (on-line reserve) re Joseph parallels (total 160 pgs).
M (Sept. 6)- The story of family, problem of heirs. Discuss Abram's call and the
binding of Isaac.
W (Sept. 8)- Feuding brothers. Discuss Esau/Jacob, History, Religion, Drama. *Quiz
1: Genesis.
F (Sept. 10)- Joseph cycle – “You intended it for evil, but God intended
it for good!” Discussion.
*Asst. 2: Discuss the parallel deceptions by Jacob/Laban
and Rachel/Joseph. What is the significance?
(i.e. Jacob pretending to be Esau, Laban switching Leah for Rachel; Rachel
stealing gods, Joseph's cup)
Week
3: Exodus – Liberation and
Covenant
Read Exodus; Hill ch. 3; Friedman ch. 5-7, 11; OTP 85, 101-109
(total 166 pgs).
M (Sept. 13)- The identity of a nation. Liberation, Sinai, covenant. ANE
theme pattern, imagery.
W (Sept. 15)- Moses – legendary charismatic leader, intercessor,
law-giver. *Quiz 2: Exodus.
F
(Sept. 17)- Discussion on the Plagues, the Red Sea, the Golden Calf -
Sources.
*Asst. 3: Discuss the Golden Calf story, who benefits from
telling it and what is their purpose.
Week
4: From Covenant to Edge of
Promised Land
Read (skim) Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Hill ch. 4-6, OTP
124-126 (total 210 pgs).
M (Sept. 20)- Leviticus: holiness, sacrifice, covenant. Jubilee!
W (Sept. 22)- Numbers: wanderings
& conflict, name lists & boundaries, Balaam. *Quiz 3.
*Asst. 4: Due Wed! Discuss the
differing views of Balaam in: Num 22-25, 31; OTP 124-126;
Deut 23:3-6; Josh 13:22, 24:9-10; Neh 13:1-3; Mic 6:5; 2Pet 2:15-16; Jude
11; Rev 2:14.
F
(Sept. 24)- Deuteronomy: nature of biblical law, ANE context, continuity
and distinctiveness.
Week
5: Pentateuch Review and Test
Read Friedman ch. 8-14 (i.e. rest of book = 96 pgs). Review Pentateuch, Hill
1-6 + Appendix.
M (Sept. 27)- Source Criticism (J, E, D, P), formation of epic. *Exam
Review Sheet*
M (Sept. 27)- 7:00 pm C-303 Public Lecture by Dr. Robert Miller of Juniata
College:
"The Historical Jesus and the Kingdom of God" (extra credit).
W (Sept. 29)- Review for Test on Pentateuch (no quiz, no written
assignment).
F
(Oct. 1)- *Test 1 on the
Pentateuch, Hill ch. 1-6+App., Friedman, Parallels (10% of grade).
Section
2: The Historical Books (“Former Prophets”)
Week
6: The Tribal League
Read Joshua, Judges; Hill ch.7-9; OTP 91-93, 141-144, 333-337;
review Friedman ch.1 (total 138 pgs).
M (Oct. 4)- Issues of conquest/settlement, archaeology – fulfillment of promise!
*Assign skit groups.
*Discuss the nature of the Exegesis Project.*
T (Oct. 5)- 7:30 pm Heim G-11 Symposium Event: Inter-faith panel (extra credit opportunity)
W (Oct. 6)- The tribal league, local hero stories, unity/disunity. Skits!
*Quiz 4.
F
(Oct. 8)- Anti-kingship vs. pro-kingship. Discussion/Debate.
*Asst. 5: Is the Book of
Judges primarily anti-monarchic or pro-monarchic? Give your evidence.
Week
7: The United
Monarchy, “Golden
Age” of Israel
Read Ruth, 1-2 Samuel, 1Kings 1-11, Hill ch. 10-11, OTP 145-146
(total 148 pgs).
M (Oct. 11)- Samuel, Ark Narrative, Philistines and Kingship. *Discuss
Exegesis prop & outline.
Example: "Saul's Death - Regicide or Suicide?" - making an argument.
*Initial
Exegesis Proposal due in class (see Exegesis Project Guidelines
proposal form),
including a statement of your primary biblical text, topic, thesis,
and preliminary bibliography.
W (Oct. 13)- Saul, David (rise and succession narratives), Solomon. Evaluation of
character. *Quiz 5.
F
(Oct. 15)- Long Weekend - NO CLASS.
Week
8: The Divided Monarchy into the
Exile: Deuteronomistic History; Bill Dever week!
Read 1-2 Kings, Hill ch. 12, OTP 155-190 (total 122
pgs). Review
Friedman ch. 4-7 (60 pgs).
M (Oct. 18)- Special Presentation by renowned
Biblical Archaeologist Bill Dever.
M/T (Oct. 18/19)- 7:30pm Heim G-11 Public Lecture,
Biblical Archaeologist Bill Dever (extra credit)
Th (Oct. 21)- 7:30 pm Heim G-11 Symposium Event: Dr. Robert Edgar (extra credit)
F (Oct. 22)- Fall of North, Sennacherib invasion: conflicting
sources, differing perspectives.
*Asst. 6: Revised
Exegesis Project
Proposal due Friday in class (form plus 1
pg. descriptive outline).
Week
9: Exile and Restoration.
The Chronicler’s History.
Read 1-2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah; Hill ch. 13-14 (total 153 pgs).
Review Friedman ch. 8, 13 (28 pgs).
M (Oct. 25)- Josiah vs. Manasseh,
theological crisis of exile, reshaping history. Jeremiah & Ezra.
W (Oct. 27)-
*Asst. 7: Due
Wed! Look at the
way Manasseh is presented in Kings vs. in Chronicles.
Explain!
W (Oct. 27)-
F (Oct. 29)- Historical
Review, Review for Test on Section 2.
Week
10: Test on Histories
M (Nov. 1)- *Test 2 on Historical Books, Hill ch. 7-14 (10% of final grade).
Section
3: The Prophets (Writing Prophets)
Week
10: Test on Histories; Prophets in the Assyrian Crisis
Read Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, Micah, Nahum; Hill ch. 22-23,
28, 30, 33-34
(total 190 pgs).
M (Nov. 1)- *Test 2 on Historical Books, Hill ch. 7-14 (10% of final grade).
W (Nov. 3)- Introduction to Prophets. Amos and Hosea.
F
(Nov. 5)- Politics of Assyrian Crisis. Isaiah of Jerusalem, Micah, Nahum,
Jonah. *Quiz 8.
*No Ass't. Work on Exegesis Project!
Week
11: Major Prophets in the Crisis of
Exile
Read Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel; Hill ch. 24-26 (total
154 pgs).
M (Nov. 8)- Jeremiah (two versions!), connection with Deuteronomistic
History (Friedman ch. 5-7).
W (Nov. 10)- Ezekiel: “Can these bones live?” Prophetic symbolism, exile.
Small groups.*Quiz 9.
F
(Nov. 12)- Isaiah's "call" in ch. 6. Controversy over the unity of Isaiah (focus on Isaiah
6 and 40).
2nd Isaiah as hope for restoration from exile. Servant songs, Messianic prophecy.
**Exegesis Projects
due
Friday
Nov 12, midnight, instructor's box outside D-320
(20% of grade)!
Week
12: Prophets in the Restoration; Minor Prophets Overview
Read Joel, Obadiah, Habakkuk,
Jonah, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi;
Read/Review Hill ch.
28-39 (52+77=129 pgs).
W (Nov. 17)- The book of the twelve, prophetic survey.
F
(Nov. 19)- Review for Test on Prophets (Bible Jeopardy III).
Week
13: Test, Thanksgiving Break
Review
Hill ch. 22-26, 28-39 for Monday (50+77=127 pgs).
Read Psalms (after Test 3 of course; total 140 pgs)!
M (Nov. 22)- *Test 3 on
Prophets, Hill ch. 15-16, 19-21, 22-39 (worth 10% of the final grade).
W (Nov. 24), F (Nov. 28)- School closed for Thanksgiving Holiday.
Read Psalms!
Section
4: Wisdom Literature ("Writings")
Week
14: Psalms, Traditional Wisdom and
Anti-Wisdom.
Read Song of Songs, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job; Hill ch. 16-21 (185 pgs);
rec. OTP 203-228.
M (Nov. 29)-
W (Dec. 1)- Proverbs - the traditional wisdom; Ecclesiastes and Anti-Wisdom. *Quiz 11.
F
(Dec. 3)- Job and the dilemma of the righteous sufferer - discussion
(note esp. Job 31).**
*Asst. 8: Who is on trial in Job, and why? What is the major
question at stake? How is it answered?
Week
15: Daniel and Esther - Hero Stories
and Apocalyptic; Review.
Read Daniel, Esther, 1Macc 1-4, 2Macc 5-10; Hill ch. 15,
27 (38+24+15=77 pgs).
M (Dec. 6)-
Esther (+Jonah).
Wisdom tales, hero stories, and humor. *Review sheet.*
*Asst. 9 (due Mon!): Reflect on the
use of humor and role reversals in Esther and Jonah
W (Dec. 8)- Daniel and apocalyptic. “Apocrypha.”
*Quiz 12.
*Asst. 10 (due Wed!): Reflect on the
message of Daniel in relation to life under foreign rule
F
(Dec. 10)- Review for final exam, essay format.
A
two-hour Final Exam will follow
during Exam Period (Dec. 13-17; worth 20% of grade).
The
exam is cumulative, covering the entire course, and will consist of quote
interpretations and essay
questions concerning broader themes and concepts from the entire course, for
which there will be some choice.
NOTES:
*Assignments
are due on Fridays in class, unless otherwise noted in the syllabus.
*Save backups of all your work to your “H” drive space, backed up by OCT each night.
*The Pritchard Reserve Readings on "Joseph Parallels" for week 2 are available on-line in the "Electronic Reserves" as well as in the library at the circulation desk.
Instructions for
Electronic Reserves:
Supplemental course readings have been placed on
electronic reserve through
WebCT at
http://lycoapps.lycoming.edu:8900/webct/public/home.pl.
Your username is the same as your Novell login. The password is initially set
to the last six digits of your Social Security number. Full instructions are
available on the library Web site at
http://www.lycoming.edu/library/reserves/index.htm. Contact Martha
Ashenfelder (x4150) or Diana Cleveland (x4160) in
ITS about forgotten passwords. For other problems or questions,
contact Joanna Holcombe (x4087) or Gail Spencer
(x4053) in the library or use the help
form at
http://www.lycoming.edu/library/reserves/ereshelp.htm.
**Papers
are officially due on Friday at midnight. The
office doors are locked around 5:00pm. Papers
delivered after 5:00 will obviously not be retrieved until the following Monday,
so any papers found in the mailbox on Monday morning will be accepted as being
"on time." Please do
not come with last minute excuses asking for a short extension.
Just get it in the box by Monday morning.
Any papers not yet turned in by first thing Monday morning, short of a
major illness (with a note from the doctor), family emergency (with a note from
parents), or other serious problem, will be penalized at the discretion of the
instructor.
Hard copies should be submitted in my box (outside D-320) along with your original and revised proposals, an adequate bibliography as specified in the guidelines, a self-evaluation (including the date of your visit to the writing center, required for all students), a peer review, and copies of your sources. In addition to the hard copy, papers must be submitted electronically at http://turnitin.com (class ID 20604, enrollment password “otfh01”).
A
Note on Workload:
This is not high school! College
courses require preparation!
The standard at Lycoming College is 6-9 hours of preparation per week per
course, not including class time. That’s 2-3 hours of preparation for
every 1 hour in class. For this
course in general you should plan on spending 6 hours each week just reading
(average 150 pages/week; at 25 pages/hour or 2½ min. per page, this would come
to 6 hours/wk), plus 1 hour to study for the quiz and 1-2 hours working on the
written assignment. By the way, you
should know that introductory 100-level courses such as this, while they do not
assume prior knowledge of the subject area, are generally MORE WORK than upper
level courses. This is because the
breadth and volume of material covered is greater, and the instructor cannot
assume any prior knowledge and therefore cannot just leave things out.
If you want to be successful in this course, then plan to schedule in
your study time!
A Note on Academic Dishonesty: Academic Dishonesty is a serious offense at Lycoming College and in this class. Academic Dishonesty includes failing to give credit to sources used (otherwise known as Plagiarism). This would include copying material from a book, article or web site without citing your source. "Paraphrasing" is not sufficient. If you are using someone else's words you must put the material in quotation marks as well as citing your source. Even if you paraphrase or summarize, if you are using someone else's *ideas,* you must cite your source, giving specific page numbers, as well as listing the source in your bibliography. See the Library web pages on the mechanics of how to properly cite sources. Plagiarism also includes copying material from one of your classmates or from previous students – whether on a formal paper or a short assignment. You are allowed to discuss assignments together, but when it comes to writing out your answers, you must do your own work and use your own words. If I receive two assignments (or chapter outline summaries) containing a majority of identical wording, BOTH will receive an “F.” If I receive papers containing substantial amounts of material copied from any source (books, articles, web sites, other student papers, etc.) without the proper citation and credit being given, that student will receive an “F” on the project and will be reported to the Dean. Keep in mind that I have a very good memory, keep my own file of past papers, and also have a web browser. In addition, all papers will be handed in electronically at http://www.turnitin.com, where Lycoming has a college-wide account. This site will check all papers against the internet and other resources, as well as against papers previously submitted to this and other classes. Over the past several years I have discovered a number of instances of plagiarism in my classes. According to school policy, a second infraction of this type in any course at Lycoming College can result in expulsion from the school. If you do not clearly understand what this means or what plagiarism is, please come and talk to me about it and I will be glad to explain. Remember: the difference between plagiarism and good research is only proper citation!