Prophets II – OBST 845
CG • Section 8WK • 07/01/2018 to 12/31/2199 • Modified 02/01/2024
Course Description
A study of select portions of the Latter Prophets, including a treatment of the historical framework of the 8th – 5th centuries B.C. The course addresses the rhetorical strategies of the writing prophets along with the hermeneutics involved in the study of prophetic genre and sub-genre. A functional analysis is provided for key interpretive issues in the study of the Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and the Book of the Twelve. The course engages with current evangelical scholarship on critical issues that relate to the study of the writing prophets. Special emphasis is placed on biblical theological motifs within the prophetic corpus, and expositional strategies to integrate standard exegesis with biblical theological awareness.
For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.
Rationale
This course is part of the PhD in Bible Exposition because the Latter Prophets are a major part of the Old Testament corpus with distinctive themes, literary genres, and theological emphases. These prophetic books have a close relationship with the Torah and Former Prophets in developing God’s unique covenantal relationships with Israel and the nations. Their focus is on the coming ideal Davidic ruler and the future eschatological era.
Course Assignment
Textbook Readings and Lecture Presentations / Lecture Notes
Course Requirements Checklist
After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.
Discussions (3)
Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will complete 3 Discussions throughout the course. The purpose of the Discussions is to generate interaction between students in regard to relevant current course topics. The student is required to post an initial thread of 1500 words. The student must also post 3 substantive replies to other student posts reflective of the type of discussion expected in a doctoral class seminar. (CLO: B, D, E)
Essay Assignments (2)
The student will write 2 essays (1200-1500 words as directed in the assignment) on assigned topics. The student is to interact with readings assigned for the module that corresponds to the essay. The essays should reflect careful research and critical thinking and should provide biblical support for the positions taken in the essay. Five outside sources should be cited in current Turabian formatting. (CLO: A, B, D, E)
Messianic Text Lecture PowerPoint Presentation Assignment
The student is to provide a detailed PowerPoint presentation for a 30-minute lecture on a select messianic text. The PowerPoint does not need to provide a manuscript for the entire lesson but should provide an overview of the passage with discussion of interpretive questions, key concepts and themes, and how the passage contributes to a biblical understanding of Messiah. The lecture should also include discussion of how the passage is to be read in light of the New Testament (particularly if the passage is cited or referenced in the NT). (CLO: B, E)
Major Research Paper: Bibliography Assignment
The student is to submit the bibliography for the Major Research Paper: Final Submission Assignment to be submitted in Module 7. This bibliography should conform to Turabian formatting and should contain 25-30 academic sources appropriate for doctoral-level research. (CLO: C)
Major Research Paper: Expositional Outline Assignment
The student is to present a detailed 1-2 page (single space the actual outline points with double spacing between the various units of the outline) expositional outline of the passage you are researching for your major paper. This outline will not be submitted as part of the final paper but will provide the structure for the passage that you will use in the paper submitted in Module 7. (CLO: A, C, D, E)
Major Research Paper: Final Submission Assignment
The student will submit a 27-30 page (not to exceed 35 pages) on a selected prophetic text (approved by the professor). This text should be a complete oracle, narrative, or sermon within the prophetic corpus (or at least a complete sub-unit within a larger prophetic passage). This paper is a doctoral-level research paper exploring the meaning and message of the passage and not a homily on the text. Sermonic material should not be included as part of the exposition of this text. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)
