THL308 The Prophetic Literature (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Theology (THEOL)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
This subject is a critical study of the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. It examines the prophetic writings against their varied historical, social, political and religious contexts, and it also explores critical issues associated with their interpretation. The subject examines the major theological and ethical themes of the prophetic writings and critically evaluates their contemporary relevance. Special attention is given to a discrete collection of prophetic texts. Exegetical and interpretive competence is further developed and refined through the critical review and creative application of historical, socio-cultural, rhetorical, poetic and ideological methods of analysis to a range of prophetic texts.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Session 1 | |
|---|---|
| Internal | Canberra |
| Internal | United Theological College |
| Distance | Canberra |
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: THL308
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Assumed Knowledge:
THL105 and one of either THL202 or THL209
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to demonstrate an understanding of the distinctive literature of the biblical prophets from the pre-exilic, exilic and post-exilic periods
- be able to demonstrate an understanding of critical issues associated with the interpretation of prophetic literature
- be able to discuss the contextual nature of prophecy in the social, political and religious life of Israel
- be able to discuss major theological and ethical themes in the prophetic literature and critically evaluate their contemporary relevance
- be able to demonstrate advanced skills in Old Testament critical method through exegesis and interpretation of various prophetic texts
- be able to demonstrate self-guided learning, including research, writing and communication skills
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
- A scholarly survey of the prophetic literature (Major and Minor Prophets)
- The historical, social, political and religious contexts of the prophetic literature
- The contextual nature of prophecy in the social, political and religious life of Israel
- The date, provenance, growth and composition of the prophetic writings
- The literary styles and structure of various prophetic materials
- The redaction and formation of one of the four major prophetic books (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel or the Twelve)
- Major theological and ethical themes in the prophetic writings and their contemporary relevance
- Recent interpretive approaches in relation to prophetic texts
- Exegesis and interpretation of prophetic texts
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.