THL308 The Prophetic Literature (8)

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.

Availability

Term 1 (75)
On Campus
Ming Hua Theological College

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.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Theology

Assumed Knowledge

Students are recommended to have prior knowledge equivalent to or studied THL105 and either THL202 or THL209.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to demonstrate a critical and informed understanding of issues relating to the interpretation of the prophetic literature;
  • be able to demonstrate a critical and informed understanding of the distinctive literature of the biblical prophets from the pre-exilic, exilic and post-exilic periods;
  • 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 competence in the exegesis and interpretation of biblical texts through critical engagement with primary biblical materials and constructive engagement with secondary literature; and
  • be able to demonstrate self-guided learning, including advanced research, writing and communication skills.

Syllabus

This 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

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of THL308 in Session 1 2019. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Exegesis
60
2
Essay on the book of the twelve
40

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: October 2020. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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