Old Testament Historical Books
Course Syllabus
Spring, 2000 Professor Chuck Pitts, Th.D.
Phone 713-942-9505
Email capitts@hgst.edu
Studies in Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings (the “Former Prophets”) with a view to understanding these books as wholes as well as in various parts and kinds of content. Attention is given to exegetical methods, historical and literary context, and to appropriate interpretation and application.
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Outline and describe the basic flow of the historical narratives contained in the biblical texts.
2. Evaluate critical and historiographical questions and difficulties, utilizing Old Testament scholarship and sound exegetical methods, with the goal of understanding and explaining the theological, philosophical, and historical foundations of ancient Israel.
3. Identify, analyze and summarize the impact of the major characters in ancient Israelite history, including prophetic preaching and activity, political maneuvering, and ethical or religious decisions that involved those characters.
4. Explain the historical, cultural, and religious background of Palestine and the Ancient Near East as it illuminates and expands the student’s understanding of the events recorded in the historical books.
5. Investigate and describe the central theological teachings of the historical books, as well as related and applicable texts from Chronicles, Psalms, and the prophets, and apply them to the modern world.
1. Daily Reading Assignments
Read passages from David M. Howard, Jr., An Introduction to the Old Testament Historical Books, and the biblical text as assigned in the enclosed class schedule.
2. Participation
a. Attendance is expected. Absence from more that 2-3 hours of class will affect your participation grade. Please notify the professor when absence is necessary, especially when assignments are due.
b. Class discussion based upon daily reading is expected. Come to class prepared to take part in discussion.
c. The student should keep a notebook based on daily reading and selected outside reading. The notebook should include a basic outline of all assigned biblical texts and expanded discussion from relevant commentaries (either the text by James E. Smith below, or another commentary) on selected passages. At least one passage (minimum 1 chapter of biblical text) from each biblical book should be expanded with limited explanations concerning interpretation of terms and phrases, historical background, and application for modern life. The notebook will be handed in at the time of each exam.
3. Research Paper
The research paper should be a minimum of 10 pages and include a minimum of six sources beyond the textbook and the Bible. (Remember, that if the student chooses to meet only the minimum requirements, he or she should not expect the maximum grade.)
The student will also make a brief oral presentation during the last class meeting.
The research paper should use the style of Kate L. Turabian’s A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, 6th Edition (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1996). Utilize Turabian especially for use of quotations, notes, and bibliography.
The student must document sources! Any quote of more than three consecutive words should be enclosed in quotation marks and noted. Any quote of three or more lines should be indented and also noted. Also, a summary taken from a source or sources should be noted. The purpose of documentation is to guide the reader to your sources for further study. The student may use either footnotes or parenthetical notes to document sources.
Internet Resources—The student may use some online resources, but limit the Internet to ¼ or less of the total sources. The student must include author, article title, and website in notes and bibliography. Be wary of online resources. If the material seems too fantastic to be true, it probably is not true. When in doubt, check it out carefully.
***The goal of a research paper is that the student study relevant works in the field related to the topic, evaluate the material read, and draw critical conclusions. This requires both research and critical thinking. Remember that this is a scholarly research paper, not a sermon.***
The student should note the following guidelines for critical writing:
--Avoid 1st or 2nd person references (“I,” “we,” or “you”).
--Avoid contractions.
--Avoid passive voice construction (i.e. The student should write “God chose Joshua” rather than “Joshua was chosen by God.”).
--Be sure that tenses always agree (i.e. Do not write in one place that “Howard argues . . .” and at another place “Howard argued . . .”).
--In almost all cases, sub-headings (and a Table of Contents) make the paper better organized and easier to read. Be sure to number pages.
Research Paper topics can include any major issue or theme in the historical books. The Table of Contents of the textbook by Howard includes many possibilities.
4. Examinations
The student will take three examinations as scheduled in the Course Outline.
Any work that is not turned in at the designated time will be subject to reduction of grade. Typically the policy is: up to a week late the grade will be reduced by one letter grade and after a week the assignment will not be accepted.
1. Participation—A balance of attendance, class participation and the Notebook grade.
2. Research Paper
3. Examinations (average of 3 exams)
25%
25%
50%
A = 94-100%
B = 86-93%
C = 78-85%
D = 70-77%
The Bible, preferably in a modern translation (NIV, NASB, NRSV)
David M. Howard, Jr. An Introduction to the Old Testament Historical Books. Chicago: Moody Press, 1993.
Recommended
James E. Smith. The Books of History. Joplin, MO: College Press, 1995. (This book is a brief commentary on all of the historical books. The student may choose to use another commentary that he or she may already own or have access.)
Course Outline
(Wed/Fri)
Jan. 26
Jan. 28
Feb. 2
Feb. 4
Feb. 9
Feb. 11
Feb. 16
Feb. 18
Feb. 23
Feb. 25
Mar. 1
Mar. 3
Mar. 8
Mar. 10
Mar. 15
Mar. 17
Mar. 22
Mar. 24
Mar. 29
Mar. 31
Apr. 5
Apr. 7
Apr. 12
Apr. 14
Apr. 19
Apr. 21
Apr. 26
Apr. 28
(Tues. eve.)
Jan. 25
Feb. 1
Feb. 8
Feb. 15
Feb. 22
Feb. 29
Mar. 7
Mar. 14
Mar. 21
Mar. 28
Apr. 4
Apr. 11
Apr. 18
Apr. 25
Reading assignments are underlined
Introduction to Course
History and Historiographical Issues
Howard,
pp. 23-58
Introduction to Joshua, Howard 59-89
Joshua 1-11
Joshua 12-24
Theology of Joshua, Howard 89-96
Introduction to Judges, Howard 99-118
Judges
1-9
Judges
10-21
Theology of Judges, Howard 118-122
Exam #1
Ruth 1-4, Howard 125-139
Introduction
to 1 & 2 Samuel, Howard 141-158
1 Samuel 1-7
HOLIDAY
Spring Break
1 Samuel
8-12
1 Samuel
13-31
2 Samuel
1-7
2 Samuel
8-19
2 Samuel
20-24
Theology of 1 & 2 Samuel, Howard 158-165
Exam #2
Introduction to 1 & 2 Kings, Howard 169-196
1 Kings
1-11
1 Kings 12-19
1 Kings
20-22, Howard 205-229
2 Kings 1-8
May 3
May 5
May 10
May 12
May 17
May 2
May 9
May 16
2 Kings
9-17
2 Kings 18-25
Theology of
Kings, Howard 197-203
**Papers Due**
Paper Presentations, Review for Final
**Final Exam**
Study Materials on the HGST Network
Lecture notes and reviews will be accessible from the library computers via the HGST network. At the desktop, double-click the “Network Neighborhood” icon. Then double-click the “C Pitts” computer. At this point, choose the appropriate class folder (Historical Books, Minor Prophets, Biblical Backgrounds, etc.), where various class materials will be made available to the student.