Minor Prophets of the Old Testament
Course Syllabus
Spring, 2000 Professor Chuck Pitts, Th.D.
Phone 713-942-9505
Email capitts@hgst.edu
A study of the minor prophets of the Old Testament with attention to the content, form and style of these books, and to the historical and literary contexts as well as exegetical methods, inter-pretation and application.
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Describe the historical, cultural, political, and religious setting of each of the Minor Prophets and his message (Hosea, Amos, Micah, Jonah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Obadiah, Joel, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi), with attention to the history and culture of Egypt, Palestine, Canaan, and the Ancient Near East where applicable.
2. Summarize the basic teachings contained in the message of each of the Minor Prophets, with special attention to the flow of thought in the prophetic books.
3. Identify, analyze and summarize themes that are prevalent in the Minor Prophets, as seen by appearance in more than one of the biblical books.
4. Evaluate major theological issues as they arise in the messages of the Minor Prophets by applying sound critical, exegetical methods to the study of the texts.
5. Apply the teachings of the Minor Prophets to life in the modern world, primarily by comparing ancient and modern society, religion, problems, and sins as these relate to the messages of the Minor Prophets.
1. Daily Reading Assignments
Read passages from Douglas Stuart, Hosea-Jonah in Word Biblical Commentary, and Ralph Smith, Micah-Malachi in Word Biblical Commentary, 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 will prepare a brief (1-2 pp.) introduction to each of the Minor Prophets. This material will be gleaned from the introductions to each prophetic book in the textbooks. This introduction should include discussion, where applicable, of:
i. Biographical data for the prophet;
ii. Historical setting for the prophet’s message & ministry;
iii. Major teachings and themes of the prophet’s message; and
iv. Other pertinent matters, such as style, text, or form.
The introductions will be handed in at the time of each exam. As long as the writing is readable, the introductions need not be typed.
3. Semester Project—The student may choose one of the following:
a. 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, single-spaced, and also noted. Also, a summary of ideas taken from a source or sources should be noted. The purpose of documentation is to guide the reader of your paper 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 Hosea” rather than “Hosea was chosen by God.”).
--Be sure that tenses always agree (i.e. Do not write in one place that “Stuart argues . . .” and at another place “Stuart 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 in one of the prophetic books (such as historical background, themes, or theological issues) or an in-depth exegetical study of a section of one of the books. Possible topics could include, but are not limited to:
The Historical Background of Amos, Hosea, or Micah
Hosea’s Marriage & His Message
Hosea’s Children & His Message
“Love” in Hosea’s Preaching
Idolatry in Hosea’s Preaching
Idolatry in Amos’ Preaching
Covenant in Hosea’s Preaching (or another of the prophets)
Religion and Cult in Hosea
Religion and Cult in Amos
Prophecy against the Nations in Amos, Obadiah, Micah, Zeph., Malachi, Joel, or Zechariah
The “Day of the Lord” in the Minor Prophets (or one of the books)
Restoration/Remnant in Hosea and/or Amos
Joel and the Outpouring of the Spirit
Jonah’s “Story”
“Justice and Righteousness” in the Minor Prophets (or individual books)
Messianic Prophecies in the Minor Prophets (esp. Micah, Joel, Zechariah, and Malachi)
Prophecies against Corrupt Leaders in the Minor Prophets (esp. Hosea, Amos & Micah)
Habakkuk’s Problem (Theodicy?)
God’s Wrath/Anger in the Minor Prophets (or individual books)
God’s Judgment in the Minor Prophets (or individual books)
Haggai, Zechariah, and the Rebuilding of the Temple
Zechariah and Apocalyptic Literature
b. Sermon Series—The student may choose to develop a series of sermons. The sermon series should include 4-6 sermons (A series of 4 sermons will be eligible for a maximum grade of B). The series can be from one book or based on a theme that is developed through more than one of the Minor Prophets. The sermons must be related to each other in a series in some way, either from the same book or dealing with a common theme. Each of the sermons should include:
i. Introduction, which should lead up to the main idea and the Scripture text.
ii. Objective/Main Idea of the sermon
iii. Outline, which should include (where applicable) the major points of the sermon, expanded by illustrations, word studies, background (historical, cultural), and theological material, as well as parallel texts from other biblical books. This section should show the exegetical study conducted by the student.
iv. Conclusion, which should include practical application.
The student must show research and serious study. Include a bibliography of sources used in sermon preparation.
c. Bible Study—The student may choose to prepare a Bible Study series on one or more of the Minor Prophets. The series should include 4-6 Bible studies. (A series of 4 studies will be eligible for a maximum grade of B.) The series may cover one biblical book or, if shorter books (such as Joel or Habakkuk) are chosen, several books. Each Bible study should include:
i. Introduction to the prophet and his world.
ii. Study questions on selected themes and important concepts, words, and phrases. Answers to the questions should be provided. These answers should show thorough exegetical work by the student.
iii. Historical, cultural, and religious background discussions to aid the person who might use the study. This should include relevant parallel scripture passages, as well as important literary and archaeological discoveries from the Ancient Near East, which might help in understanding the texts in the study.
iv. Conclusion to the study, which should include practical application.
[**Note: Handouts that could be used in teaching this study could also be useful.**]
Include a bibliography of sources used in study.
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 Introductions grade.
2. Semester Project
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)
Douglas Stuart, Hosea-Jonah in Word Biblical Commentary, Vol. 31. Waco, TX: Word Books, 1987.
Ralph L. Smith, Micah-Malachi in Word Biblical Commentary, Vol. 32. Waco, TX: Word Books, 1984.
Course Outline
(Wed/Fri)
Jan. 26
Jan. 28
Feb. 2
Feb. 4
Feb. 9
Feb. 11
Feb. 16
Feb. 18
(Tues. eve.)
Jan. 25
Feb. 1
Feb. 8
Feb. 15
(Reading Assignments are underlined)
Introduction to Course
Introduction to Hosea, Stuart 2-19
Hosea 1-3, Stuart 20-68
Hosea 4-8,
Stuart 69-137
Hosea 9-11, Stuart 138-184
Hosea
12-14, Stuart 184-220
Introduction
to Amos, Amos 1-2, Stuart 274-302
Amos 3-5, Stuart 302-356
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
May 3
May 5
May 10
May 12
May 19
Feb. 22
Feb. 29
Mar. 7
Mar. 14
Mar. 21
Mar. 28
Apr. 4
Apr. 11
Apr. 18
Apr. 25
May 2
May 9
May 16
Amos 6-9,
Stuart 356-400
Introduction
to Micah, Smith 2-12
Micah 1-3, Smith 13-35
Micah 4-7, Smith 35-60
**Exam #1**
Introduction
to Jonah, Jonah 1-4, Stuart 424-510
HOLIDAY
Spring Break
Nahum 1-3,
Smith 62-90
Habakkuk 1-3, Smith 92-112
Zephaniah 1-4, Smith 112-144
Intro. to Obadiah, Obadiah 1, Stuart 402-422
**Exam
#2**
Introduction
to Joel, Stuart 222-235
Joel 1-4,
Stuart 236-271
Haggai,
Smith 146-163
Introduction
to Zechariah, Smith 166-181, 242-249
Zechariah 1-8, Smith 182-241
Zechariah
9-14, Smith 242-293
(continued)
Intro. to
Malachi, Malachi 1-2, Smith 296-325
Malachi
3-4, Smith 325-342
**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.