BOT 260: OT Prophecy

Professor: R. Russell Mack, Ph.D.

Email:

Phone: (513) 591-0891

Course Description:

An introductory study of the origin and nature of Israelite prophetism, including a survey of the canonical prophets. Emphasis will be given to the contents of each book, considering its historical setting and its religious value. Prerequisite: BOT 150; Concurrent: BEX 200.

Rationale:

The Bible depicts prophets as playing a crucial role in the political, social, and religious life of Israel. Prophets and prophecy appear in the Pentateuch, historical books, Psalms, and prophetic books. Their ministry and message had significant impact on the development of Judaism and Christianity. This course will undertake a survey of the role of prophets as portrayed throughout the Hebrew Bible, as well as undertake a survey of prophetic literature and genres.

Course Goals:

The student who satisfactorily completes this course should be able to:

  1. Discuss the role of prophets in the Ancient Near East as evidenced by participation in forums.
  2. Discuss the social, historical, and literary background of the Israel’s prophets as evidenced by participation in forums and successfully completing the midterm and final exams.
  3. Interpret biblical prophecy using the historico-grammatical method (interpreting the text in light of the historical setting and normal usage of grammar) and relate the message to the present as evidenced by participation in forums and the writing of an essay/sermon/Bible study.
  4. Identify the author(s), general dates, and themes of the text as evidenced by successfully completing the midterm and final exams.
  5. Compare the Old Testament conceptual world with that found throughout the Ancient Near East as evidenced by participation in forum discussions.
  6. Assess the influence Israel’s prophets may have had on Israel as evidenced by participation in forum discussions and writing an essay/sermon/Bible study.

Class Structure:

This is an online class. Proficiency in basic computer skills and Microsoft Word is required. Access to the internet is required (I know, it should go without saying, but what is obvious to you and me …).

Required Texts :

J. Gordon McConville, Exploring the Old Testament: A Guide to the Prophets (EOT vol. 4; Downers Grove: IVP, 2002).

Martti Nissinen, Prophets and Prophecy in the Ancient Near East (Atlanta: SBL, 2003).

Recommended Texts (Recommended for further reading; these texts are NOT required):

Joseph Blenkinsopp, A History of Prophecy in Israel (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1996).

Leon J. Wood, The Prophets of Israel (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1979).

Moodle:

Students will access the course requirements, assignments, submit assignments, and access grades through Moodle. Students unfamiliar with Moodle are encouraged to take the Moodle Student Orientation . To access Moodle:

  1. Go to the Moodle log in page: moodle.ccuniversity.edu/
  2. Login using your campus network login (firstname.lastname). On the Moodle homepage there is a block called “My Courses.”
  3. Click on the name of the course.
  4. You are in.

Assignments and Grading:

  1. Forums (25%): Theological reflection is an important component of Spiritual formation. It involves the proper interpretation of the text and careful reflection on the relevance of the text for the present. Specific assignment details can be accessed using the “Assignment” link in Moodle.
  2. Midterm (25%): 50 T/F, matching, and multiple-choice questions covering the first 4 modules. The exam is open book/open notes. Students have 1.5 hours to complete the exam. A 2% penalty will be assessed for every 5 minutes the time limit is exceeded.
  3. Essay/Sermon/Bible Study (25%): Specific assignment details can be accessed using the “Assignment” link in Moodle.
  4. Final Exam (25%): 50 T/F, matching, and multiple-choice questions covering the last 4 modules. The exam is open book/open notes. Students have 1.5 hours to complete the exam. A 2% penalty will be assessed for every 5 minutes the time limit is exceeded.

Late work – DO NOT assume late work will be accepted. Students must contact the professor and receive permission to submit assignments late. Late work is subject to a penalty of 2% per day it is late.

Important Policies:

The Policy on Academic Integrity, academic accommodations, and attendance can be accessed by using the “CCU Academic Policies” link in Moodle.

Contacting the Professor:

Since this is an online course and not all students have access to the Cincinnati Christian University campus, students are encouraged to contact me by email: or by phone: (513) 591-0891. Students should be aware of the following: phone calls are not welcome after 10:00 p.m. I regularly check my email throughout the day. Please note that I do not work on Sunday as a rule.

NOTICE: All terms and conditions stated in this course plan, including objectives, outline of contents, required texts, assignments, attendance policy, and grading scale, are subject to the professor’s unilateral revision at any point before, during, or after the semester.

Revised 5/15/12