The Historical Literature (BA3200C)

Undergraduate, 18.0 points

Content

This unit is based on an examination of the “Former Prophets” or “Historical Books” (Joshua–2 Kings) as a key representative of historiography in the Old Testament. It will involve a consideration of the hypothesis of a Deuteronomistic History, identified in Deuteronomy–2 Kings. The other key representative of Old Testament historiography (1 and 2 Chronicles) will also be examined, especially where it parallels texts in the Former Prophets. The unit will consider Israelite and Ancient Near Eastern notions of history and examine contemporary issues, problems and methods associated with the interpretation of such literature.

Unit code: BA3200C

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 3

Unit discipline: Old Testament

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Catholic Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Demonstrate fundamental exegetical and research skills required for the study of the Historical Literature
2.

Demonstrate a knowledge of the critical issues associated with contemporary study of the Historical Literature.
3.

Construct and present a critical exegesis of a text within the Historical Literature.
4.

Research and write a critical essay on an aspect of the Historical Literature.
5.

Demonstrate broad knowledge of relevant background material to the Historical Literature and an ability to assess it critically
6.

Integrate their advanced exegetical skills in the interpretation of biblical texts.

Unit sequence

Two Biblical Studies units at second level

Pedagogy

Lectures, seminars, tutorials and class discussion

Indicative Bibliography

  • Albertz, R. A History of Israelite Religion in the Old Testament Period. Translated by John Bowden. 2 vols. London: SCM Press, 1994.
  • Campbell, Antony F. Joshua to Chronicles: An Introduction. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2004.
  • Campbell, Antony F., and Mark O’Brien. Unfolding the Deuteronomistic History. Origins, Upgrades, Present Text. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2000.
  • Harvey, John E. Retelling the Torah: The Deuteronomistic Historian’s Use of Tetrateuchal Narratives. Journal for the Study of the Old Testament Supplement Series 403. London: T. & T. Clark, 2004.
  • Japhet, Sara. 1 and 2 Chronicles: A Commentary. Old Testament Library. London: SCM Press, 1993.
  • Kalimi, Isaac. The Reshaping of Ancient Israelite History in Chronicles. Winona Lake: Eisenbrauns, 2005. (EBook available.)
  • McKenzie, Steven L. Introduction to the Historical Books. Strategies for Reading. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2010.
  • Mazar, Amihai. Archaeology of the Land of the Bible: 10,000–563 B. C. E.: An Introduction. Anchor Bible Reference Library. New York: Doubleday, 1990.
  • Rofé, Alexander. Deuteronomy: Issues and Interpretation. Old Testament Studies. Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 2002.
  • Römer, Thomas. The So-Called Deuteronomistic History. A Sociological, Historical and Literary Introduction. London: T. & T. Clark, 2005.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

3,000-word essay

 0 60.0
Written Examination

1-hour written examination

 0 20.0
Exegesis

1,000-word exegesis

 0 20.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 6 Aug, 2018

Unit record last updated: 2022-12-12 15:21:24 +1100