Crying for Justice: Prophetic and Apocalyptic Literature (BS9013Z)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

The prophetic and apocalyptic literature of the Bible makes strong use of rhetoric in the use of direct speech by prophets and imagery by seers. In this unit attention will be given to “the minor prophets”, “major prophets” (Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah), and apocalyptic writing (Daniel, Book of Revelation). The relationship between the context of writing and the content of prophetic and apocalyptic works will be explored. The distinctive features of prophetic and apocalyptic writing are identified and compared. Themes, especially those related to justice, exile, restoration, eschatology, and metaphors for God, are traced through the Old and New Testaments. The relationship between the biblical texts and expressions of prophetic rhetoric and apocalyptic imagination in the visual arts and contemporary film will be explored.

Unit code: BS9013Z

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Biblical Studies

Delivery Mode: Blended

Proposing College: St Francis College

Show when this unit is running

Learning outcomes

1.

Describe the socio-historical contexts from which prophetic and apocalyptic literature arises.

2.

Analyse the distinctive literary features, rhetorical techniques and theological emphases of prophetic and apocalyptic literature, such as the extensive use of speech material in the prophetic literature and imagery in apocalyptic literature.
3.

Evaluate common themes in prophetic and apocalyptic writing, and where they are expressed in creative arts and contemporary culture.

4.
5.
6.

Unit sequence

This unit requires two postgraduate foundation units in Biblical Studies, and two postgraduate elective Biblical Studies units are recommended.

Pedagogy

This unit will incorporate a flipped learning approach, on-campus workshops, and online workshops that will combine direct instruction and collaborative learning approaches.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Ahn, John and Stephen Cook. Thus says the Lord: Essays on the Former and Latter Prophets in honor of Robert R. Wilson. New York, T & T Clark, 2009.
  • Blenkinsopp, Joseph. Isaiah 56-66. NY: Doubeday, 2003.
  • Brueggemann, Walter. Life Fire in the Bones: Listening to the prophetic word in Jeremiah. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg/Fortress, 2006.
  • Collins, John J., Collins, Adela Yarbro and Frank Moore Cross. Daniel: a commentary on the book of Daniel. Hermeneia Series: Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 1993.
  • Lundbom, Jack R. The Hebrew Prophets: An Introduction. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2010.
  • O’Brien, Julia M. Challenging Prophetic metaphor: theology and ideology in the prophets. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 2008
  • Page, Hugh R & Gale A Yee. The prophets: Fortress commentary on the bible Study Edition. Fortress Press, 2016.
  • Sweeney, Marvin A. Form and Intertextuality in prophetic and apocalyptic literature. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, 2005

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay - Essay

Compare and Contrast two biblical texts from a list of paired texts provided.

2000 30.0
Exegesis - Exegesis & Sermon

An exegetical essay (2000 words) on a passage from one of the prophetic writings. A sermon script (1000 words) or slideshow based on the exegesis passage selected.

 3000 40.0
Oral Presentation - Oral Presentation

Analysis of apocalyptic themes evident in a work of visual art or film, and their relationship to the biblical text.

2000 30.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 30 Oct, 2023

Unit record last updated: 2023-10-30 09:06:11 +1100