BA2064/3064 —

Old Testament: Wisdom Literature

2nd semester Thursday evening (Min. No. 6)

Content

This unit will undertake a study of Wisdom Literature. Specific texts will be studied from historical critical and literary perspectives. Study of two books from Wisdom Literature – Proverbs, Ecclesiastes (Qoholeth), Daniel, and Job – will be undertaken.

Prerequisites

Level 2: BA1020 and BN1020 or the equivalent
Level 3: At least one unit of Old Testament at level two

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. demonstrate a knowledge of the structure and composition of the chosen books
2. identify and explain the significance of literary forms
3. identify distinctive theological themes that emerge
4. assess the similarities and differences in the way that wisdom is depicted
5. demonstrate skills in critical biblical interpretation.

Assessment

Level 2: 1500 word exegetical paper (35%); 3000 word essay (65%)
Level 3: 1500 word exegetical paper (30%); 4000 word essay (70%)

Bibliography

* = set texts recommended for purchase bq. Brown, William P. Character in Crisis: A Fresh Approach to the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1996.

Brenner, Athalya and Carole R. Fontaine, eds. Wisdom and Psalms: A Feminist Companion to the Bible. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1998.

Crenshaw, James L. Old Testament Wisdom: An Introduction. Atlanta, GA: John Knox Press, 1998.

*Estes, Daniel J. Handbook of Wisdom Books and Psalms. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Press, 2005.

*Hunter, Alistair G. Wisdom Literature. London: SCM 2006.

Longman III, Tremper, and Peter Enns, eds. A Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry and Writings. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity, 2008.

Perdue, Leo G. Wisdom and Creation: The Theology of Wisdom. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1994.

*Perdue, Leo G. Wisdom Literature: A Theological History. Louisville, KY: Westminster, John Knox Press, 2007.

Lecturer

Mary Reaburn NDS