REL 240: "The Prophets"
This course examines the writings and roles of biblical prophets within an extended context that includes prophecy in the ancient Near East, New Testement views of prophecy, and modern adaptations of the prophetic role as agent of social, religious, and political change. Resources will be drawn from non-biblical traditions and works in anthropology, sociology, feminist, and African-American studies. Area C, Spring semester, odd years.
[Schedule of Topics (Feb, Mar, Apr, May) , Textbooks, Books on Reserve, Study Guides and Worksheets ]
Syllabus
Professor: Dr. Andy Vaughn
- office: Old Main 105C
- office telephone: x7475
- home telephone: 507-934-1225 (before 9pm)
- email: avaughn@gustavus.edu
- office hours: M 9:00-10:00; W 9:00-10:00; F 1:30-2:20 AND by appointment
David L. Petersen, The Prophetic Literature—An Introduction (Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2002).
Additional Text:
The Bible. Either NRSV, NIV, JPS, or another approved translation. A paraphrase such as the Good News Bible or Living Bible or the King James Version may not be used exclusively. The professor recommends the Harper-Collins Study Bible, ed. by W. Meeks. The professor prefers that you use the NRSV.
Anticipated Method of Evaluation:
Short papers: 15% First Exam 20% Second Exam 25% Group Projects 25% Final Paper: 15% ____ 100%
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF TOPICS AND READINGS
Feb. 10 (M): Course introduction and "What are Prophets Anyway?"
12 (W): Continuation of discussion of Divine Council
17 (M): Rethinking "Prophetic Literature"
14 (F): No class (campus-wide discussion)
19 (W): The Social Location of the Prophet
21 (F): The Prophetic Call and True and False Prophets
24 (M): 1 Kgs 22:13-28
- -complete worksheet
- -1st round of four-page papers (a): Amy Addington, Eric Nerland, Jessica Brandanger, Jonathan Bruemmer, Erik Christensen, Lane Cowger, Daria Hashemi-Rad
- -you can turn your paper in on Friday if you prefer as this was the date of the original assignment
26 (W): Elijah and Elisha:
28 (F): Amos 5:21-24
05 (W): Micah
07 (F): Micah 6:6-8
- -look at a commentary on the passage
- -complete worksheet that will be handed out in class
- -1st round of four-page papers (c): Catherine Rodman, Matthew Schwartz, Rachel Schwingler, Adam Smith, Christian Wold, Kara Yetter
10 (M): Isaiah of Jerusalem
12 (W): use of Mosiac and Davidic Covenants
14 (F): Isaiah and today
- -Isa 7:1 - 11:16
19 (W): Nahum
21 (F): Use of violent prophecies today
24 (M): First Exam (20%)
-A study guide will be distributed over the web before this test
26 (W): A historical overview of the 7th century
28 (F): No class
31 (M): Spring Break
04 (F): Spring Break
07 (M): Zephaniah
09 (W): Zeph 1:14-18
- -complete worksheet that will be distributed on the web
- -2nd round of papers (a): .Amy Addington, Eric Nerland, Jessica Brandanger, Jonathan Bruemmer, Erik Christensen, Lane Cowger, Daria Hashemi-Rad
14 (M): Jeremiah
16 (W): Jeremiah 31:31-34
18 (F): Easter Recess
21 (M): Easter Recess
23 (W): Jeremiah and today
25 (F): No class (professor at conference)
28 (M): Ezekiel
30 (W): MAYDAY! (no class)
05 (M): Ez 36:16-38
07 (W): The Second Isaiah
09 (F): The Second Isaiah
12 (M): Isa 55 and today
14 (W): Second Exam (20%)
16 (F): final group presentation / project (Isaiah of Jerusalem)
19 (M): final group presentation / project (Amos)
21 (W): final group presentation / project (Ezekiel)
Final paper due the day of the final exam. The final paper should develop your group presentation / project and address how the critical study of your prophet is helpful for contemporary situations.