Content

This unit offers a reading of Daniel as resistance literature. We will examine the historical and literary setting of Daniel by locating it alongside other Jewish apocalyptic literature, both canonical and non-canonical, and explore the rise of apocalypticism within Judaism, its relationship to prophecy, and apocalyptic themes and theology. We will also examine the impact of Jewish apocalyptic thought on the New Testament and beyond, including the ways apocalyptic ideas continue to shape religious and political discourse today manifest in movements such as the US religious right and ISIS.

Unit code: BA3200T

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 3

Unit discipline: Old Testament

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Trinity College Theological School

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Learning outcomes

1.

Analyse and situate Daniel within its historical and literary context

2.

Articulate the major theological themes, images, and terms associated with the apocalyptic worldview of Daniel and other contemporary Jewish apocalypses

3.

Explain a passage from Daniel employing appropriate exegetical methods

4.

Evaluate the way in which apocalyptic language and images are used in contemporary discourse.

5.

Compare the theological emphases of Daniel to other prophetic texts of the Old Testament

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 (%)
Exegesis

2,500-word exegetical paper

0 50.0
Oral Presentation

Oral presentation in class (1,000 words)ora

0 25.0
Journal

Daily Journal (1,000 words equivalent)

0 25.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 1 Nov, 2016

Unit record last updated: 2021-09-28 15:52:44 +1000