Daniel, Resistance and Apocalypticism (BA2200T)

Undergraduate, 18.0 points

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: BA2200T

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 2

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.

Unit sequence

Introduction to Old Testament and Introduction to New Testament

Pedagogy

Intensive face to face: Lectures, discussion, group work.

Indicative Bibliography

  • NRSV Bible (recommended for purchase)
  • Brett, Mark. Political Trauma and Healing: Biblical Ethics for a Postcolonial World. Michigan: Eerdmans, 2016.
  • Carey, Greg. Ultimate Things: An Introduction to Jewish and Christian Apocalyptic Literature. St. Louis, Mo: Chalice Press, 2005.
  • Collins, John, Daniel (Hermeneia). Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1993.
  • Collins, John J., ed. The Oxford Handbook of Apocalyptic Literature. Oxford Handbooks. New York: Oxford University Press, 2014.
  • Duguid, Iain M. Daniel. Phillipsburg, N.J: P & R Publishing, 2008.
  • Goldingay, John E. Word Biblical Commentary Vol. 30, Daniel. Waco, TX: Thomas Nelson, 1989.
  • Newsom, Carol A., and Brennan W. Breed. Daniel: A Commentary. First edition. The Old Testament Library. Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press, 2014.
  • Portier-Young, Anathea E., and John J. Collins. Apocalypse against Empire: Theologies of Resistance in Early Judaism. Reprint edition. Eerdmans, 2014.
  • Seow, C. L. Daniel. 1st ed. Westminster Bible Companion. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2003.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Exegesis

2,000-word exegetical paper

 0 50.0
Oral Presentation

Oral presentation in class (1,000 words)

 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 18:29:46 +1000