Content

This unit examines the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. Attention will be given to the phenomenon of Israelite prophecy in its ancient Near Eastern context. The prophetic writings will be considered in their diverse historical settings, forms, messages, and theologies, through a range of methodological approaches. The unit will also explore the relationship of these texts to other biblical literature and their ongoing reception.

Unit code: BA9300C

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Old Testament

Proposing College: Catholic Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Critically examine prophetic texts using appropriate methods and secondary literature.

2.

Critically assess scholarly approaches to studying the Prophetic Literature.

3.

Evaluate fundamental concepts and approaches in studies of the Prophetic Literature.

4.

Assess the application of key theological themes of the prophetic texts to specific issues facing contemporary society and the church.

5.

Critically argue your own position on interpretive issues in the Prophetic Literature.

Unit sequence

BA8001C and BN8001C or equivalent.

Pedagogy

Each three-hour session consists of two hours of interactive lectures and a one hour tutorial (in each case, presented in modes appropriate for face-to-face or online learning contexts).

Indicative Bibliography

  • Bergsma, John Sietze, and Brant James Pitre. A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: The Old Testament. San Francisco: Ignatius, 2018.
  • Chalmers, Aaron. Interpreting the Prophets. London: SPCK, 2015.
  • Cook, Stephen L., John T. Strong, and Steven Shawn Tuell. The Prophets: Introducing Israel’s Prophetic Writings. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2022.
  • France, R. T. Jesus and the Old Testament: His Application of Old Testament Passages to Himself and His Mission. Vancouver: Regent College Publishing, 2000.
  • Hays, Richard B. Reading Backwards. Waco, TX: Baylor, 2015.
  • Moberly, R. W. L. Prophecy and Discernment. Cambridge Studies in Christian Doctrine 14. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2006.
  • Nissinen, Martti. Prophets and Prophecy in the Ancient Near East. Second edition. Atlanta: SBL, 2019.
  • Seitz, C. R. Prophecy and Hermeneutics: Toward a New Introduction to the Prophets. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007.
  • Sharp, C. J., ed. The Oxford Handbook of the Prophets. New York: Oxford University Press, 2016.
  • VanGemeren, Willem A. Interpreting the Prophetic Word: An Introduction to the Prophetic Literature of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Book Review

1,000 word book review

1000 30.0
Report

Essay plan and bibliography

1000 15.0
Exegetical Essay

4,500 word exegetical essay

4500 45.0
Oral Examination

15 minute oral examination

1000 10.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 20 Jun, 2025

Unit record last updated: 2025-06-20 12:12:26 +1000