University of MinnesotaRabbi Dr. Tzvee Zahavy, Professor, 612-624-0221 Course Syllabus • Spring, 1995 ANEJ 1003/3003, RelS 3203, The Bible: Wisdom, Poetry and ApocalypticThe Writings or Hagiographa, the third division of the Tanakh [Hebrew Bible, Old Testament], include books of the wisdom movement in Ancient Israel, philosophical, poetic and aphoristic works, historical reviews, and a classic apocalyptic book: This course covers these books in translation, focusing on the substance, style and background of each. Students are expected to read the primary texts and assigned supplementary readings prior to the lecture. Supplementary readings will be on reserve in Wilson Library. Requirements for both 1003 and 3003/3203 include a take-home mid-quarter exam and a take-home final essay exam. Students in 3003/3203 will be expected to read the supplementary materials and will write a short research paper [5 pp.]. Grading is either ABCDF or S/NC. No incompletes. Textbooks: The Tanakh, Jewish Publication Society edition Robert Alter, The Art of Biblical Poetry, Basic, pb Reserve Readings [subject to change] Wilson Library. James Kugel, The Idea of Biblical Poetry, Yale James Crenshaw, Old Testament Wisdom, Atlanta, 1981 John J. Collins, The Apocalyptic Imagination, N.Y., 1984 Kates & Twersky, Reading Ruth..., N.Y., 1994 Schedule of SubjectsIntroduction to Tanakh literature •The problem of biblical poetry: Introduction to the Psalms R. Alter, The Art of Biblical Poetry, chapters 1-3 J. Kugel, excerpt from The Idea of Biblical Poetry (reserve) Psalms e.g., 1, 23, 29, 145 Psalms as liturgy, Alter, chapter 5 Psalms as literature, Alter, chapters 6-7 •The Poetry of Suffering: Job 1, 2, Alter, chapter 4 Job 42; Job 3, the theological and philosophical problems •Definition of Wisdom literature: Proverbs Wisdom personified, Proverbs chapter 8; pre-existence of wisdom Proverbs 31: the valorous woman; women in Tanakh Proverbs--types and forms (Scott, Crenshaw, on wisdom); metaphor of the temptress Qoheleth/Ecclesiastes. Relation to apocrypha, pseudepigrapha Overview of Qoheleth Qoheleth: control of sacred literature. The open publication of the canon Qoheleth and his world •Introduction to Apocalyptic: (Collins, Hanson, readings) Daniel--background Daniel--narrative Daniel--visions •Women: Ruth; Esther •Romance: Song of Songs, Alter, chapter 8 •Tragedy: Lamentations •History: Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah Review and the big picture; parting comments. |