Old Testament Prophets I 2 semester units Course Syllabus • Fall 2009 Instructor: Terry R. Baughman, MAET Office phone: 209.476.7840 -Cell/Text: 480.381.5016 E-mail: CLCbaughman@gmail.com and/or trbaughman@clc.edu Facebook: www.facebook.com/trbaughman -Twitter: twitter.com/TRBaughman Time Schedule: Class meets Wednesday, 7:00 to 9:00 AM Course Objectives: It will be the objective of this course to provide insight as to the role and message of the Old Testament prophets. A general comprehension of the times and the background events will be sought to foster an appreciation of the message of each prophetic messenger. The scope of this semester will be the prophetic books of the Old Testament in a chronological sequence, according to the textbook, from Amos through Habakkuk, from pre-exilic times to the time of the exile. Also, it will be the stated objective to develop an understanding how the message of the Old Testament Prophets may be relevant to us today. More than dusty messages of a distant day, there are vital truths and lessons of example delivered in the prophetic writings. Each participant in this class will be challenged to seek for the personal message of truth that God is speaking to us today through the words of the ancients. The prayers of the prophets and their inspiration for prayer will serve as a guide to our devotions. Textbooks: An Introduction to the Hebrew Prophets: The Prophets as Preachers, Gary V. Smith, (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998); available at Christian Life College Bookstore. An Introduction to the OT Prophets -Class Notes, compiled by Terry R. Baughman, (Gilbert, AZ: Baughman Group, 2009); available from the instructor. 1 Old Testament Prophets 1 • Christian Life College • Fall 2009 Terry R. Baughman, MAET, InstructorCourse Structure: Lecture and class discussion will be the predominate format for our class sessions. Outside the classroom there will be reading assignments, (from the workbook, the textbook, and Scripture). Two reading journals will be required to record the date and amount read on a continuing schedule. Devotional papers will be assigned for each prophetic book (except Isaiah) as well as the applicable due date. Two devotional papers will be presented in class as a part of the demonstrated application of the lessons learned. Additionally, a written commentary will be required from a selected chapter of the book of Isaiah. Research of background, understanding of primary prophecy, and a present application of the message will be essential elements of this paper. Attendance: Your attendance at all class sessions is required. If you enter the classroom after the beginning of the class period, or leave before the class is dismissed, you will be tardy. Students arriving twenty (20) minutes after the beginning of the class period, or leaving twenty minutes before class is dismissed, will be counted absent. Three occurrences of tardiness are the equivalent of an absence. Any student accumulating five or more absences will be dismissed from the course as per the "Student Handbook." Students must be present for scheduled tests. Such tests may be made up only when the student submits an excused absence signed by the College Pastor or Dean of Students and makes up the test within one week. All students of this course will be required to be present for the final exam when it is scheduled. Use of Electronic Devices: As a member of the CLC academic community, each student has a responsibility to professors and fellow students who are members of the college community. When cell phones or pagers ring and students respond in class or leave class to respond, it disrupts the class. Therefore, Christian Life College prohibits the use of cell phones and pagers in class. All such devices must be turned off and cannot be taken out during class. Wireless/laptop computers, palm pilots, and similar electronic devices may be used for taking notes in class, subject to the professor’s approval. However, these devices are never allowed to be used during exams. Use of electronic devices during an exam may lead to a charge of cheating or academic dishonesty which may result in being expelled from the class. Plagiarism and Cheating: For questions regarding what constitutes plagiarism and cheating see the policy in the Academic Catalog and the Student Handbook. First Offense – The student receives a grade of “zero” for the assignment. Second Offense – The 2 Old Testament Prophets 1 • Christian Life College • Fall 2009 Terry R. Baughman, MAET, Instructorstudent will fail the course. Third Offense – The student is placed on disciplinary probation and may be subject to dismissal from college. Notice of Non-Discrimination for Disabilities: If you have a diagnosed physical or learning disability, which may interfere with your participation in this course, please inform the instructor in writing immediately. Include any information that may help your instructor provide for unique assistance or special exceptions to class rules or procedures necessitated by your disability. Devotional Papers: Devotional papers for each prophetic book of study (except the book of Isaiah) will be required using the outlined areas below in the content. They must consist of a minimum of 300 words each (approximately one full page to a page and a half, double-spaced, typewritten). Serious thought, application of the lessons learned from the book and its value for us presently will be essential for maximum credit. The paper will be due on the day assigned to each prophetic book as listed below. It is essential that a completed report be presented at the beginning of class on the day assigned. Three points will be deducted per day for late submissions (to a maximum of twenty-five points). Make-up Devotionals will only be accepted up to four weeks late or the last day of class before finals, which ever comes first. Use the following guide for writing the devotional papers: 1. Read the assigned book. For the smaller books, read two or three times using different translations. 2. Condense the message of the prophet in one or two paragraphs. 3. Select a devotional passage to focus your insight upon and explain it. 4. Apply the principles of the reading to a modern audience with a positive devotional message. Due Date Book or Assignment Not accepted after Sept 9 Amos Oct 7 Sept 16 Hosea Oct 14 Sept 23 Jonah Oct 21 Oct 14 Micah Nov 24 Oct 21 Commentary prep – Bibliography Oct 21 Oct 28 Commentary prep – Historical Background Oct 28 Nov 4 Isaiah (Commentary) Dec 9 Nov 11 Nahum Dec 9 Nov 18 Zephaniah Dec 9 Dec 2 Habakkuk Dec 9 3 Old Testament Prophets 1 • Christian Life College • Fall 2009 Terry R. Baughman, MAET, InstructorOTP Devotionals will be accepted by E-mail. It is preferred that you send the devotional as an attachment of a file in Microsoft Word or Pages (Mac). The time and date stamp when received by my server (ISP) will be the official time of submission. It is suggested that you keep a back-up or hard copy of your work. You will receive an acknowledgment when it is received and it will be graded and returned to the Email address from which it was received. Submission must be made exactly as follows: CLCbaughman@gmail.com and/or trbaughman@clc.edu Commentary: Research and writing are important skills to develop for personal knowledge enhancement, scholarly studies, publication in religious journals, and post-graduate educational pursuits. This project is designed to sharpen the development of these skills. Any chapter in Isaiah may be chosen as a basis for this written commentary, however only one person may choose a chapter. The first request in writing will be honored as chapters are selected; first come, first served. Your written commentary should consist of the following sections: 1. Introduction -Write your introduction last. Don't introduce what you hope to find but rather what you indeed have found. -Identify your passage. (What chapter are you writing about?) -Explain your approach. (How are you going to organize your commentary?) -Give a short summary of what you expect to find (based on the conclusion you have found). -Hint at your conclusions and/or application (without giving it away). 2. Background -Briefly identify circumstances in Judah (or in Israel) that affect or necessitate the prophecy. -Political influences of Assyria and/or Babylon have much to do with the problems and predictions of the prophecies. -The relationship (or lack of a relationship) of the people with Yahweh is central to understanding the judgments being predicted. -Other interesting finds that contribute to the passage; i.e. archeological, historical, geographical, etc. 3. Commentary -Verse by verse (or thought by thought) break down and comments on the passage. Incorporate important word studies you have researched. Be sure and keep the interpretation within the context. Words are best defined by their use in the context. 4 Old Testament Prophets 1 • Christian Life College • Fall 2009 Terry R. Baughman, MAET, Instructor4. Application -(So what?) After you complete your study, how does the message of the prophet to Judah affect us? Is there any relevance to the church, a nation, or individuals today? "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness," 2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV) 5. Works Cited -A list of references cited should be the final subdivision of your paper. At least five sources must be cited. These may include (but are not limited to) commentaries (sets or single book commentary), encyclopedia (Biblical, archeological), word study resources (Theological Word book of the OT, Vine's, etc.), religious journals (as Bib Sac), Biblical Archeological Review (BAR) magazine, and primary sources (as Josephus). Style and Format: Paper must be typed, double-spaced with a consistent format throughout. Consult a Chicago style manual for particular questions on format, sequence, quotations, citations, and works cited. While not exhaustive, the following websites offer some guidelines to using Chicago Style for your research writing: http://www.liunet.edu/cwis/cwp/library/workshop/citchi.htm http://www.libs.uga.edu/ref/chicago.html http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/online/cite7.html Every paper should consist of: a title page, contents page, appropriate headings, footnotes, and a list of works cited (bibliography). Grading criteria: 15% form -style, works cited, length, neatness 30% content -knowledge of material, evidence of study, understanding and thought 25% application -insightful lessons from the text 30% submission -on time (late penalty -5 points per day) Suggestions for Research 1. Read other translations of the passage. I suggest NKJV (or KJV), NASB, and NIV. Avoid a paraphrase like The Living Bible for research purposes. The New Living Translation (NLT) is an acceptable choice. 2. Conduct word studies on important or unclear words. Determine the Hebrew word with a Strong's concordance or a computer search. See other ways the same word is translated in another context. Consult the Exegetical Dictionary or other resources in the library. 5 Old Testament Prophets 1 • Christian Life College • Fall 2009 Terry R. Baughman, MAET, Instructor3. You may consult commentaries if you cite three or more in your bibliography. This will prevent your observations or conclusions from being skewed by a single author. Try to read other perspectives and views. Use footnotes or endnotes whenever you quote or rely heavily on a source. Reading Schedule: Initial each passage completed on the Reading Schedules. Start early and read consistently to obtain maximum benefit from your study and class instruction. An occasional "call for reading" will be counted as a quiz score. There are two reading schedules to report your reading. The first is due on or before October 14, 2009 and the second is due on or before Dec 9, 2009. Course Grading: Quizzes -(10 pts. ea) 50 points (call for reading or pop quiz) Test #1, #2, #3 -300 points (100 points each) Final Exam -200 points Devotional Papers -350 points (50 points each) Presentations 50 points (25 points each) Commentary prep 50 points (25 each assigned) Isa. Commentary -150 points (Com. Prep. 1, 2, and completed) Reading Journals -100 points (due on or before Oct 14, and Dec 9, 2009) TOTAL POSSIBLE 1,250 POINTS 6 Old Testament Prophets 1 • Christian Life College • Fall 2009 Terry R. Baughman, MAET, InstructorCourse Schedule: O.C. -On Campus, K3 /L.W. -Live WebClass ConfRm /TBA -to be announced Aug 26 Present syllabus Aug 26 Introduction of Course, Objectives Course requirements, procedures, and contact information Sep 2 O.C. Introduction to the Old Testament Prophets The Prophetic Writings and their times Read: Prophets as Preachers, 1-21, Class notes, 1-12 Sep 2 O.C. Amos, Life and Times Read: Amos 1-9 Sep 9 O.C. AMOS DEVOTIONAL DUE Amos, Mission and Message Sep 9 O.C. Amos, Response and Relevance Read: Prophets as Preachers, 47-65, Class notes, 15-26 Sep 16 L.W. HOSEA DEVOTIONAL DUE Hosea, Life and Times Hosea, Mission and Message Sep 16 L.W. Hosea, Response and Relevance Read: Hosea 1-14 Read: Prophets as Preachers, 67-86, Class notes, 29-36 Sep 23 O.C. JONAH DEVOTIONAL DUE The Violent Assyrians Sep 23 O.C. Jonah, Life and Times Read: Jonah 1-4 Sep 30 TBA Test #1 (Introduction, Amos, and Hosea) Sep 30 General Conference UPCI – St. Louis, MO Use time in library research for Isaiah commentary and for reading Oct 7 O.C. Quiz: Call For Reading Jonah, Mission and Message Oct 7 O.C. Read: Prophets as Preachers, 87-98, Class notes, 39-47 Jonah, Response and Relevance Oct 14 L.W. MICAH DEVOTIONAL DUE Micah, Life and Times Read: Micah 1-7 Read: Prophets as Preachers, 99-116, Class notes, 49-54 Oct 14 L.W. Micah, Mission and Message READING JOURNAL #1 DUE Oct 21 O.C. COMMENTARY PREP 1 DUE – Bibliography -Five sources Introduction to Isaiah Read: Isaiah 1-15 Read: Prophets as Preachers, 117-154, Class notes, 57-73 Oct 21 O.C. Isaiah, Life and Times Read: Isaiah 16-30 Oct 28 L.W. Test #2 (Jonah and Micah) Isaiah, Outline and authorship Read: Isaiah 31-45 Oct 28 L.W. COMMENTARY PREP 2 DUE – Historical Background Isaiah, Mission and Message Nov 4 L.W. Isaiah, Messianic Messenger Read: Isaiah 46-66 Nov 4 L.W. Isaiah, Response and Relevance ISAIAH COMMENTARY DUE Nov 11 O.C. Test #3 (Isaiah) 7 Old Testament Prophets 1 • Christian Life College • Fall 2009 Terry R. Baughman, MAET, InstructorNov 11 O.C. NAHUM DEVOTIONAL DUE Nahum, Life and Times /Mission and Message Read: Nahum 1-3 Nahum, Response and Relevance Quiz: Call For Reading Read: Prophets as Preachers, 155-166, Class notes, 77-81 Nov 18 L.W. ZEPHANIAH DEVOTIONAL DUE Zephaniah, Life and times Read: Zephaniah 1-3 Nov 18 L.W. Zephaniah, Mission and Message Zephaniah, Response and Relevance Read: Prophets as Preachers, 167-178, Class notes, 83-86 Dec 2 O.C. HABAKKUK DEVOTIONAL DUE Habakkuk, Life and Times Read: Habakkuk 1-3 Read: Prophets as Preachers, 179-190, Class notes, 89-93 Dec 2 O.C. Habakkuk, Mission and Message Dec 9 L.W. Habakkuk, Response and Relevance Review for Final Dec 9 L.W. READING JOURNAL #2 DUE TBA FINAL EXAM (December 16-18) 8 Old Testament Prophets 1 • Christian Life College • Fall 2009 Terry R. Baughman, MAET, InstructorOld Testament Prophets I READING JOURNAL #2 Print Name_________________________ (DUE December 9, 2009) Reading Score:_____ 50 Instructions: Keep track of your Bible reading on the following chart by crossing out each chapter completed. Approximately one chapter per day will allow timely completion of this assignment. You may submit your second reading journal any time before class December 9, 2009. Isaiah 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 Nahum 1 2 3 Zephaniah 1 2 3 Habakkuk 1 2 3 Assigned readings from the Textbook (PAP) and the Class Notes (CN): Prophets as Preachers (PAP) Page Class Notes (CN) Page Isaiah: Can you trust God? 117-154 Isaiah 57-73 Nahum: Where is God’s Goodness… 155-166 Nahum 77-81 Zephaniah: Seek God before… 167-178 Zephaniah 83-86 Habakkuk: Living By Faith 179-190 Habakkuk 89-93 I verify that I have thoroughly read all of the reading assignments marked on the charts above. Signature:______________________________________________ Date:______________________, 20099 Old Testament Prophets 1 • Christian Life College • Fall 2009 Terry R. Baughman, MAET, InstructorOld Testament Prophets I READING JOURNAL #1 Print Name_________________________ (DUE October 14, 2009) Reading Score:_____ 50 Instructions: Keep track of your Bible reading on the following chart by crossing out each chapter completed. Approximately one chapter per day will allow timely completion of this assignment. You may submit your first reading journal any time before class October 14, 2009. Amos 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Hosea 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Jonah 1 2 3 4 Micah 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Assigned readings from the Textbook (PAP) and the Class Notes (CN): Prophets as Preachers (PAP) Page Class Notes (CN) Page Introduction 1-21 Introduction 1-12 Amos: The End has Come! 47-66 Amos 15-26 Hosea: Can anyone love a Prostitute? 67-86 Hosea 29-36 Jonah: Should God be compassionate 87-98 Jonah 39-47 Micah: Justice will Reign 99-116 Micah 49-54 I verify that I have thoroughly read all of the reading assignments marked on the charts above. Signature:______________________________________________ Date:______________________, 2009 10 Old Testament Prophets 1 • Christian Life College • Fall 2009 Terry R. Baughman, MAET, Instructor