Skip to main content
nounstudy
CRS815

Prophetic Books and Wisdom Literature

  • Arts
  • 800 level
  • 3 credit units
  • 121 pages
  • 12 units

This course explores the Prophetic Books and Wisdom Literature within the Old Testament. It examines the historical origins, nature, and development of prophecy in Israel, including readings from major and minor prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Amos, and Hosea. Additionally, the course delves into the theological themes found in Wisdom Literature, focusing on books like Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Songs of Solomon. The course also considers the relevance of these texts within an African context, particularly in Nigeria.

About this course

Difficulty
Intermediate
Study hours
78 hours
Maths
None
Content
Theoretical, case study
Practical work
No
How it is assessed
  • Assignments
  • Tutor marked assessments
  • Final examination

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

CRS815 · Unit 1: Historical Origin, nature and development of Prophecy in Israel

The Presentation Schedule included in your Course materials gives you the important dates for the completion of tutor marked assignments and attending tutorials. Remember, you are required to submit all your assignments by the due date. You should guard against lagging behind in your work.

What you should be able to do

  1. Define prophecy and its historical context
  2. Analyze the role of prophets in Israelite society
  3. Identify key themes in Wisdom Literature
  4. Understand the nature and attributes of God in Wisdom Literature
  5. Evaluate the importance of wisdom in human relationships
  6. Become conscious of the future of Wisdom Literature in African context

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Religious Teacher
  • Theologian
  • Religious Studies Lecturer
  • Chaplain
  • Counselor
Where it is applied
  • Education
  • Religious Organizations
  • Social Services
  • Community Development
  • Research

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • MODULE 2: THE LITERARY/CLASSICAL PROPHETS

    Unit 1: Early Pre-Exilic/Eighth-Century Prophets

    The complex symbolism and multiple interpretations of apocalyptic literature require careful analysis and contextual understanding.

  • MODULE 3: WISDOM LITERATURE AND OLD TESTAMENT THEOLOGY: ISSUES AND APPROACHES

    Unit 4: Theology of Praise and Prayers in the book of Psalms.

    Understanding the nuances and cultural context of ancient Hebrew poetry requires careful attention to detail and sensitivity to literary devices.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 78 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1MODULE 1: PROPHECY IN OLD TESTAMENT THEOLOGY: ISSUES AND APPROACHES
    • Unit 1: Historical Origin, nature and development of Prophecy in Israel · 6 hours

      Read the introduction to prophecy, including its meaning and scope.. Explore the historical context of prophecy in Israel.. Understand the different types of prophetic oracles..

  2. Week 2MODULE 1: PROPHECY IN OLD TESTAMENT THEOLOGY: ISSUES AND APPROACHES
    • Unit 2: The Former Prophetic Books · 6 hours

      Examine the Deuteronomic history and its influence on the Former Prophetic Books.. Study the purpose and message of the Book of Joshua.. Analyze the cycles of the Judges..

  3. Week 3MODULE 1: PROPHECY IN OLD TESTAMENT THEOLOGY: ISSUES AND APPROACHES
    • Unit 3: The Role of Prophecy in Israelite Society from the point of view of the Covenant · 6 hours

      Understand the concept of covenant in the Old Testament.. Explore how different covenants are expressed in the prophetic books.. Discuss the role of prophecy in ancient Israelite society..

  4. Week 4MODULE 2: THE LITERARY/CLASSICAL PROPHETS
    • Unit 1: Early Pre-Exilic/Eighth-Century Prophets · 6 hours

      Study the background of the Neo-Assyrian period.. Analyze the messages of early pre-exilic prophets like Jonah, Amos, and Hosea.. Examine the writings of Isaiah and Micah..

  5. Week 5MODULE 2: THE LITERARY/CLASSICAL PROPHETS
    • Unit 2: Late Pre-Exilic/Seventh-Century Prophets · 6 hours

      Explore the historical context of the seventh-century prophets.. Analyze the messages of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah.. Study the prophecies of Jeremiah and Joel..

  6. Week 6MODULE 2: THE LITERARY/CLASSICAL PROPHETS
    • Unit 3: Exilic/Six-Century Prophets · 6 hours

      Study the historical background of the exilic period.. Analyze the prophecies of Ezekiel and Obadiah.. Understand the themes of judgment, repentance, and restoration..

  7. Week 7MODULE 2: THE LITERARY/CLASSICAL PROPHETS
    • Unit 4: Post Exilic Prophets · 6 hours

      Explore the post-exilic period and its challenges.. Analyze the messages of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.. Understand the themes of rebuilding and restoration..

  8. Week 8MODULE 3: WISDOM LITERATURE AND OLD TESTAMENT THEOLOGY: ISSUES AND APPROACHES
    • Unit 1: Issues in Wisdom Literature · 6 hours

      Define the concept of wisdom in the Old Testament.. Explore the sources of Wisdom Literature.. Analyze the articulations of the theology of Wisdom Literature..

  9. Week 9MODULE 3: WISDOM LITERATURE AND OLD TESTAMENT THEOLOGY: ISSUES AND APPROACHES
    • Unit 2: The Place Of Wisdom In Old Testament Theology · 6 hours

      Understand the relationship between wisdom and history.. Explore the dialectic of history and creation.. Analyze the place of wisdom in canonical theology..

  10. Week 10MODULE 3: WISDOM LITERATURE AND OLD TESTAMENT THEOLOGY: ISSUES AND APPROACHES
    • Unit 3: Cosmology and Anthropology in the Testament of Qoheleth (Ecclesiastes). · 6 hours

      Explore the quest for the good in the cosmology of Qoheleth.. Analyze the relationship between cosmology and the ethical order.. Understand the role of anthropology in the ethical order..

  11. Week 11MODULE 3: WISDOM LITERATURE AND OLD TESTAMENT THEOLOGY: ISSUES AND APPROACHES
    • Unit 4: Theology of Praise and Prayers in the book of Psalms. · 6 hours

      Study the Hebraic traditions of praise and prayer.. Explore the liturgical approach to the Psalter.. Analyze the metrical divisions and strophic arrangement of the Psalms..

  12. Week 12MODULE 3: WISDOM LITERATURE AND OLD TESTAMENT THEOLOGY: ISSUES AND APPROACHES
    • Unit 5: Relationship and Redemption in Canticles (Songs of Solomon). · 6 hours

      Understand the allegorical and erotic views of Canticles.. Explore the literal and dramatic interpretations.. Analyze the liturgical and didactic-moral views of love..

  13. Week 13Final Revision
    • Final Revision · 6 hours

      Review all modules and units.. Complete any outstanding assignments.. Prepare for the final examination..

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Create a timeline of key prophetic figures and their messages.
  • Develop flashcards for major themes in Wisdom Literature.
  • Practice essay questions on the role of prophecy in society.
  • Form study groups to discuss complex theological concepts.
  • Review all self-assessment questions and tutor feedback.
  • Focus on understanding the historical and cultural context of each book.
  • Create concept maps linking different themes and ideas.
  • Allocate specific time slots for focused study and revision.
  • Prioritize key concepts and arguments for efficient recall.
  • Practice analyzing passages from the prophetic books and Wisdom Literature.
  • Review all TMAs and their solutions
  • Ensure you understand the different covenants and their significance
  • Pay attention to the unique characteristics of each prophet and their message
  • Understand the different types of Psalms and their purpose
  • Be able to discuss the relevance of the course content to contemporary African society

Questions students ask about this course

What is CRS815 about?

This course explores the Prophetic Books and Wisdom Literature within the Old Testament. It examines the historical origins, nature, and development of prophecy in Israel, including readings from major and minor prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Amos, and Hosea. Additionally, the course delves into the theological themes found in Wisdom Literature, focusing on books like Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Songs of Solomon. The course also considers the relevance of these texts within an African context, particularly in Nigeria.

How many units does CRS815 have?

CRS815, Prophetic Books and Wisdom Literature, has 12 units across 3 modules, over 121 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is CRS815?

CRS815 carries 3 credit units, at 800 level in Arts.

Is CRS815 hard?

CRS815 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.

How long does CRS815 take to study?

About 78 hours of study, spread across its 12 units.

How is CRS815 assessed?

CRS815 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.

What can I do with CRS815?

Religious Teacher, Theologian, Religious Studies Lecturer, Chaplain and Counselor.

More courses in Arts

ENG825

Advanced Creative Writing

3 credit units

Open ENG825
CRS855

Marriage and Family

3 credit units

Open CRS855
CRS845

Liberation and Feminist Theologies

2 credit units

Open CRS845