Wisdom Literature (BA9510A)

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Semester: 2, 2022 (25 Jul – 28 Oct)

Time: 6:30pm-9:30pm

Campus: N/A

Mode: Online

Level: Postgraduate Elective

Credit: 24

Census: 16 Aug 2022

13 weekly sessions offered in asynchronous and synchronous modes combining live and pre-recorded lectures, group discussions, readings and online forums

The unit will examine many different aspects of the ancient Israel wisdom, focusing on four canonical books of the Old Testament: The Book of Job, Wisdom Psalms, The Book of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes; with the reference to deuterocanonical books: The Wisdom of Solomon, Ben Sirach (Book of Ecclesiasticus). Wisdom literature will be explored through the questions: What is wisdom? What are its foundations? Who is a wise man or woman? Specific biblical and extra-biblical texts will be studied from theological, historical critical and literary perspectives. Modern reception of Wisdom literature will be investigated, particularly the manner in which modern theologians respond to the question of innocent suffering in the modern world.

Learning outcomes
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the content of the main Old Testament wisdom texts
  • Analyse and explain the content, types and themes of Wisdom Literature.
  • Define the nature and attributes of God in Wisdom Literature
  • Critically discuss the influence of the Ancient Near Eastern literature on Wisdom Literature
  • Analyse the themes and theology of Wisdom Literature, especially the theological issue of theodicy
  • Integrate perspectives from Wisdom Literature with their other theological studies
Assessment
Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Practical assessment Reading Reflections 1,750 25
Written assessment Essay 1,750 25
Written assessment Essay 3,500 50

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