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WBU--Hawaii   †   Winter 2000   †   Monday 5:30-10:00 PM   †   KBAY   †   Dr. David Howle

� � �This course will address the lives and literature of the Hebrew prophets. In addition to the historical data on each prophet, students will examine the message and means of persuasion characteristic of each of the prophetic works of the Old Testament as well as themes treated throughout the prophetic writings. The required textbook is: Smith, Gary V. (1994). The prophets as preachers: An introduction to the Hebrew prophets. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
Course Objectives Course Requirements Schedule of Assignments
Policies & Guidelines Internet Resources Contact the Professor





Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course you should be able to
  • List characterisitics of prophecy in Israel between the eighth and the fifth centuries BC.
  • Identify the historical distinctives of each of the following prophets: Amos, Hosea, Micah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Habakkuk, Zechariah, and Malachi.
  • Summarize the prophetic message of each of the following: Nahum, Obadiah, Haggai, Joel, Jonah, and Zephaniah.
  • Discuss the historical and theological data surrounding the book of Daniel.
  • Describe five themes found within the prophetic writings and give an example from these writings of each theme.
  • Cite examples of persuasive methods employed by five different prophets.
  • Cite principles embodied in the writings of the prophetic books which still apply to modern Western culture.

Course Requirements

Class participation. Each class period will afford the opportunity for discussion and you will be graded on your knowledge and participation. Methods for interacting will vary during the semester and will include small group quizzes, small group presentations, contests, and discussions. Be prepared to participate using your personal notes and a Bible. No use of the textbook will be allowed for this portion of the class. Class participation will count for 40% of your final grade.

Group presentations. You will be part of a small group responsible for presenting information regarding the themes which run throughout the prophetic works. Each group will give one presentation dealing with three to five themes. Appropriate questions to consider include

  • Which prophets contributed most to each theme,
  • Whether development of thematic concepts can be observed, and
  • How each theme was presented by the prophets addressing it.
The group presentation should last 30-45 minutes and may include video projections, drama, handouts, charts and graphs, lecture, or other means of communicaating successfully the themes chosen by the group. You will receive time in class to organize and plan your presentations. The group presentation will count for 30% of your final grade.

Term project. A research paper comparing two prophets must be submitted by the ninth week of class. This paper must be typed according to APA format and the text of the paper should be five to seven pages long. The reference list must include four sources outside of the textbook. The term project will count for 30% of your final grade.

There is no final exam in this class.

Policies & Guidelines

Classroom policies

Respect. Because the university classroom is a place designed for the free exchange of ideas, we will frequently encounter the opinions of others which may seem novel and, occasionally, outlandish. We must show respect for one another in all circumstances. I will show respect for you by not belittling or ignoring you. You will show respect for me by listening during lectures and not interrupting. We will show respect for one another by exhibiting patience and courtesy. We will show respect for our institutions (military and university) by not eating in the classroom and by leaving the room clean at the end of each session.
Student rights. Your rights as a student have been outlined in the current WBU catalogue. If you feel that your rights have been infringed upon in this class, please inform me or the director of the Hawaii center (Dr. Steven Reid). If you have a disability which will require particular attention on my part, you must inform me as soon as possible.

Grading policy

In accordance with Wayland policy, the following scale will be used to assign grades.

A = 90-100%
Exhibits excellent scholarship, takes initiative in exploring studies, motivates others in cooperative efforts, improves consistently.
B = 80-89%
Exhibits accurate scholarship, benefits class with achievements, works effectively in groups, improves noticeably.
C = 70-79%
Completes most assignments, contributes to discussions, exhibits some interest in studies, improves somewhat.
D = 60-69%
Does not meet most assignments, exhibits indifference to studies, slows the progress of the class, improves unremarkably if at all.
F = 0-59%
Misses class excessively, detracts from class progress, shows no improvement, fails to do assignments, plagiarizes.

Guidelines for papers

Click on this link to see the guidelines for papers in religion courses.

Contact the Professor

You may call me at 484-4561 up until 9:00 PM, or email me at [email protected], or send a fax to me at 488-8576