WESTERN SEMINARY

Portland, Oregon

OTS 661O Exegesis of Hosea

Fall Semester 2003

Jan Verbruggen, Instructor

 

Syllabus

Course Description

In this course will examine the book of Hosea, the first book of the Minor Prophets, in its historical, theological and literary contexts. The class will work through an exegesis of the text, applying the results of various commentaries and of literary analysis. The book of Hosea is more than a story about a man and his wife, it is also about Israel and God in covenantal relationship. Consequently, there are significant applications to be made to believers in our modern context.

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, the student should be able to:

  1. Know the historical context of the prophetic message of Hosea,
  2. Understand the issues relating to the various interpretations concerning Gomer, Hosea's wife.
  3. Understand the theological message of Hosea.
  4. Identify the prose and poetical portions of the prophecy.
  5. Utilize literary methods to interpret texts within the book.
  6. Apply exegetical methods to interpret texts within the book.
  7. Appreciate the depths of God's grace for his people.
  8. Appreciate the application of this message to one's personal life.

Course Texts

The main text book will be the commentary on Hosea in the Anchor Bible Series, written by F.I. Anderson.  Additional reading will be come from the articles that will be on reserve in the Library.  The precise composition of that material can be found in the Bibliography.

Course Requirements

Each unit will include a reading assignment to introduce and cover the material of that lesson. There will be reading for each lesson and student interactivity will be required. This will also include participation in the class discussion area.

Since this is a seminar class, there will be no final exam.  

Course Procedures

The instructor will lead lectures and discussion.  The students will be involved with outside reading, research and the writing of papers.  The students will write a paper outlining the theology of Hosea (10-12 pages).  Papers will be discussed in class.

Grading Scale

Reading assignment                               40 %

Paper on Hosea                                    40 %

Class interaction                                   20 % 

 

To receive audit credit, you must attend at least 80% of the class sessions.  Assignments turned in late will be reduced at the rate of one half-letter grade per class day and one letter grade per weekend up to a maximum deduc­tion of two letter grades. 

 

A+

A

A-  

B+

B

B-

C+

C

C-

D+

D

D-

99-100  

95-98%  

94-93%

92-91%

90-88%

87-86%

85-84%

83-81% 

80-79%

78-77% 

76-74% 

73-70%