Jewish Heroines of the Deuterocanonical Books of the Old Testament: A Study of Judith, Sarah and Esther

Course description:

This course is a study of the biblical characters of Judith, Sarah, and Esther found among the Deuterocanonical Books of the Old Testament.  Students will be introduced to the methods known as Rhetorical Biblical Criticism and Theological Criticism of the Bible in an attempt to better understand how the books' writers used the literary element of characterization to communicate their intended messages within the narratives of each book. Students will also learn why these characters can be considered a literary and theological type, the Jewish Heroine. Additionally, students will explore how figural-typological readings of these texts provide a clue to their legitimate interpretation within the Canon of Scripture.

Objectives:

• To understand Biblical Rhetorical Criticism and Theological Interpretation of the Bible
• To understand the concept of Jewish Heroines with the Old Testament Deuterocanon.
• To analyze the books of Judith, Tobit, and Esther texts through the rhetorical lens of characterization
• To analyze the books of Judith, Tobit, and Esther through the lens of theological interpretation

Learning outcomes:

1. To apply elements of literary criticism to the books of Judith, Tobit, and Esther
2. To explain and justify the value of literary and theological interpretations of Biblical texts
3. To learn about the Jewish Heroines in the Deuterocanonical Books of the Old Testament and some theological interpretations of them.

Assessment methods:

Standard Quiz and Written Assignment

Contents:

Chapter 1: The Methodology of Biblical Rhetorical Criticism and Theological Interpretation

Chapter 2:  Judith, the Daughter of Merari

Chapter 3: Sarah, the Wife of Tobias

Chapter 4: Esther, the Jewish Queen of Persia

Chapter 5: Towards a Theological Interpretation of Jewish Heroines