The Book of Job CTI 375 (28989); J S 363 (38643); MES 342 (39934); R S 365 (42169) The University of Texas at Austin Fall 2019 From William Blake, Illustrations of the Book of Job (1826) Dr. Philip Yoo [email protected] Course Description: Although widely known as the story of the innocent sufferer, the book of Job is far less known in its details. Scrutinizing the conventional view of a righteous and moral world order under the deity’s control, the book of Job puts both humans and the deity (God) to the test as it addresses whether or not people can remain upright when aggrieved and also weighs the deity’s negligence in failing to deal properly with the wicked and the righteous. With the recognition that the book of Job was composed in the distant past, we will consider its quality as ‘wisdom literature’ as we carefully examine the words, experiences, and actions of its characters and consider who, if anyone, had the knowledge to offer the “correct” explanation for God’s actions. This course will also explore how the book of Job continues to speak to past and present thinkers who, through their very own experiences, grapple with the problem of evil and its continued presence in a world that is created and ordered by the deity, one who we want to be good. The Book of Job Fall 2019 Syllabus p. 1 of 7 total pages Learning Outcomes: By the end of the course, students will 1) develop skills of close reading and analysis of a wide variety of texts; and, 2) have a deeper appreciation for the many ways an ancient text is read and interpreted by (some of) its many readers. Flags: This course carries the Global Cultures flag. Courses that carry the Global Cultures Flag increase your familiarity with cultural groups outside the United States. Courses with the Global Cultures Flag ask you to explore the practices, beliefs, and histories of at least one non- U.S. cultural group, past or present. Many of these courses also encourage you to reflect on your own experiences within a global context. Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course (CTI 305G/J S 311/MES 310 [‘Introduction to the Old Testament’] or CTI 304/R S 315 [‘The Bible and its Interpreters’] is recommended, but not required). Primary and secondary literature will be read in translation. (If you have Biblical Hebrew, please see the instructor.) It is crucial to remember that students come from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and traditions and that we are not only respectful of these differences but also willing to undertake the critical study of the Book of Job. Required Books. The following will be used extensively and a hard copy must be brought to each class: (* available at the University Co-Op Bookstore) - * Any one of New Oxford Annotated Bible, 5th ed. (2018); or 4th ed. (2010); or Jewish Study Bible, 2nd ed. (2014); or Harper Collins Study Bible, rev. ed. (2006). - * Larrimore, Mark. The Book of Job: A Biography (Princeton University Press, 2013). (Below as “Larrimore”.) - * Course Packet. (Below as “CP”.) - For students who would like to comment on the Hebrew text, use the critical edition, Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (BHS). Reserved at the PCL (on short-term loan, please share): - A copy of the NOAB is placed on Course Reserves. Call number: BS 191.5 A1 2018 N48 2018. This copy shall not be brought to class. - Seow, C. L. Job 1–21: Interpretation and Commentary. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 2013. - Pope, Marvin. Job: Introduction, Translation, and Notes. Anchor Bible 15. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1965. - Job: A Case Study. Edited by Raymond Breakstone. New York: Bookman, 1964. - A Serious Man. Directed by Ethan Coen, Joel Coen [DVD]. - William Blake’s Illustrations of the Book of Job. With introduction and commentary by S. Foster Damon. Providence: Brown University Press, 1966. See also online at: http://www.blakearchive.org/copy/but550.1?descId=but550.1.wc.01 Course Requirements: 1. Attend class (20%). Students are expected to prepare for each class and come to each class ready to participate. In order to earn full credit for attendance, preparation (bring the assigned readings and your notes to each class as hard copies) and participation are essential. Please arrive on time for the start of class and remain seated until the The Book of Job Fall 2019 Syllabus p. 2 of 7 total pages end. Students are permitted one unexcused absence (including illness); each subsequent absence (without prior arrangements made to make up each anticipated absence) will result in a deduction that amounts to ≅ 0.714% of the final grade (see also “In Case of Illness or Emergency”, below). Except in cases of extraordinary circumstances discussed in advance with the instructor, more than 14 absences will result in failure. Electronic devices are not permitted in class, any use in class will count as an unexcused absence. 2. In-Class Presentation (10%). Date TBD. Students are required to make one class presentation (chosen from meetings 3–13 and 15–27) on the assigned literature. This presentation will take up the first 15 minutes of each class. See Appendix B for details. A one-page (single sided) handout must accompany the presentation; to ensure that hard copies are available for everyone, this handout should be emailed to the instructor no less than one hour before the start of class. Late handouts will be deducted a half- letter grade (i.e., from A to A-); a presentation without a handout will receive an automatic deduction of two half-letter grades (i.e., from A to B+). 3. Reading Job (5 reports x 5% each = 25%). ONE report in Weeks 2–6 (see Plan of Study, below). To encourage a close reading of the Book of Job, a report of 500–650 words is due on the Friday (11:59pm) of each week in Weeks 2–6. Reports can be uploaded onto Canvas. An outstanding report will 1) provide a concise summary of the assigned readings; 2) identify one or more problems or interpretative issues on the text itself that are worth discussing; and 3) raise additional and/or unanswered questions. Late reports are subject to a penalty of 2% per day and the last day to submit a report is 7 days after the due date. 4. Midterm (20%). In-class on Tuesday, October 15. The text will consist of a selection of excerpts drawn from the assigned readings and class discussions. A list of possible questions will be made available one month before the midterm test. 5. Final Exam (25%). A two-hour exam during the official exam period. (For now, the final exam is tentatively set for Thursday, December 12, 2:00–4:00pm; please plan your travel accordingly.) Students are asked to keep all graded and returned tests and assignments until the end of the course. Summary of Requirements: 1. Attendance (20%) Throughout the semester 2. Class Presentation (10%) Date TBD 3. Reading Job (5 x 5% each = 25%) End of Weeks 2–6 4. Midterm (20%) Tuesday, October 15 5. Final Exam (25%) During official exam period Might miss a deadline or exam? Students must request special consideration from the instructor by email before the stated deadline date and time. Supporting documentation may be required. The Book of Job Fall 2019 Syllabus p. 3 of 7 total pages Grading Scheme: Final grades will be assigned based on the scale below. The instructor also reserves the right to raise or lower a student’s grade by a slight amount, based on the instructor’s perception of the student’s effort throughout the course. Total % Letter Grade Total % Letter Grade 93.0–100.0 A 73.0–76.9 C 90.0–92.9 A- 70.0–72.9 C- 87.0–89.9 B+ 67.0–69.9 D+ 83.0–86.9 B 63.0–66.9 D 80.0–82.9 B- 60.0–62.9 D- 77.0–79.9 C+ < 59.9 F The question usually arises: how are tests and assignments graded? Generally, what I look for is how you are incorporating and critically reflecting upon the assigned readings. While informative, prior learning of the material is not an acceptable substitute for the requirements of this course. In Case of Illness or Emergency… If you are sick, please notify the instructor by email and take care of yourself. If you have a family or health emergency that means you have to miss more than three classes, then I will need a note from a doctor or authority that explains your situation. Depending on the situation, we will work out the next steps after the absence. Academic Integrity: The University of Texas at Austin Honor Code: The core values of The University of Texas at Austin are learning, discovery, freedom, leadership, individual opportunity, and responsibility. Each member of the university is expected to uphold these values through integrity, honesty, trust, fairness, and respect toward peers and community. Academic honesty holds a fundamental and cherished place in our community. An important element of academic integrity is fully and correctly attributing any materials and ideas taken from the work of others. Plagiarism in any form will not be tolerated and all cases of plagiarism will be referred to the Student Judicial Services at the Office of the Dean of Students. As a student, please familiarize yourself (if not already) with the following document: http://www.lib.utexas.edu/services/instruction/learningmodules/plagiarism. If you have any questions about plagiarism or academic dishonesty, please contact me.