Syllabus

B771 “What Does the Lord Require?”:

Reading 8th Century Prophets in Appalachia
“Introduction to Prophets”
Summer 2008
Dr. Lisa W. Davison
ldavison@lextheo.edu
859/280-1257

A. Pre-requisites: B571 and 2 600-level courses (or equivalent).

B. Description: The purpose of this course is to provide students with the opportunity for
contextual learning through an intercultural immersion experience in rural Appalachia. Within
the “lived experience” of being physically present in this region of the United States, students
will be able to study the messages of the 8th century (BCE) prophets (i.e., Amos, Hosea, Isaiah of
Jerusalem, and Micah) not only as ancient words for an ancient society but also as living words
that speak to the specific concerns of the Appalachian culture.

C. Class Procedures: Through pre-course readings and some professor input, students will begin
with basic understandings of the socio-historical backdrop for Israelite prophets, especially the
8th century BCE. The initial focus, when the group gathers, will be to provide an overview of the
history and geography of Appalachia. The rest of the immersion experience will consist of
conversations with those involved in the social justice concerns of the region, biblical exegesis,
cultural analysis, theological reflection/discussion, and worship.

D. Course Goals and Learning Outcomes (Three explicitly linked to program goals): At the end
of the course, students will able to:
1. Articulate a more thorough understanding (both from study and
experience) of the unique context and social justice concerns of
Appalachian people and culture.
2. Give a definition of justice and identify the issues that fall within the topic of social
justice.
3. Provide a definition of “prophecy” and a summary of the role of prophets
in Ancient Israel, particularly in reference to those of the 8th century BCE
(Amos, Hosea, Isaiah of Jerusalem, and Micah).
4. Identify parallels between the socio-historical context of 8th century (BCE)
Israel and that of 21st century (CE) rural Appalachia.
5. Name the ways that local faith communities have responded to the social
justice concerns of Appalachia.
6. Develop and articulate ideas of how faith communities could respond to
the social justice concerns of Appalachia grounded in biblical exegesis and
theological reflection.
7. Demonstrate their ability to integrate their new knowledge and experience
into their ministry.

E. Required texts and readings:

1. Heschel, Abraham. The Prophets.
2. Giardina, Denise. Stroming Heaven.
3. Other materials to be provided during the immersion.

F. Recommended texts and readings: None

G. Assessments/Assignments:
1. Participation: As an immersion-based course, all students are required to participate in
all class activities and to contribute to the group discussions/theological reflections.
Students are expected to be respectful of all persons encountered during the 2-week
experience (including: other students, presenters, hosts, and professors). Behavior that is
disrespectful will negatively influence a student’s grade. (50% of final grade)
2. Readings: Students are required to read all of the assigned materials and be prepared to
discuss those readings during the course. (10% of final grade)
3. Final Project: Students are required to do a final project that integrates the subject of
study (8th century prophets and Appalachia) along with the experience gained from the
immersion, which has a practical component. Since each student’s curricular
requirements are different, everyone will need to discuss with the professor/mentor the
specific nature of her/his final project. The project is due to Dr. Davison by 4pm on
June 27th, 2008 (electronic or hard copy). (40% of final grade)

H. Grading: Letter grades will be determined based on the following scale. Students should also
consult the LTS Student Handbook for information on what constitutes “A work”; “B work”; “C
work”; “D work”; and “F work”.

“A” range = 90-100 A+ = 98-100 A = 94-97 A- = 90-93

“B” range = 80-89 B+ = 87-89 B = 84-86 B- = 80-83
“C” range = 70-79 C+ = 77-79 C = 74-76 C- = 70-73
“D” range = 60-69 D+ = 67-69 D = 64-66 D- = 60-63
F = 59 and below

I. Absences: See #1 under “Assessments/Assignments”.

J. Other policies: Late assignments will not be accepted. For all formal written work, Turabian
style is required. Cheating of any form (including plagiarism) will result in at least the
following: a grade of “F” on that assignment and a letter to the Dean explaining the incident,
which will be kept on record. For other possible consequences see the LTS Student Handbook.
Students are required to abide by the “Just Language Covenant” as presented in class.

K. Disability Accommodation: Lexington Theological Seminary complies with the Americans

with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If you believe you have
a condition which will require accommodation, please refer to the LTS Student Handbook and
follow the procedures outlined. Please review this syllabus carefully and make an appointment
with the professor to discuss any assignments for which you believe you will need
accommodation according to the arrangements made with the dean.

L. Daily class schedule: See attached schedule.