1.1.3 In the Greek
literary imagination that finds its way into the Apocrypha, Wisdom is identified
with Torah. Later, the author Philo of Alexandria identifies her with the
idealized Word, or Logos. In this guise, she finds herself in the opening
hymn of the Gospel of John. As Sophia, she is a subject for sermonizing
in Origen, the early Christian apologist; she is also, as Sophia, a very
different object to the Gnostics of the second century CE. When she
changes her name again, to Nous (or Mind), she is an object of desire for
Augustine in his Confessions.
1.1.4 The adjective
"sapiential" is a more technical term used for the general literature that
deals with topics and genres of wisdom. There is a sapiential strain in
early Islam, and a sapiential theology found in Hildegarde of Bingen.
1.1.5 The basic texts
of Wisdom are difficult ones, and have been understood in different ways
by different communities. The names of Wisdom are different in different
times and cultures. There are so many questions we could ask. How do we
know there is an underlying continuity among the different texts
and figures we identify as Wisdom('s)? What are the origins of Wisdom?
What is the connection between Wisdom and Wisdom's Literature? Was she,
originally, a goddess or is she simply a literary figure?
1.3.0 The language of
the course is English, since so many different languages contribute to
Wisdom's Literature.
1.3.1 Given the number of
questions that can be asked (see 1.1.5 for a sample) and the wide range of
names and cultures and identities of Wisdom herself, the course will
begin as a Seminar, with Instructor and students reading the same material
and taking turns in presenting background material for
discussion.
1.3.2 Once we have
all acquired a basic understanding of the dimensions of Wisdom and Wisdom's
Literature, we will shift to a research group, where there will be several
reports on different research topics, each week, and we will each be
responsible for material on our own research topic.
1.3.3 In research mode,
class members may use a variety of approaches to the research questions,
which will come from students and from me.
1.3.4 We will be dealing
with several dimensions of Wisdom's Literature for this project.
First, clarifying the problems
and writing about them.
Second, identifying the
literary forms that address the problems.
Third, sorting out the
solutions found in the literature.
Fourth, asking whether any
solution is satisfactory.
Fifth, identifying groups
as to the role played by Wisdom in their development.
1.3.5 We will sometimes
view films in order to approach the ancient attitudes towards Wisdom by
analogy with the present. We will also examine some modern forms of
Wisdom's Literature, such as Life's Little Instruction Book, or the
"Use Sunscreen" collection of advice.
3.1.1 Attendance at all
scheduled classes is required. If it is necessary to miss a class, please
let me know before the class meets.
3.1.2 Class
participation.
There will be several different ways this requirement can be met; the basic
idea is to make a contribution to the ongoing work of the class.
3.1.3 Completion of
two papers and a take-home final exam.
3.1.4 Completion of
weekly response papers on the readings.
3.1.5 For those who
elect the WATU component, completion of the additional WATU requirements
for two drafts of the papers and two meetings with the instructor.
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1.2 Background -- Wisdom('s)
Literature
Wisdom's
literature is understood in expanding circles of
content-related material. First, Wisdom's literature
consists of the biblical books of Proverbs, Job, and
Qohelet (Ecclesiastes). Second, Wisdom's literature consists
of these three plus similar materials in the HB/OT, such as
Song of Solomon or specific Psalms. Third, Wisdom's
literature extends beyond the HB/OT to the similarities found in Ancient
Near Eastern Literature, and to the continuations of
theme, genre, and personification in the post-biblical period.
1.3 Course
Description
2.1 WATU
Component
2.1.1 The WATU component
involves submitting drafts of two papers, meeting with me to discuss the
drafts, and revising the drafts according to our discussion. Students will
also write one-page response papers to the readings each week, except for
the weeks their papers are due.
3.1 Course
Requirements
