Research paper: Overview of the Bible

The students will write a critical introduction to a book of Bible. Each student will select a biblical book, read it in its entirety, and research its historical background, literary structure, major themes, place in the biblical storyline, and theological message. Students should cite at least 6 non-internet, academic sources (books, journal articles, etc.). The paper should be 6-10 pages long (Times New Roman, 12-point font with 1” margins all around) and should include a bibliography (which is not counted toward the page total). The paper should contain the following sections:

a.) Critical Issues (author, date, provenance, occasion, sources, etc.)

b.) Literary structure (two-level outline the major sections of the book and then a 1-2 paragraph summary)

c.) Place in the storyline of the Bible (use Roberts here) Roberts, Vaughn. God's Big Picture: Tracing the Storyline of the Bible. Downers Grove: IVP, 2008. ISBN 978-0830853649

d.) Major themes and theological message

e.) Personal reflection on the book

Suggested resources: ESV Study Bible, New International Commentary on the Old Testament, New International Commentary on the New Testament, New Dictionary of Biblical Theology