Outline

Overview

The Books of Job, Ecclesiastes and Proverbs form the bulk of wisdom literature in the Hebrew Bible. In this unit students will apply advanced methods in analysis of biblical texts (literary, thematic, linguistic, and text critical) in order to understand the nature of Biblical wisdom literature on all levels. This will include examining these texts within the context of other wisdom literature both within the Hebrew Bible, such as wisdom psalms and in Deuterocanonical texts, such as Sirach.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	BBCL2603 or BBCL2607 or BBCL2609 or BBCL2610 or BBCL3601 or HBRW2623 or HBRW2625 or HBRW2632 or HBRW3601 or HBRW3602
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	BBCL2608
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Michael Abrahams-Sprod, michael.abrahams-sprod@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Presentation	Tutorial presentation Presenting text exegesis & class discussion. Choose from topics 2-13	10%	Multiple weeks	eqiv. 1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Tutorial paper Based on your class presentation	20%	Multiple weeks	500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Main essay Essay	50%	Week 13 Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:50 Closing date: 21 Nov 2025	3000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Class participation Active contribution to lecture & tutorial discussions + ongoing reading req	20%	Weekly	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Class attendance and participation:

Attendance is compulsory in both lectures and tutorials via zoom. In case of absence, you will be asked to complete a required task.

Reading preparation is required before and after classes. Assigned biblical passages to be read before lesson and two articles afterwards. The articles sum up ideas discussed in the lectures and will be of use in the tutorial. The mark is given for active involvement and contributing to both lectures and tutorials.

Tutorial presentation and paper – The tutorials are related to ideas and issues discussed in the lectures. Each student chooses one tutorial topic and prepares a class presentation to promote a discussion in the tutorial. The presentation is an exegetical analysis of a specific biblical text in light of a question assigned to it and two articles related to the lecture of the week before.

SEE MORE IN COURSE OUTLINE (pp. 5-7)

Final essay – For the final essay (3000 words) choose one of the two topics below for discussion:

According to biblical wisdom literature – should one expect divine providence?

What is the right way to live according to biblical wisdom literature? What is the reward for living this way?

SEE MORE IN COURSE OUTLINE (pp. 6-7)

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction: is there a 'wisdom genre' in the Bible	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Introduction and division of presentations	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	The Book of Proverbs (1): Author, structure, and purpose	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	What are the causes and characteristics of poverty according to Proverbs 19?	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Wisdom and women in proverbs	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Who/what is the "forbidden/strange (זרה) woman" of Proverbs 5?	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	The Book of Job (1): The Prologue - In search of the roots of evil	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Is there a way to determine when the Book of Job was written? Would this provide a better understanding of the book?	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	The Book of Job (2): Job's friends and the cycle of speeches - Why do good people suffer?	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Are Job's views different between the narrative and poetic sections? Demonstrate your discussion through one of Job's responses to his friends	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	The Book of Job (3): Out of the whirlwind - God speaks at last	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	"But where shall wisdom be found?" (Job 28:12). Who might be the speaker of Job 28?	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	The Book of Job (4): The Epilogue - Are Job's questions answered?	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Why did Job have to suffer? Does anyone in the book provide a convincing answer to that?	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Ecclesiastes, or Qoheleth (1): Is there a meaning for life?	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Is Qoheleth of Ecclesiastes 5 an educator?	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Ecclesiastes, or Qoheleth (2): The fate of mortals - Life and death according to Qoheleth	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Does Ecclesiastes 8 convey that one should "Fear God and keep his commandments?"	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Ecclesiastes, or Qoheleth (3): The conclusion - What is the point or meaning of life?	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Is there a point to life according to Ecclesiastes 12:1-8?	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Wisdom in the Apocrypha (Deuterocanonical books): Ecclesiasticus, or Sirach, or The Wisdom of Ben Sira	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	What is the status of 'The Wisdom of Ben Sira' in Judaism and Christianity?	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Wisdom in the Apocrypha (Deuterocanonical books): The Wisdom of Solomon	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	What is the status of 'The Wisdom of Solomon' in Judaism and Christianity?	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Wisdom in the New Testament: Is John 1:1-18 a 'wisdom' text?	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Conclusion: Is there a 'wisdom genre' in the Bible?	Tutorial (1 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit are available on Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Analyse the Biblical wisdom books on a literary and thematic level
LO2. Compare the books to one another according to themes and approaches
LO3. Differentiate between the various types and styles of wisdom literature
LO4. Discuss questions of defining a literary genre
LO5. Define and trace philosophical and theological matters in the texts
LO6. Conduct guided independent research into key questions relating to the themes, style and structure of the wisdom books

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Class attendance and participation:

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BBCL3602: Job, Proverbs and Other Biblical Wisdom

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Class attendance and participation:

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links