Course Description
Study of a particular book, theme, or period in the Hebrew Bible (Tanak, Old Testament), focusing on both the Bible in its context in the ancient Near East and its influence in later literature and history. Study of the Biblical text through archaeological, theological, literary, and historical perspectives.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Additional readings will be assigned along with a research paper
and additional meetings with the instructor.
Athena Title
TOPICS HEBREW BIBLE
Prerequisite
Third-year or fourth-year student standing or permission of department
Undergraduate Pre or Corequisite
RELI 4001/6001 or permission of department
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The aim of the course is to take students beyond the introductory level of biblical studies. By concentrating on a particular element of the subject — a book or group of books, an ongoing theme, a particular century or age — students will both (1) learn the specific content on that subject and (2) learn the larger methodological point: that biblical studies are complex and rich. They will also experience firsthand the fruits of interdisciplinary study of the text: historical, literary, archaeological, and theological. Communicate Effectively through Writing To strengthen skills in written composition, analysis, and presentation by means of projects such as essays, papers, reports, and examinations. Computer Literacy To enhance and facilitate computer literacy by the use of word processing, the web, email, and OASIS through research, preparation, and presentation of work such as oral class reports and completion of written assignments. Critical Thinking To foster critical thinking by engaging in activities such as classroom discussion and debate, essay examinations, and oral presentations. Moral Reasoning (Ethics) To assist in the continued development of moral and ethical reasoning and reflection by encouraging creative thinking regarding individual and community concerns and needs, the challenging of prejudices and stereotypes, and examining rational and ethical bases of constructive social interactions.
Topical Outline
Topics will vary each time the course is offered. An example of a topical outline is: The Theme of Divine-Human Interaction in the Hebrew Bible and Western Literature I. Introduction to the Course Topic II. The Relationship between Biblical Literature and History III. The Relationship Between Biblical Literature and Theology IV. Divine Hiddenness in the Bible V. Divine and Human in Conflict VI. Freud and the Bible VII. Mark Twain and the Bible VIII. Dostoevsky and the Bible IX. Nietzsche and the Bible X. Mysticism and the Bible XI. Science Fiction and the Bible
Syllabus