REL 211 THE HEBREW BIBLE (OLD TESTAMENT)
This course introduces students to the critical study of the Hebrew scriptures. We will explore the ideas and practices of ancient Israel in light of the Near Eastern context in which the Bible developed, while also studying the traditions of ancient Biblical interpretation that especially shaped Judaism and Christianity. We will carefully and critically read the Bible's narratives, poems, proverbs and law codes, giving particular attention to its diverse conceptions of justice, love, holiness, gender, nature, power and God.