An introduction to the literature and history of ancient Israel and early Judaism with special attention to the various methods appropriate to studying the Hebrew Bible. Additional description: As an introductory course, this class is designed to provide a one quarter survey of the Hebrew Bible. It is organized according to the canonical arrangement of the Hebrew Bible. We study the content and themes of the books of the Hebrew Bible, their historical and social backgrounds, and scholarly interpretations and approaches to the materials. Among the objectives of the course is to prepare students for further coursework in biblical studies and to develop each student’s skills in critical, close readings of biblical texts.

Seminary: Iliff School of Theology

Key Words: Cosmology, Creation, and the Big Bang From a Christian perspective, from a Jewish perspective; Biblical Archaeology; Human Health and Disease; History of Writing; Ancient Israelite Agriculture; Ancient Food and Diet; Climate, Environment, and Empire