Jewish Studies 203 - Introduction to the Hebrew Bible

This course examines the many different kinds of texts within the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) including stories, legal codes, prophecies, proverbs, and poetry. We'll situate these texts in the context of the historical periods in which they were written and uncover the religious and political worldviews they articulate. Students trace the processes through which this diverse collection of ancient literature was gradually gathered together into something called a "Bible" and will reflect on how and why these texts have come to be interpreted in so many different ways over the course of the last two millennia.