Introduction to the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible)
This course examines the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) as an expression of the religious life and thought of ancient Israel, and a foundational document of Western civilization. A wide range of methodologies, including source criticism and the historical-critical school, tradition criticism, redaction criticism, and literary and canonical approaches are applied to the study and interpretation of the Bible. Special emphasis is placed on the Bible against the backdrop of its historical and cultural setting in the Ancient Near East.
This Yale College course, taught on campus twice per week for 50 minutes, was recorded for Open Yale Courses in Fall 2006. The Open Yale Courses Series. For more information about Professor Hayes’ book, Introduction to the Bible, http://yalepress.yale.edu/yupbooks/book.asp?isbn=9780300181791 click here.
Syllabus
This course examines the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) as an expression of the religious life and thought of ancient Israel, and a foundational document of Western civilization. A wide range of methodologies, including source criticism and the historical-critical school, tradition criticism, redaction criticism, and literary and canonical approaches are applied to the study and interpretation of the Bible. Special emphasis is placed on the Bible against the backdrop of its historical and cultural setting in the Ancient Near East.
Berlin, Adele, and Marc Zvi Brettler, eds., Michael Fishbane, senior consulting editor. 2004. The Jewish Study Bible: Featuring the Jewish Publication Society Tanakh Translation. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Pritchard, James B, ed. 1958. The Ancient Near East, Volume 1: An Anthology of Texts and Pictures. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press.
(1) A midterm exam to be given in class on Monday, October 16.
(2) A paper (approximately 10 pp.) on a selected biblical passage. The paper will develop an interpretation of the passage while comparing and critiquing a range of traditional and scholarly interpretations. The paper is due at 3:00 pm on the last day of reading period (Thursday, December 14).
(3) A final exam. Exams will cover material from lectures and readings.
Midterm examination: 25%
Paper: 25%
Final examination: 40%
Discussion section attendance and participation: 10%
“Writing Intensive” students will have modified examinations and grade calculation will place greater emphasis on written assignments.
Sessions
This Open Yale Course is accompanied by a book published by Yale University Press.