RELST 2724

Last Updated

  • Schedule of Classes - January 31, 2019 7:14PM EST
  • Course Catalog - January 31, 2019 7:15PM EST

RELST 2724
Introduction to the Hebrew Bible

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2018-2019.

The Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) is a repository of ancient Israelite religious, political, social, historical, and literary traditions. For the modern reader these ancient traditions are often obscured by a focus on the text as revelation. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the biblical world by reading the Hebrew Bible in translation, on its own terms, as a body of literature that evolved in an ancient Near Eastern context. The Bible itself will be the primary text for the course, but students will also be exposed to the rich and diverse textual traditions of the ancient Near East, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, Moab, and Ugarit. In addition, this course will explore the impact of early biblical interpretation on shaping the monotheistic traditions inherited in the West. As participants in a secular course on the Bible, students will be challenged to question certain cultural assumptions about the composition and authorship of the Bible, and will be expected to differentiate between a text's content and its presumed meaning.

When Offered Fall.

Breadth Requirement (GHB)
Distribution Category (LA-AS)
Course Attribute (CU-ITL)

View Enrollment Information

Syllabi: none

  •   Regular Academic Session.  Combined with: JWST 2724, NES 2724

  • 3 Credits Stdnt Opt

  • 16555 RELST 2724   LEC 001

  •