The Hebrew Bible, Deconstruction and Reconstruction

Various traditional and modern approaches to the methodology and development of the Hebrew Bible (in English translation) are discussed, including views of authorship, redaction, structure and intent. But what does the Hebrew Bible say about itself? Students will consider the biblical portrayal of Israelite history and governance models (Patriarchal pre-settlement, Great leader settlement, Monarchy, Post-exilic hierocracy), testing the relationship between the Pentateuch and the subsequent biblical books. Through the course, students find an ancient Jewish view that is “modern” (answering the problems modern theories seek to solve) and at the same time that solves the problems the modern theories themselves engender. The course uses enquiry and deep reading, partnered study (havruta), and class discussion with some lecture providing value-added background and explanations. Collateral reading, class participation, two short reflections and one research paper are required. Evaluation will be based on class participation (40%), research paper (30%) and final exam (30%).