MELC 202 A: Introduction to the Hebrew Bible: Old Testament

Autumn 2025
View in MyPlan View in Time Schedule
Meeting:
MW 10:30am - 12:20pm / GUG 218
SLN:
18700
Section Type:
Lecture
Joint Sections:
RELIG 240 A , GLITS 315 A
Instructor:
Syllabus Description (from Canvas):

A view of the city of Jerusalem from the top of the Mount of Olives.

This course introduces the texts of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament in their ancient historical, ideological, and literary contexts, investigating how the makers of the Hebrew Bible shaped individual texts and groups of texts to support their communicative goals. We will engage with (some of the many!) debates surrounding the biblical text. If you are interested in the wild and wonderful world of the Hebrew Bible's texts, or if you've ever been curious about how the historical narratives in the Hebrew Bible connect with the histories of its neighbors, this is the course for you!  See syllabus for assignments.

There are no prerequisites. This course can give you 5 credits of A&H or SSc credit. There are seats available under several different course numbers (MELC 202 A, RELIG 240A, C LIT 360 B, GLITS 315 A), so if one section is full, please check the others. :)

I need to update the syllabus for fall 2025, but here is the version from the last time the course was offered: SYLLABUS MELC 202 Introduction to the Hebrew Bible2-1.docx

Catalog Description:
Examines the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) in translation and its relationship with literatures of ancient Near East. Comparisons drawn between Biblical text and literary works of Canaan, Egypt, Greece, Mesopotamia. Emphasis on the sophisticated literary techniques employed by Biblical writers. Offered: jointly with RELIG 240.
GE Requirements Met:
Social Sciences (SSc)
Arts and Humanities (A&H)
Credits:
5.0
Status:
Active
Last updated:
May 7, 2025 - 10:05 am