Deepen your understanding of communities influenced by religious belief and consider fundamental questions about the meaning and purpose of human life.
Course
Reading the Hebrew Bible / Old Testament
Module information>
This course provides an introduction to key books of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, a knowledge of which is essential for those wishing to gain an understanding of Judaism and Christianity and their cultural, social and political influence during the last two millennia through to the present day.
Topics covered
Section A: The Pentateuch and the former prophets (History of Israel and Judah)
- The primeval history (Genesis 1–11)
- The Pentateuch (Exodus 1–15 and Deuteronomy 1–11)
- The history of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah (1–2 Kings)
Section B: The latter prophets
- Eighth century prophets (Hosea and Amos)
- Prophecy in an age of exile (Ezekiel and Deutero-Isaiah)
- Post-exilic prophets (Haggai and Zechariah 1–8)
Section C: The writings
- Wisdom literature (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes)
- Biblical songs (The Psalms, lamentations and song of songs)
- Historiography after the exile (Ezra-Nehemiah)
Assessment
Forum participation (5%); a two thousand word essay (45%) and a 1.5-hour unseen written examination (50%).
