ANCIENT ISRAEL AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE
HEBREW BIBLE
SPRING 2015
Syllabus
Arts and Sciences
REL 4215
SEC 521
CRN 13384
MONDAY-WEDNESDAY 2:00-3:15
Room – B336
Instructor: William Morgan
Telephone: 941/371-1830
email: [email protected]; or Canvas contact
Office Hours: The instructor will be available for a half hour before and after class. Students
may schedule meetings at other times by emailing or telephoning the instructor.
PREREQUISITES: None
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course involves a critical examination of the formation and composition of the Hebrew
Bible. In an academic approach to the study of sacred texts, the word “critical” means reading
the texts independently of religious norms or interpretive traditions (as opposed to simply
accepting texts uncritically because they are “religious” texts). We will examine carefully the
texts of the Hebrew Bible within the context of the Ancient Near Eastern culture in which they
were composed. This will involve an examination of the historical contexts, the sociological
settings, the literary genres, and the major themes of the various parts of the Hebrew Bible. We
will explore what these texts tell us about the history, religion, and culture of the times in which
they were written and the cultures around them that influenced the biblical writings, and we will
examine how modern archaeology and biblical scholarship give insights into those things.
A NOTE OF CAUTION
This course is not confessional in nature. It is not taught in a way that presupposes any particular
faith view of the nature or value of the text. This is a liberal arts university course that
challenges students to grapple with scholarly information about the Hebrew Bible and it is
expected that students will themselves exercise openness to views they may not have
encountered in their faith settings, and that students will be committed to doing good scholarship
and imaginative thinking. A student does not need to share any particular faith perspective to do
well in this class, nor should a student expect to use the class as a means to convince others of
the rightness of his/her faith perspective. The course is not a forum for the exploration of
personal religious beliefs and practices. It is the critical study of a biblical text and, therefore, if
a student has particular assumptions about the Bible he/she should expect the course to challenge
some of those assumptions.
1 If a student does not feel that he/she can be open to possible challenges from an academic and
scholarly study, this may not be the proper course for that student.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
-To introduce students to the literature of the Hebrew Bible within its Ancient Near
Eastern setting.
-To examine major critical issues in the interpretation of that literature.
-To discover the various genres of literature in the Hebrew Bible.
-To discover the major characters, themes, and plots of the writings, and to discern the intent of
the various authors and redactors of the text.
-To discover how historical circumstances, social conventions, the myths and patterns of other
Near Eastern cultures, and varied literary styles have shaped the Hebrew Bible.
-To develop the discipline of approaching what may be familiar material using the skills of
critical reading guided by scholarly analysis.
COURSE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the conclusion of the course, students should be able to identify, define, and describe
major characters in the biblical stories, to identify and locate places of geographic importance, to
outline the historical movement of the Hebrew people, to identify the world powers and cultures
and describe their impact on the biblical events and people,
Students should be able to define and describe the various scholarly approaches used in
analyzing biblical texts and the impact that scholarship has on the interpretation of texts.
Students should be able to produce an analysis paper on a biblical text or genre that reflects an
understanding of the. historical, cultural and literary circumstances that shaped the text.
COURSE CONTENT AND METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
The course, of necessity, will involve lectures that bring relevant historical and literary
information to the students, adding to or clarifying the textbook readings. Time will also be
allowed for student discussion of what they have been reading and hearing, raising questions,
and sharing insights they have discovered. Student discussion should reflect a grappling with
new ideas rather than simply a defense of previous positions.
(The class outline by topic and weekly assignments is included in this syllabus.)
TEXT AND MATERIALS
-How to Read the Bible, Marc Brettler, Jewish Publication Society
ISBN10 08276-0775-X
(REQUIRED TEXT)
-The New Oxford Annotated Bible (paperback-college edition)
(This is a REQUIRED TEXT because of its valuable scholarly notes and its translation
from the latest available manuscripts.)
(Throughout the course, other materials found online, provided as in-class handouts, or provided
by the instructor on Canvas may be recommended/required.)
2 ATTENDANCE AND TARDINESS
Attendance: Students are expected to attend every class having carefully read and digested (or at
least struggled with!) the assignment for the day.
**STUDENTS MUST CONTACT THE INSTRUCTOR IN ADVANCE IF THEY WILL BE
ABSENT FROM A CLASS. Unexcused absences will result in the lowering of a student’s grade
and excessive absences could lead to a student’s failing the course. If the student is absent on the
day of a test or when an assignment is due and has not notified the instructor in advance, the
student will not be permitted to make up the test or assignment.
Students will be allowed two unexcused absences in the semester but should be aware that
because the classroom lectures are critical to keeping up with the course, missing classes will
affect their understanding of the course material. An absence will be considered unexcused if
the instructor is not notified in advance.
**ON TIME FOR THE START OF CLASS. Students are expected to be in the classroom at
the beginning of the class period. Being late is disruptive for both the instructor and the other
students. If the instructor is reviewing or changing assignments for the next class period, he will
not repeat those for students who are late. They will be required to contact him or other students
to verify assignments.
GRADING AND EVALUATION
The final grade for the course will be calculated in the following way:
60% for 6 short written responses (10 points each, 60 points total) assigned
throughout the course. [We may occasionally substitute a quiz for
one of these papers.]
15% for Classroom Participation, including attendance (15 total points)
25% Final Exam (30 total points)
The final exam will include identification of terms and people, and short essay responses. The
written papers and exam responses should reflect an understanding of the subject addressed, the
ideas covered in the readings and lectures, and the ability to clearly and concisely communicate
one’s position.
The instructor will use plus and minus grading (e.g., 90% A-, 95% A, 98-100% A+).
CANVAS USE
CANVAS will be used for the syllabus, additional resource materials, the posting of reminders or
changes of assignment, or other necessary information. Information on how to use Canvas is
available at: http://usfsm.edu/information-commons/faculty-resources/
COMPUTER LAPTOP/SMART PHONE USE
Students may use laptops for taking notes or for activities directly related to the specific class
day. Use of the computer for activities not related to the class will subject a student to a grade
reduction in classroom participation.
Checking phone messages, text-messaging, etc., will subject a student to a grade reduction in
classroom participation. (Don’t forget: professors see everything!) USFSM AND USF SYSTEM POLICIES 3 A. Academic Dishonesty: The University considers any form of plagiarism or cheating on exams, projects, or papers to be unacceptable behavior. Please be sure to review the university’s policy in the USFSM Catalog, the USF System Academic Integrity of Students, and the USF System Student Code of Conduct. B. Academic Disruption: The University does not tolerate behavior that disrupts the learning process. The policy for addressing academic disruption is included with Academic Dishonesty in the USFSM Catalog, USF System Academic Integrity of Students, and the USF System Student Code of Conduct. C. Contingency Plans: In the event of an emergency, it may be necessary for USFSM to suspend normal operations. During this time, USFSM may opt to continue delivery of instruction through methods that include but are not limited to: Canvas, Elluminate, Skype, and email messaging and/or an alternate schedule. It’s the responsibility of the student to monitor Canvas site for each class for course specific communication, and the main USFSM and College websites, emails, and MoBull messages for important general information. The USF hotline at 1 (800) 992‐4231 is updated with pre‐recorded information during an emergency. See the Campus Police Website for further information. D. Disabilities Accommodation: Students are responsible for registering with the Office of Students with Disabilities Services (SDS) in order to receive academic accommodations. Reasonable notice must be given to the SDS office (typically 5 working days) for accommodations to be arranged. It is the responsibility of the student to provide each instructor with a copy of the official Memo of Accommodation. Contact Information: Disability Coordinator, 941‐359‐4714, [email protected], http://usfsm.edu/disability‐services/ E. Fire Alarm Instructions: At the beginning of each semester please note the emergency exit maps posted in each classroom. These signs are marked with the primary evacuation route (red) and secondary evacuation route (orange) in case the building needs to be evacuated. See Emergency Evacuation Procedures. F. Religious Observances: USFSM recognizes the right of students and faculty to observe major religious holidays. Students who anticipate the necessity of being absent from class for a major religious observance must provide notice of the date(s) to the instructor, in writing, by the second week of classes. Instructors canceling class for a religious observance should have this stated in the syllabus with an appropriate alternative assignment. G.. Sexual Misconduct/Sexual Harassment Reporting: USFSM is committed to providing an environment free from sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence (USF System Policy 0‐004). The Counseling and Wellness Center is a confidential resource 4 where you can talk about incidents of sexual harassment and gender‐based crimes including sexual assault, stalking, and domestic/relationship violence. This confidential resource can help you without having to report your situation to either the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (OSSR) or the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunity (DIEO), unless you request that they make a report. Please be aware that in compliance with Title IX and under the USF System Policy, educators must report incidents of sexual harassment and gender‐based crimes including sexual assault, stalking, and domestic/relationship violence. If you disclose any of these situations in class, in papers, or to me personally, I am required to report it to OSSR or DIEO for investigation. The Deputy Coordinator for USFSM is Mary Beth Wallace, AVP for Student Enrollment, Engagement and Success, 941‐359‐4330 or [email protected]. Campus Resources: Counseling Center and Wellness Center 941‐487‐4254 Victim Advocate (24/7) 941‐504‐8599 List of off‐campus resources: Hope of Manatee: 941‐755‐6805 Safe Place & Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) – Sarasota: 941‐365‐1976 First Call for Help‐ Manatee: 941‐708‐6488 Sarasota & North Port 941‐366‐5025 Manatee Glens: 941‐782‐4800 H. Web Portal Information: Every newly enrolled USF student receives an official USF e‐mail account. Students receive official USF correspondence and Canvas course information via that address. 5 COURSE SCHEDULE CLASS# AND DATE 1. M. 01/05 2. W. 01/07 3. M. 01/12 4. W. 01/14 MONDAY 01/19 5. W. 01/21 6. M. 01/26 7. W. 01/28 8. M. 02/02 9. W. 02/04 10. M. 02/09 11. W. 02/11 12. M. 02/16 and 13. W. 02/18 14. M. 02/23 15. W. 02/25 TOPIC Introduction to the Course What is the Hebrew Bible? PREPARATION & ASSIGNMENT Brettler textbook, Preface through chapter 3; chapter 4, pages 22 &23; chapter 5, pages 29 & 30 Film: “The Bible’s Buried Secrets” Brettler, chapter 4 Assignment: View remainder of film at
home. **Short Paper #1 – Response to film and textbook readings. DUE ON WEDNESDAY, 01/21. (Instructor will provide guidelines.) Biblical religion in the context of (Catch up on readings in the Brettler the Ancient Near East text.) MARTIN LUTHER KING HOLIDAY Continue biblical religion in **Short Paper #1 due today. context of the Ancient Near East The Creation myths in their time. Preparation: Brettler textbook, chapters 5 & 6. Bible: Genesis chapters 1‐4, 6‐11 The other “pre‐history” myths Foundational Values Bible : Genesis 1‐11 Assignment: Short Paper #2, Due Wednesday, 02/04 (Instructor will provide guidelines.) Con’t. Foundational Values **Short Paper #2 due today. The Patriarchal/Matriarchal Preparation: Brettler text, chapter 7. narratives Bible: Genesis 12‐36 Con’t. Patriarchal/Matriarchal Narratives The Egyptian Connection – Out of Preparation: Genesis 37 – Exodus 24; Egypt, Sinai Exodus 32; Numbers 11‐14, 16, 19‐20, 25; Leviticus 11‐20 Assignment: Short Paper #3, due Monday 02/23 (Instructor will provide guidelines.) The Priestly Documents/ Preparation: Brettler Textbook, Covenant Codes chapters 8 and 9 **Short Paper #3 due today Con’t. Codes & Collections 6 MARCH 2‐7 SPRING BREAK 16. M. 03/09 Biblical “Teachings” (“Law”?) 17. W. 03/11 Preparation for moving into “the land” The “Conquest” and Early Life In the Land Preparation: Brettler textbook, chapter 10 Bible: Deuteronomy 1,4,5,12,31; Leviticus 16‐20; 24:10‐23; 25; Numbers 35 18. M. 03/16 19. W. 03/18 MARCH 21 – LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW WITHOUT ACADEMIC PENALTY 20. M. 03/23 The Deuteronomic History – Prophets and Kings Catastrophe Strikes 21. W. 03/25 Introducing Prophecy – The “Former” prophets 22. M. 03/30 The “Latter”/”Literary” Prophets 23. W. 04/01 Con’t. “Literary” Prophets 24. M. 04/06 The “Writings”/”Wisdom” Literature Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes 25. W. 04/08 Con’t. of “Writings Preparation: Brettler textbook, chapter 11 Bible: Joshua 1‐12; 2‐24 Preparation: Bettler textbook, chapter 12 Preparation: Brettler textbook, chapter 13 Bible: Judges 1‐8; 13‐16;19‐21; I and 2 Samuel 1 and 2 Kings Preparation: Brettler textbook, chapter 15 Bible: 1 Kings 17 – 2 Kings 9 Preparation: Brettler textbook, chapters 16 and 17 Bible: Amos 1‐9; Hosea 1‐14; Isaiah 1‐12; 28‐33; 36‐39 Assignment: Short Paper #4, due Monday, April 6 Preparation: Bettler textbook, chapters 18‐20 Bible: Readings listed at beginning of each Brettler chapter Preparation: Brettler textook, Chapters 23 and 24 Bible: Readings listed at beginning of each Brettler chapter. **Short Paper #4 due today. Assignment: Short Paper #5, due Monday 04/13 (Instructor will provide
guidelines.) 7 26. M. 04/13 “Writings,” con’t. 27. W. 04/15 Challenging religious and social views: Jonah, Ruth 28. M. 04/20 “Writings” – Esther and Song of Songs 29. W. 04/22 LAST DAY OF CLASS **Short Paper #5 due today. Bible: Read books of Jonah and Ruth Short Paper #6, due Monday, 04/20 Bible: read books of Esther and Song of Songs **Short Paper #6, due today Take home Final will be available. Due on Final Exam day, Monday, April 27, at 2:00 in classroom. ***This weekly schedule is subject to change. You will be notified in advance of any changes. If you are absent from class YOU are responsible for checking with the instructor or another class member to be sure there have not been changes in the schedule.*** 8