Intro to the Old Testament

This course is an introduction to the texts and development of the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) through a critical reading of its writings, taking into account its relevant history, cultural influences, the original language, and the important events, personages/characters, ideas, and beliefs of ancient Israel. Also addressed are the contributions of other disciplines to a critical understanding of Hebrew Scriptures, including archaeology, literature, history, current Biblical scholarship and criticism, and women's studies. This course may be of particular interest to students in literature, anthropology, and other such disciplines.