Winter 2018/Pasadena

OT854/554

Hays

OT854/554: ISRAELITE RELIGION IN ITS ANCIENT NEAR EASTERN ENVIRONMENT (6/4 Units: 379/160 hours). Christopher B. Hays.

DESCRIPTION: This course is intended to introduce students to the critical study of the religions of ancient Israel and Judah. Engaging both biblical and ancient Near Eastern primary texts, it acquaints students with the similarities and differences between Israelite and Judean beliefs and practices and those of their neighbors. Secondary literature introduces students to the major theories about the nature of and diachronic changes in Israelite religion. Research projects will familiarize students with the comparative study of the Old Testament and encourage them to think about the relevance and proper application of the material to the interpretation of the Bible.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will have demonstrated (1) a basic acquaintance with various genres of ancient Near Eastern religious texts; (2) a familiarity with the major scholarly literature on Israelite religion and on its relationship to neighboring cultures; (3) an ability to employ comparative data and interpret the Old Testament from a comparative perspective through concrete case studies; (4) intermediate or advanced knowledge of biblical Hebrew.

COURSE FORMAT: This class meets one per week for four-hour sessions for a total of 40 instructional hours in the classroom for lecture and discussion. Class sessions will involve brief lectures, Hebrew translation, student presentations, and guided discussions.

REQUIRED READING: 3600/1260 total number of pages required.

Albertz, Rainer. A History of Israelite Religion in the Old Testament Period. Trans. J. Bowden. 2 vols. Westminster John Knox, 1994. ISBN: 978-0664227197 and 978-0664227203, Pub. Price $45.00 each [384 pp. each].

Course Reader. (See professor for complete reading list.)

RECOMMENDED READING:

See course syllabus. Students may also wish to contact the professor in advance to receive a list.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Reading: 3600 pp. PhD/1260 Master’s. [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-3] [240 hours PhD; 84 hours Master’s].

2. Class Participation, which includes translations, presentations, readings, and participation in discussions. (30%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-4] [40 hours].

3. FINAL comparison project. (25%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-4] [24 hours PhD/12 hours, Master’s].

4. FINAL paper: 25 pp. PhD/15 pp. Master’s. (45%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-4] [75 hours PhD/24 hours Master’s].

PREREQUISITES: LG502 or equivalent Hebrew ability. Master’s students admitted with permission of the instructor.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to count in Ancient Context of the OT and Ancient Near Eastern Studies emphases.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None. Final paper due on last day of finals week.