DESCRIPTION: This course will provide an introduction to the history,
literature, and culture of the ancient Near East with an emphasis upon the
Levant during the Bronze and Iron Ages. One of the main goals of the course
will be to acquaint students with the basic scholarly resources used in the
discipline of ancient Near Eastern studies. The course will give specific
attention to three main topics in the study of the ancient Near East: (1)
interaction between the Levant and ancient Near Eastern empires during the
Bronze and Iron Ages, (2) the historical and social processes involved in the
rise of ancient Israel during the Iron Age, and (3) the impact of ancient Near
Eastern military imperialism and propaganda upon the texts of the Hebrew
Bible.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: By the end of the quarter, students should be able to (1)
identify the major scholarly resources used in the study of the ancient Near
East, (2) identify the ways in which Israel's neighbors impacted Levantine
culture during the Bronze and Iron Ages, (3) explain the different scholarly
theories of the rise of ancient Israel and how these theories relate to the
descriptions of early Israel in the Hebrew Bible, (4) identify the major cities
and archaeological sites in the Near East during the Bronze and Iron Ages, and
(5) explain how ancient Near Eastern military imperialism and warfare impacted
ancient Israel and the biblical literature.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: An understanding of the history of the ancient Near
East aids a deeper appreciation for the social and historical development and
theology of the Old Testament. Knowledge of ancient Near Eastern societies also
provides a broader cultural context for understanding the interaction between
Israel and her neighbors during the biblical periods.
COURSE FORMAT: This course will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions. Most
class sessions will consist of both lectures and short student presentations of
assigned readings. Class sessions will place heavy emphasis upon student
discussion of assigned readings.
REQUIRED READING: