Dedicated to advancing the University's mission of personalized education of distinction and the ecumenical spirit that has been at the core of the Disciples of Christ, the Department of Religious Studies offers a curriculum that prepares students to lead inquiring, ethical, and productive lives as global citizens.
REL 200 Intro to the Hebrew Scriptures
This class examines selected texts from the Hebrew Scriptures employing tools of critical biblical scholarship, such as literary analysis, textual criticism, feminist theory, socio-historical criticism, and biblical archaeology. We will approach the texts by situating them within their ancient Near Eastern context; therefore in addition to the Bible we will also look at Mesopotamian and Egyptian literature and inscriptions, including cosmologies, myths, legal and economic texts as well as archaeological data. Use of this approach will allow us to explore the religious ideologies and practices of the ancient Israelites. You are asked to analyze the texts from a fresh perspective and willingly suspend your belief and/or disbelief in order to try to see the world as the ancients did. Offered Fall 2009 MWF, 10-10:50 a.m. & MWF 11-11:50 a.m.
(Same as HIST 315.) This course explores the archaeology, history, geography, and religions of ancient Israel during the biblical period (2000 BCE - 70 CE). Settlement patterns, material culture, ethnic and religious identity as well as the pivotal relationship between archaeology and the Bible will be discussed. Offered Spring 2010. 3 credits.
For more information about this course, please contact Dr. Julye Bidmead, bidmean@chapman.edu.
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