Reading and analysis of selected chapters from the Hebrew scriptures and post-biblical Hebrew writings representative of major historical, cultural, and literary trends.  

The Hebrew Bible is a foundational document in modern human history. Its stories have inspired great authors, philosophers, political thinker, and others. This course is an introduction to its content. Students will read, discuss, and critique large sections of the Hebrew Bible. In addition to exposure to the Bible’s influential stories and poetry, the student will learn and fine-tune the transferable skills of critically investigating written evidence, of deduction and inference, of critical question formulation, and of concise writing. The Hebrew Bible contains content that spans a range of possible human experiences, including stories of violence, such as bodily mutilation, war, (attempted) rape (man-on-woman and woman-on-man), ethnic attacks/genocide, psychological abuse, fratricide, and more. It also contains some of the most important tales of success, underdog victories, and inspirational poetry to be found in the so-called Western Canon. This course is taught in English.

Prereq: 2700H requires Honors standing or permission of instructor.  English 1110 (110). Not open to students with credit for 370. Cross-listed in Jewish Studies.
GE Foundation: Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts.