2HB3: Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament McMaster University, Term 1, Fall 2015 (Sept 8 Dec 8, 2015)

Transcription

1 2HB3: Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament McMaster University, Term 1, Fall 2015 (Sept 8 Dec 8, 2015) Instructor: Anthony R. Meyer Office: UH 213B (in stairway next to UH 122) Office Hours: Tue & Fri, 10:30 11:30 am (or by appt) [email protected] Phone: (905) Lecture: Tue & Fri, 9:30 10:20 am Location: UH 112 Tutorial: Fri, 1:30 2:20 pm Location: UH 112 TA: John VanMaaren Welcome to 2HB3! Many people have been introduced to parts of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament (HB/OT) through the modern contexts of synagogue, church, or mosque. This course, however, will explore the ancient contexts of Scripture. Over a period of roughly 900 years the diverse oral and written legacy of ancient Israel was collected, transmitted, and preserved in what we now call the Bible. In this course, we will explore the myths, stories, poems, legal traditions, prophecies, and psalms of the HB/OT in the context of the major socio religious and historical developments in the ancient Near East between the 10th and 2nd centuries BCE. Course Objectives: 1) Acquire basic familiarity with the contents of each book of the HB/OT. 2) Appreciate the ancient Near Eastern cultural context of biblical literature. 3) Learn a variety of methods (historical critical, literary, theological, anthropological, sociological, etc) used to interpret the HB/OT. 4) Articulate the significance of biblical texts in their ancient historical and literary contexts. 5) Gain a better understanding of the appropriation of the HB/OT in modern contexts. Required Resources: There are two required resources that we will use on a regular basis. The third will be on course reserve. (1) The New Oxford Annotated Bible with Apocrypha: A New Revised Standard Version.

2 College [4th] Edition, You need to read (or re-read) the biblical text! Many of you already have a copy of the Bible, however, for the purposes of this course you should acquire the New Annotated Oxford Bible. It provides insightful essays on biblical interpretation, concise introductions to each book, and extensive study notes to assist your reading of Scripture. The majority of exam content is based on close readings of biblical passages. The following versions are also suitable: The Harper Collins Study Bible (NRSV; 2010) The Catholic Study Bible (NAB; 1990 or newer) Jewish Study Bible (JPS: Tanak, 2004, 2014)] (2) Brettler, Marc Zvi. How to Read the [ Jewish] Bible. Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 2005 or The world of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament may appear at times strange to the modern reader; (not to mention we are reading a translation!). To assist our reading of biblical texts, we will use Marc Brettler s engaging and well written introduction. Each chapter is designed to help students overcome the hurdles of reading ancient biblical texts. The weekly reading schedule for the HB/OT and Brettler is provided below...[see also reading tips]. (3) Joel M. LeMon and Kent H. Richards (eds.) Method Matters: Essays on the Interpretation of the Hebrew Bible in Honor of David L. Peterson. Atlanta: SBL, **On course reserve in the Library.** Read one essay from this volume in order to get a flavor of the type of approaches available to interpret the Bible. You will be required to describe the basic features of one method as part of the Intro Quiz, which will take place on Sept 25th, in class. Course Components: Class Participation/Discussion/Tutorial (20%) Attendance and participation is required. Once a week you will have the last 5 10 minutes of class to provide your own written response/reflection on lecture or a particular biblical passage (5%). The mid term and final exams are based on weekly discussions, readings, and lectures. Make sure to complete readings before each class period in order to engage in meaningful discussions (5%). You will probably never take another Intro to HB/OT course again, so make the most of it! I will post handouts on Avenue related to more complex topics, such as textual criticism, canons of Scripture, Ancient Near Eastern sources/parallels, etc. These should be used in preparation for the Mid Term and Final. Attendance is also required for Tutorial (10%). Questions that are discussed in 2

3 Tutorial will appear on the Mid Term and Final exams. Intro Quiz (10%): Sept 25 At the end of the third week of class we will take a short quiz, designed to evaluate how well you understand some of the introductory issues in the study of the HB/ OT. Use the results to gauge the amount of time you need to study for the Mid Term and Final. Mid Term Exam (20%): Oct 27 The Mid Term will comprise multiple choice, matching, fill in the blank, and short essay answers. You will be required to know some essential historical information, including dates and terms, as well as describe the context of certain verses from Scripture. The Mid Term is designed to evaluate your ability to read biblical texts in light of their historical and literary contexts. Interview Project (25%): Due Nov 17 **See handout for details.** As a general outline, note the following: Analysis (1 2 pages): Choose a text/story from the list provided (see handout). Research and answer the basic WH questions (Who, What, Where, Why, When, How...) of the text. The Interviews (5 questions, 3 interviewees): You will interview three scholars of religion who also identify with an Abrahamic faith (Judaism, Christianity, or Islam) from Hamilton or the GTA (depending on where you live). Seek one interviewee from each tradition. Two questions will be provided; three questions will arise from your own research. You must submit your three questions via by **Oct 2.** Synthesis (1 2 pages): At this point you will have your own Analysis, and three Interviews, from three different faith traditions, all on the same text/passage. Compare, contrast, and summarize your interviews. In your final reflection, evaluate the different interpretive perspectives. Final (25%): Dec 8 22 The Final exam will be similar to the Mid Term (multiple choice, matching, fill in the blank, and short essay answer). The final will not be cumulative. Extra Credit (5%) An opportunity for extra credit will be available to those who want to learn the letters of the Hebrew aleph-bet (i.e., Alphabet). More details can be found in the Extra Credit handout. 3

4 McMaster University Grading Scale: Grade Equivalent Grade Point Equivalent Percentages A A A B B B C C C D D D F Classroom Policies and Procedures (1) Late Policy: The Interview Project is due on Nov 17. Material submitted after this deadline will be docked 3% per day. After seven days past the initial deadline the project will no longer be accepted. Part of your education as a university student is learning how to strike a balance between work and fun that anticipates unexpected events so that regardless of the situation, you can keep on schedule. That said, if you have a serious issue (e.g., medical emergency/illness), do not hesitate to contact me. (2) Use of Technology: The classroom is a professional environment. Computers/laptops are welcome so long as they are used for educational purposes (e.g., note taking, group work, etc). Using your laptop for Facebook/social media is not acceptable. This is a waste of your time, tuition, and is a distraction to others. The use of smart devices for talking and texting is also not permitted during class. You will need to bring a pencil and paper to class for reflection/ responses and group work. (3) Notes on Reading: Academic reading requires close attention to evidence, assumptions, and argumentation. After reading each page (or so) ask yourself where the author is taking you and what steps they are using to do it. Read actively and critically. Do you agree or disagree with the author s statements? For assigned Scripture readings, make the most of the study notes found on each page. I will invite you to skim portions of some books, due to the length and particularity of certain passages (e.g., genealogies, census records, etc). 4

5 University Policies (1) Statement on Academic Dishonesty (University Statement): Academic dishonesty consists of misrepresentation by deception or by other fraudulent means and can result in serious consequences, e.g. the grade of zero on an assignment, loss of credit with a notation on the transcript (notation reads: Grade of F assigned for academic dishonesty ), and/or suspension or expulsion from the university. It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty. For information on the various kinds of academic dishonesty please refer to the Academic Integrity Policy, specifically Appendix 3, found at: AcademicStudies/AcademicIntegrity.pdf. The following illustrates only three forms of academic dishonesty: (1) Plagiarism: taking credit for someone else s work. To avoid plagiarism simply cite the source of your information. (2) Improper collaboration in group work. (3) Copying or using unauthorized aids in tests and examinations. (2) Note on Changes in the Course: The Instructor and University reserve the right to modify elements of the course during the term. The University may change the dates and deadlines for any or all courses in extreme circumstances. If either type of modification becomes necessary, reasonable notice and communication with the students will be given with explanation and the opportunity to comment on changes. It is the responsibility of the student to check her/his McMaster and course websites weekly during the term and to note any changes. (3) Faculty of Social Sciences E mail Communication Policy: It is the policy of the Faculty of Social Sciences that all e mail communication sent from students to instructors (including TAs), and from students to staff, must originate from the student s own McMaster University e mail account. This policy protects confidentiality and confirms the identity of the student. It is the student s responsibility to ensure that communication is sent to the University from a McMaster account. If an instructor becomes aware that a communication has come from an alternate address, the instructor may not reply at his or her discretion. (4) Academic Accommodation of Students with Disabilities: Students who require academic accommodation must contact Student Accessibility Services (SAS) to make arrangements with a Program Coordinator. Academic accommodations must be arranged for each term of study. Student Accessibility Services can be contacted by phone ext or e mail [email protected]. Consult McMaster University s Policy for Academic Accommodation of Students with Disabilities. 5

6 Term Schedule: Date Sept 8 Sept 11 Sept 15 Tue Sept 18 Sept 22 Sept 25 Lecture Content/Required Reading Introduction Part 1 Syllabus What is the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament? What are the differences between Jewish and Christian Bibles? Ancient Versions of Scripture (DSS, LXX, MT), Textual Criticism, and Modern Editions Introduction Part 2 What does it mean to study the Bible in the context of Religious Studies? Interpretive Approaches: Wellhausen, Gunkel, Albright, von Rad and Noth, Discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, Approaches since 1960 s Reading: LeMon and Richards, Methods Matter [choose one essay from this volume to explore in depth; on course reserve] Introduction Part 3 How should we read the HB/OT, and what questions do we bring to the text? The Creation account(s) of Genesis 1 3 Reading: Brettler, chs. 1 6; Gen 1 3 TORAH/Pentateuch Gen 1 11: Primeval History and Ancient Near Eastern Context Why are there multiple Creation and Flood Stories? What are advantages and disadvantages of the Documentary Hypothesis? How do the writers of the primeval narratives portray the predicament of humanity? Reading: Gen 4 11 Gen 12 50: Ancestral Narratives What are the main compositional features of Genesis? What is the significance of the ancestral narratives for the HB/OT? Reading: Brettler, ch. 7; Gen Exod 1 12: Israel in Egypt, Birth of Moses, Plague Narratives How did the tribes of Israel end up in Egypt? Who is Moses? What is the significance of the Plague narratives and the Exodus? Reading: Exod 1 12 ***INTRO QUIZ*** 6

7 Sept 29 Oct 2 Exod 13 24, 32 34: From Egypt to Sinai, 10 Words, Book of the Covenant, and the Golden Calf Narrative What happens when Israel journeys? What happens when Israel camps? What role does Mount Sinai have in the biblical tradition? Reading: Brettler ch. 8; Exod 13 24, Exod 25 31, 35 40, Leviticus, and Numbers: Israel s Priestly Theology How should we read/appreciate priestly rituals, ideas, and the larger compositional strategies of the Priestly source authors/redactors? Reading: Brettler ch. 9; Exod 25 31, (skim), Leviticus, Numbers ***3 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS due*** ( them to me) Oct 6 Oct 9 Oct 13 Oct 16 Oct 20 Oct 23 Oct 27 Deuteronomy: Mosaic Discourse and the Deutero nomos ( Second Law ) What is the unique historical, theological, and literary setting of Deuteronomy? How was Deuteronomy influential for later Judaism and Christianity? Reading: Brettler, ch. 10; Deuteronomy 1, 4 6, 12, 18, DEUTERONOMISTIC HISTORY Joshua, and Judges What is the so-called Deuteronomistic History and what are the overarching thematic concerns of the Deuteronomistic redactors? What parts of Joshua and Judges fit within this larger History? Reading: Brettler, ch. 11; Joshua (1 12, 21, 23 24), Judges (1 3, 13 21) ***NO CLASS*** Mid Term Recess... (Great job...you are half way!) ***NO CLASS*** Mid Term Recess 1 2 Samuel: Rise of Monarchy and the Davidic Kingdom What parts of 1 2 Samuel fit within the Deuteronomistic History? Reading: Brettler, ch. 12; 1 2 Samuel 1 2 Kings: Solomon, Divided Monarchy, Tales of Prophets, End of the Israelite and Judahite Kingdoms What parts of 1 2 Kings fit within the Deuteronomistic History? Reading: Brettler, ch. 13; 1 2 Kings ***MID TERM EXAM*** 7

8 Oct 30 Nov 3 Nov 6 Nov 10 Nov 13 Nov 17 PROPHECY and PROPHETIC WRITINGS in Ancient Israel Amos and Hosea Who were the Prophets? In what contexts were their sayings and writings collected? Reading: Brettler, ch ; Amos and Hosea Isaiah, Micah, Nahum, Zephaniah What crisis does the book of Isaiah address? Reading: Brettler, ch. 17; Isa 1 39, Micah, Nahum, Zephaniah The Babylonian Era: Habakkuk, Jeremiah, Lamentations What is the historical time frame for the book of Jeremiah? How does the book of Jeremiah depict Israel s exile? Reading: Brettler, ch. 18; Habbakuk, Jeremiah, Lamentations The Exilic Period: Ezekiel and Obadiah, Additions to Isaiah How do Ezekiel s priestly concerns compare with the other major prophetic books of Isaiah and Jeremiah? Reading: Brettler, ch. 19, 20; Ezekiel, Obadaiah, Isaiah Post exilic Prophecy: Haggai, Zechariah, Joel, Malachi What are some continuities and discontinuities in biblical prophecy from the pre-exilic to the post-exilic periods? Reading: Haggai, Zechariah, Joel, and Malachi WRITINGS Ezra Nehemiah, 1 2 Chronicles: Return from Exile and Rebuilding of Jerusalem How does the religion of Ezra and Nehemiah compare to earlier periods? How does the Chronicler s version of Israel s past compare with the Deuteronomistic Historical books of 1 2 Samuel and 1 2 Kings? Reading: Brettler, ch. 14; Ezra Nehemiah, I and II Chronicles ***INTERVIEW PROJECT DUE*** Nov 20 The Psalms, Song of Songs What is the place of song and poetry in the monarchic, exilic, and post exilic periods? Reading: Brettler, ch. 22, 25; Psalms (1, 2, 3, 6, 14, 15, 24, 53, 118), Songs of Songs 8

9 Nov 24 Nov 27 Dec 1 Dec 4 Dec 8 Classes end Dec 9 22 ***NO CLASS*** Catch up on reading Wisdom Literature: Proverbs, Job, Qoheleth (Ecclesiastes), Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) How do wisdom traditions compare with other genres and forms of biblical literature? Do the messages of Job and Qoheleth conflict with Proverbs? Reading: Brettler, ch ; Proverbs (1 10, 22 23, 30, 31), Job, Ecclesiastes The Hebrew Short Story: Ruth, Esther, Tobit, Judith What distinct perspectives does the novella, or short story, add to the HB/OT? Reading: Brettler, ch. 26; Ruth, Esther, Tobit, Judith Daniel and 1 2 Maccabees What is the socio-political context for interpreting mid to late Second Temple books of the HB/OT? Reading: Brettler, ch. 21; I and II Maccabees Creation/Formation of Scriptural Canon(s) What major factors contributed to the collection of these diverse writings into canons of Scripture? Reading: Brettler, ch. 27 ***FINAL EXAM*** 9