Course Syllabus

This syllabus is subject to revision at the discretion of the professor

IST3004 Hebrew Bible Literature: Genesis—Online

Spring 2014
Online 

Prof. Mark George
Office: I-202C, ext. 168
Hours: By appointment
mgeorge@iliff.edu

I. Course Description

This course is a critical, exegetical study of the Book of Genesis. This term, we will give careful consideration to literary aspects of the texts of this Book, and how those texts express a range of socially significant meanings. We also will give some consideration to the effects or after-lives of Genesis as interpreters have engaged it throughout history.

Please note: as a depth course, either Introduction to the Hebrew Bible (preferably) or Introduction to the New Testament is a prerequisite.

II. Course Goals and Objectives

1. To develop and improve exegetical and interpretive skills in reading the Hebrew Bible, through weekly readings of biblical and secondary literature.
2. To become more critically aware of the ways in which reading contexts, including one’s own, other scholars', the field of biblical studies, and other disciplines and contexts influence and shape interpretations of texts, through secondary readings and discussions.
3. To improve critical thinking and writing skills, through discussions and written assignments.

III. Course Readings

Required texts

Cohn, Norman. Noah’s Flood: The Genesis Story in Western Thought. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1999. ISBN 9780300076486 (paper).

Cotter, David W. Genesis. Berit Olam: Studies in Hebrew Narrative and Poetry. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press, 2003. ISBN 9870814650400 (cloth).

Levenson, Jon D. Inheriting Abraham: The Legacy of the Patriarch in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Library of Jewish Ideas. Princeton; Princeton University Press, 2012. ISBN 9780691155692 (cloth).

The New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. This is the required version for all course work. If you do not own a copy or do not have access to it electronically, I recommend The HarperCollins Study Bible (NRSV)—Student Edition: Fully Revised and Updated. San Francisco: HarperOne, 2006. ISBN 9780060786841 (paper).

Bibliographic information for the additional readings may be found on this page.

An audio recording of the professor discussing the course description, goals and objectives, and readings is available here.

Requirements
Sign Up Sheet - revised
Grading
Tell A Friend Guidelines
Genesis and the World Guidelines
Genesis and the World Examples
Discussion Guidelines
Guidelines on Making a Response
Grade Scale
Exegesis Resources

Revision date: 11 April 2014.