Course Syllabus
Prof. Mark K. George
Office: Iliff Hall 202C, ext. 168
E-mail: mgeorge@iliff.edu
Revision date: 2015-09-14
Course Description
This course is a critical, exegetical study of the Book of Genesis. Genesis is one of the books of the Bible that is widely referenced and alluded to in US culture (as reactions to the June 2015 US Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges evidenced) for support of particular viewpoints (on the political left as well as on the political right—and everywhere in between) on a variety of issues. These allusions and references typically imply that the meaning of the biblical text is clear and unambiguous. But since it is unlikely this understanding of a fixed meaning would have allowed Genesis to survive through history and become part of the Bible, we will be working hard to upset and challenge it. One way we will do so is by reading the stories carefully (i.e., with exegetical care) and, just as carefully and critically, examining our own reading assumptions that shape how we read Genesis. A second way we will do so is through consideration of the ways interpreters use different types of media to explore these stories and what they mean. This is one way in which our work online will benefit our study of Genesis.
Please note: as a depth course, either Hebrew Bible Introduction (preferably) or New Testament Introduction is a prerequisite.
Course Goals and Objectives
- To develop and improve exegetical and interpretive skills in reading the Hebrew Bible, through weekly readings of biblical and secondary literature.
- 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.
- To consider ways the intersections between biblical texts and contemporary issues, through readings, discussions, and written assignments.
- To improve critical thinking and writing skills, through discussions and written assignments.
Books
Required texts
Brueggemann, Walter. Genesis: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. Interpretation. Atlanta, GA: Westminster John Knox Press, 2010. ISBN 978-0664234379 (paper). The 1986 hardback edition also is available and the same edition (but a bit more expensive): ISBN 978-0804231015 (cloth).
Cohn, Norman. Noah’s Flood: The Genesis Story in Western Thought. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1999. ISBN 9780300076486 (paper).
Crumb, Robert. The Book of Genesis Illustrated by R. Crumb. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2009. ISBN 978-0393061024. Please note: this book should be rated M for Mature, due to the biblical material and images.
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). Also available in paperback: ISBN 978-0691163550 (paper).
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).
Recommended texts for exegesis
If you are new to exegesis, I recommend you check out from the library or purchase one (or both?) of the following books on exegesis. These books introduce different methods and perspectives for exegesis that are commonly used and discussed by scholars and commentators.
To Each Its Own Meaning, Revised and Expanded: An Introduction to Biblical Criticisms and Their Application. Steven L. McKenzie and Stephen R. Haynes, eds. Louisville, Ky.: Westminster John Knox Press, 1999. ISBN 978-0664257842 (paper).
Hayes, John H. and Carl R. Holladay. Biblical Exegesis: A Beginner’s Handbook. 3rd ed. Louisville, Ky.: Westminster John Knox Press, 2007. ISBN 9780664227753 (paper).
Recommended for the craft of writing good papers: all of us are (or hopefully are) in a continuous process of developing our skills and abilities as writers. There are many books on writing available today, but here are some that I find particularly useful and commend to all students:
Pinker, Steven. The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person’s Guide to Writing in the 21st Century. New York: Viking, 2014. ISBN 9780670025855 (cloth); 9780241957714 (paper). ASIN B00INIYG74 (Kindle).
Strunk, Jr., William and E. B. White. The Elements of Style. 4th edition. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 2000. ISBN 9780205309023 (paper).
If you are interested, Mark has three short audio recordings on the syllabus, including: a welcome and overview of the books, one on the requirements, and one on grades and grading.
Note: The syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the professor.
Course Summary:
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