units

ATS3585

Faculty of Arts

18 September 2017 19 April 2024
Monash University

Undergraduate - Unit

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2014 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

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6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

LevelUndergraduate
FacultyFaculty of Arts
Organisational UnitAustralian Centre for Jewish Civilisation
OfferedNot offered in 2014
Coordinator(s)Dr Nathan Wolski

Notes

Previously coded HSY3265

Synopsis

This unit provides a survey of the Hebrew Scriptures as viewed in their ancient Near Eastern historical and cultural setting and as interpreted by modern biblical scholarship. Particular attention will be devoted to the Bible as an expression of the religious life and thought of ancient Israel. Topics examined include an exploration of the core beliefs of the Bible regarding creation, revelation and redemption and the problem of evil and suffering as well as conceptions of divinity, prophecy, law and cult. The art of biblical narrative and poetry will also be explored.

Outcomes

On completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. understand the foundational beliefs of the Bible.
  2. understand the Bible in its ancient Near Eastern context.
  3. appreciate the diversity of Biblical literature and demonstrate familiarity with the different genres of Biblical literature.
  4. appreciate the literary sophistication of Biblical texts.
  5. read and interpret select Biblical texts.
  6. demonstrate familiarity with the key institutions of Ancient Israelite religious life.
  7. demonstrate a familiarity with the key debates in modern scholarship concerning the compositional history of the Bible.
  8. demonstrate a familiarity with contemporary approaches to reading the Bible (eg, literary, feminist etc.).

Assessment

Written work: 40%
Test: 40%
Participation: 20%

Workload requirements

1 hour lecture followed by a 90 minute seminar

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Religion and theology
Jewish studies

Prerequisites

Two gateway units in Jewish Studies, Religion and Theology , Ancient Cultures, Philosophy or by special permission.

Prohibitions

ATS2585