BIBL1212: Women in Genesis

Abstract

Objective 1: Students will investigate the dynamics of the narratives in which women play a key role in the Genesis stories by analyzing the biblical text with the literary and philological tools of the peshat method of interpretation, as well as with the commentaries of midrash, medieval, and modern exegetes. Objective 2: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which the feminine personae of ספר בראשית shape the unique character of the nation of Israel as well as other related nations. GOAL 2: This course will aim to develop comprehensive character portraits for each of the women studied in .ספר בראשית Objective 1: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the complexities and multidimensionality of these female personalities. Objective 2: Students will be trained to investigate how to recreate these amalgamated portraits through a close examination of the direct and indirect character indicators presented in the biblical text. Objective 3: Students will reflect critically on the ways in which biblical commentators perceive the personalities of the female figures in ספר בראשית , and how and why they sometimes diverge in their evaluations of their actions and behaviors. GOAL 3: Students will apply the analytical skills gained in this course to independent study of selected topics within .ספר בראשית Objective 1: Students will complete one self-study written assignment that will analyze a selected biblical narrative unit.