HUM 0020. Introduction to the Hebrew Bible
Units: 3
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduction to the texts of the Hebrew Bible ("Old Testament" or "Torah") and associated writings from the Ancient Near East. Analyzes the texts in their historical and cultural context, and surveys their various genres (poetry, prophecy, law, mythology, history, wisdom, etc.) Explores the relationship between Hebrew Scriptures and archaeology, literature, history, current Biblical scholarship, and women's studies. (CSU, UC)
HUM 0020 - Introduction to the Hebrew Bible
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/hum-0020/
Catalog Description Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A Hours: 54 lecture Description: Introduction to the texts of the Hebrew Bible ("Old Testament" or "Torah") and associated writings from the Ancient Near East. Analyzes the texts in their historical and cultural context, and surveys their various genres (poetry, prophecy, law, mythology, history, wisdom, etc.) Explores the relationship between Hebrew Scriptures and archaeology, literature, history, current Biblical scholarship, and women's studies. (CSU, UC) Course Student Learning Outcomes CSLO #1: Identify and describe the composition of the Hebrew Bible as well as the origination of its various books. CSLO #2: Analyze and explain the relationship between the Hebrew Bible and its relationship to history, art, literature and philosophy. CSLO #3: Compare and contrast the various books of the Hebrew Bible within and/or across cultural traditions. CSLO #4: Communicate effectively orally or in writing on a topic about the Hebrew Bible related to its study in the Humanities. Effective Term Fall 2022 Course Type Credit - Degree-applicable Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours 108 Total Student Learning Hours 162 Course Objectives Students will, through oral and written work: 1. Define relevant and integral terminology including but not limited to "Torah," "Pentateuch," and "Old Testament" and discuss the political and cultural ramifications of each title; 2. Identify and describe the J, E, D and P authorship styles as found in the Torah/Pentateuch; 3. Evaluate interpretations of the two creation stories found in Genesis I and II with regards to consistency of interpretation with the ancient texts as a whole and the ramifications of these interpretations for women's roles, men's roles, and conceptions of human nature; 4. Discuss the relationship between archaeology and history with the events and mythologies expressed in the Ancient texts; 5. Identify and describe the stories of the major figures of the Torah, Old Testament and Apocrypha; 6. Evaluate contemporary interpretations of these major figures and their stories; 7. Chart the history of the Hebrew people throughout the Torah and Old Testament; 8. Explain and evaluate both literal and metaphorical interpretations of the importance of the figures and events expressed in the Torah, the Old Testament and the Apocrypha; 9. Identify and explain the various literary forms found in the Torah, Old Testament and Apocrypha; 10. Discuss the laws and rituals described in the sacred texts and their relationship to historical and cultural settings; 11. Identify, describe and evaluate the relationship between the Torah, the Old Testament and the Apocrypha on contemporary societies. General Education Information Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability AA/AS - Literature & Language CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval) CSUGE - C2 Humanities Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval) IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval) IGETC - 3B Humanities Articulation Information CSU Transferable UC Transferable Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Example: After learning about the Documentary hypothesis (J, E, D, and P authorship hypothesis), students will be invited to discuss the characteristic differences between J, E, D and/or P authorship styles. Based on these discussions, (2) students will write two paragraphs identifying characteristic differences between the Jahwist (J) and Elohist styles. Submitted paragraphs will be evaluated by whether they include relevant concepts and coherent reasoning. Essay Examinations Example: In a short essay, evaluate the two creation stories found in Genesis I and II with regards to consistency of interpretation. Explain whether, in your view, the Documentary hypothesis resolves the inconsistencies. Use examples and passages from relevant readings and instructional material to help explain and support your ideas. Objective Examinations Example: A. Students will take a multiple-choice examination on the Documentary hypothesis. For example: According to the Documentary Hypothesis, the story of Adam and Eve (Gen. 2:4ff) was most likely penned by which author? (A) The Yahwist ("J"); (B) The Priestly Source ("P"); (C) The Elohist Source ("E"); or (D) The Deuteronomist ("D"). Projects Example: Create a poster board that charts and describes interpretations of the two creation stories found in Genesis I and II with regards to what these interpretations mean for women's roles, men's roles, and/or conceptions of human nature. Repeatable No Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Lecture: Using a slide-presentation for an on-ground lecture, the instructor will explain the J, E, D, and P authorship hypothesis. Through an interactive discussion, students will be invited to discuss the characteristic differences between J, E, D and/or P authorship styles. Distance Learning Students will watch a video of the instructor explain the Documentary hypothesis (J, E, D, and P authorship hypothesis). In a discussion board assignment, students will be presented with passages from Genesis 2:4ff and invited to identify and describe its likely author and provide support for their claims referencing the instructional material in the unit. Students will reply to peers reviewing their interpretation and support for their claims. Typical Out of Class Assignments Reading Assignments 1. Read "Read Chapter 1 in Michael Coogan's "The Old Testament: A Historical and Literary Introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures," and be prepared to discuss the literary traditions of Yahwist, Elohist, and Priestly strains. 2. Read the book of Genesis 3, and be prepared to discuss the ways stories can have meaning without necessarily being an historical fact. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Pick one of the Minor Prophets and write a 6-8 page essay describing the historical, political and religious context to which he is responding. 2. Read Exodus chapters 1 – 14 carefully, a couple of times through. When you think you have an accurate and complete understanding of the narrative, watch the film The Prince of Egypt (1998) by DreamWorks Animation. The goal of the assignment is for you to address the question of whether or not the film has changed the story in critical ways. For your assignment, write a 4-6 page paper analyzing elements of the story which the film has 1) Added; 2) Omitted; and 3) Kept the same. Give what you think are the three most important examples of each (you’ll discuss nine topics total), and provide arguments justifying why the elements you chose are important for understanding how DreamWorks has re-told the story. In your concluding section, discuss whether or not the film has faithfully reproduced the story. In other words, is it enough if someone has seen the film without ever having read the Exodus version? Why or why not? Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Required Materials The Old Testament: A Historical and Literary Introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures Author: Michael D. Coogan, and Cynthia R. Chapman Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication Date: 2017 Text Edition: 4th Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: The Jewish Study Bible Author: Berlin, Adele and Marc Svi Brettler Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication Date: 2013 Text Edition: 2nd Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: The Living Torah (English edition) Author: Aryeh Kaplan Publisher: Moznaim Pub Corp Publication Date: 2003 Text Edition: 4th Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: The Bible Unearthed: Archaeology's New Vision of Ancient Israel and the Origin of Its Sacred Texts Author: Israel Finkelstein, Neil Asher Silberman Publisher: Free Press Publication Date: 2001 Text Edition: Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: The Apocrypha Author: Edgar J. Goodspeed and Moses Hadas Publisher: Vintage Publication Date: 1989 Text Edition: Classic Textbook?: OER Link: OER: Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.
Humanities
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/departments/humanities/
The study of Humanities offers an approach which integrates the arts, literature, history, music, philosophy and other disciplines. The program focuses on the culture of human civilization from classic antiquity through the Middle Ages and Renaissance to the Modern Era. The objective of the Humanities is to give a sense of wholeness to human experience.
