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Semester 1

Adam, Eve and LGBT+: Sex and Gender in the Hebrew Bible (DIVI10002)

Subject

Divinity

College

CAHSS

Credits

20

Normal Year Taken

3

Delivery Session Year

2023/2024

Pre-requisites

Visiting students are welcome.

Course Summary

The seminar wants to give an introduction into the different ideas around sex and gender in the Hebrew Bible. It discusses matters such as the creation of man and woman, the connection of sexuality and male struggles for power and honour, laws about sexuality in the Pentateuch, and the use of the marriage metaphor for the relationship between Yhwh and Israel.

Course Description

Academic Description: 'The Hebrew Bible is sometimes understood as the source of a 'traditional' Judaeo-Christian approach to marriage and sexual practice. A comprehensive examination reveals, however, that biblical assumptions about sex, gender, and kinship are complex and internally diverse. Some of these assumptions stand in tension with traditional Jewish and Christian norms for marriage and sexual activity.' (Ken Stone). The seminar wants to give an introduction into these diverse assumptions around sex and gender by engaging with the biblical texts and selected secondary literature. It discusses matters such as the creation of man and woman, the connection of sexuality and male struggles for power and honour, laws about sexuality in the Pentateuch, and the use of the marriage metaphor for the relationship between Yhwh and Israel. Due to the topic of the course, there will be some sexually explicit materials and the seminars will deal with several adult themes. Sample Syllabus/Outline Content: Week 1: Course Introduction and Course Hermeneutics: Sex and Gender - Same or Different? Week 2: The Creation of Man and Woman: Gen 1-3 Week 3: Sex and Violence I: Gen 19 and Judg 19 Week 4: Sex and Violence II: Gen 34 and 2 Sam 13 Week 5: Forbidden Sex: Lev 18 Week 6: David and Jonathan (1 Sam 19:1-8): A Model for Same-Sex Love? Week 7: King David and Bathsheba (2 Sam 11): Me Too in Jerusalem? Week 8: The Prophetic Marriage Metaphor I: The Prophet and the Whore (Hos 1-3) Week 9: The Prophetic Marriage Metaphor I: Porno-Prophecy in Ezek 16 and 23 Week 10: Love Poetry: Song of Songs Week 11: Course Summary and Revision Student Learning Experience Information: Students will be taught in weekly learning activities, which comprise a teacher-led input, close readings of the primary texts and discussions with interactive elements. The engagement with the biblical texts combines literary readings with a solid historical-critical approach, aiming to understand the texts as documents from their own times. Students are expected to prepare the biblical texts and secondary readings for discussion, where they may be asked to engage in learning activities, discussions and partner-work, reflect on a piece of art, or discuss the implications of the biblical texts for today's society. The preparation comprises 1-2 biblical texts and approximately 60 pages of readings per seminar session. Students are assessed on a coursework essay and an exam, through which they will demonstrate the achievement of the learning outcomes. A one-to-one 'Learning Conversation' in the middle of term offers the students the opportunity to reflect on their learning experience; on this occasion, they will also receive feedback on their essay plan.

Assessment Information

Written Exam 50%, Coursework 50%, Practical Exam 0%

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