Description

The course offers an introduction to the scholarship pertaining to the Deuteronomistic History, an academic hypothesis holding that Deuteronomy and the Former Prophets (Joshua to Kings) formed a singular literary work before their division into different books. Developed by Martin Noth, this theoretical construct attributes the similarities in language, style, and content among these biblical books to the work of a single individual—the “Deuteronomistic Historian”—who would have composed this history of pre-exilic Israel in the aftermath of the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 587-586 BCE. In the decades since its formulation, Noth’s hypothesis has generated a wide-ranging debate, garnering supporters and detractors and inviting a proliferation of modified forms and new theories. Focusing on key figures and texts, the course surveys the history of research, starting with the “prehistory” of the Deuteronomistic History Hypothesis and concluding with the most recent developments.

Objectives

The course aims: (1) to acquaint the students with the phenomenon of “Deuteronomism” in the Hebrew Bible and prepare them to be able to recognize Deuteronomistic language and theology in the books of the Former Prophets; (2) to familiarize the students with Noth’s hypothesis and the history of the modifications and challenges to its central tenets in subsequent scholarship.

Method

Lectures and guided discussions.

Evaluation

Active participation (10%), three assignments (30%), and a written exam (60%). The exam will include questions about the monograph assigned as required reading (to be specified) and the authors and texts discussed in class. The students may write their assignments and the exam in English, Italian, French, German, Spanish, or Portuguese.