Description

The seminar explores the earlier history of Israel and Judah, with a focus on the themes on state formation and origins of kingship. The seminar takes a two-pronged approach, working with both biblical texts and extra-biblical materials from the fields of archaeological and historical studies. The period under discussion is the intersection between the Late Bronze Age and early Iron Age, a times of upheaval of the old realities and formation of new ones. Among the Biblical narratives, the seminar takes into account the patriarchal cycles, the conquest narratives, the period of the Judges, and the stories of origin of monarchy (Abimelech, Saul, David, Jeroboam).

Objectives

The aims of the seminar are: (1) to familiarise the students with the complexity of the Old Testament from a historical point of view; (2) to read critically archaeological and historical data; (3) encourage the students to engage directly and critically with the biblical texts, and (4) foster oral presentation and discussion skills in an academic context.

Method

The lecturer will propose topics and provide the essential readings for each the weekly sessions. Each sessions will include an introduction to the theme by the lecturer, followed by discussion where the students are expected to participate. There will be ten sessions, two hours each.

Evaluation

Students will be assessed on their participation in the discussion (50%) and a short paper on selected theme from the seminar (50%).

Students who opt for the seminar con lavoro scritto will be required to submit an additional longer paper on a theme agreed on by the lecturer.