Religion 4005/6005 . Fall Semester, 2007 . Professor Richard Elliott Friedman

Office Hours: Tuesday/Thursday 9:45-10:45, Peabody Hall 211

Topics in Hebrew Bible

Study of a particular book, theme, or period in the Hebrew Bible (Tanak, Old Testament),

focusing on both the Bible in its context in the ancient Near East and its influence in later

literature and history. Study of the Biblical text through archaeological, theological,

literary, and historical perspectives.

Topic for 2007:

Commentaries on the Book of Exodus

Examinations and Papers:

There will be two Midterm Examinations and a Final Paper:

First Midterm: Tuesday, October 2

Second Midterm: Tuesday, November 13

The Final Paper is due in Final Examination Week

Grading Policy:

The two Midterm Examinations and the Final Paper count approximately 33.3 percent each. Participation in class (quantity and quality) also count in the final grade evaluation.

All academic work must meet the standards contained in “A Culture of Honesty.” All students are responsible to inform themselves about those standards before performing any academic work.

The course syllabus is a general plan for the course; deviations announced to the class by the instructor may be necessary.

The class will not meet on Thursday, September 13. (Rosh Hashanah)

The class will not meet on Thursday, October 25. (Fall Break)

The class will not meet on Thursday, November 22. (Thanksgiving)

The class will not meet on Tuesday, November 4. (Friday Class Schedule in Effect)

Texts:

Michael Carasik, editor, The Commentators’Bible (Philadelphia: JPS, 2005)

Richard Elliott Friedman, Commentary on the Torah (San Francisco: HarperCollins, 2001)

William H.C. Propp, Exodus 1-18, The Anchor Bible (New York: Doubleday, 1999)