Bible 200 – The World Behind the Text: Old Testament (1 credit)

The World Behind the Text: Old Testament is an 8-week course exploring the historical, cultural, and political landscapes of the Ancient Near East that shaped the Old Testament. This course examines key kingdoms such as Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, and Persia, analyzing their influence on Israel’s development, identity, and literature through archaeological findings and historical sources. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the Old Testament’s historical, social, and political context, enhancing their interpretation of biblical texts. Student learning will be evaluated based on weekly quizzes, a final exam, and a final project, completed in weekly segments, which demonstrates some familiarity with the culture or time of the kingdom you choose.