RELIGIOUS STUDIES 3031

THE BOOK OF GENESIS

Instructor: Dr. K. I. Parker Fall Semester 2017

Office/Tel: Arts 5031/864-8594 Office Hours: M/T/R: 12:00 to 1:00

E-mail: kparker@mun.ca

Webpage: http://www.ucs.mun.ca/~kparker/

In recent years, biblical scholars are becoming increasingly aware of the role ideology plays in the formation and reading of biblical narratives. Biblical narratives tend to promote certain points of view and reject others (for instance, the text almost universally promotes the idea of a wise and beneficent Deity), and biblical interpreters are often motivated by their own preconceptions and tend to emphasize certain themes more than others. This is especially the case with Apolitical@ readings of biblical texts, be they Marxist, feminist, or liberationist. Such theoretical reflection on the part of the interpreter helps to articulate the relationship between the questions or presuppositions brought to the text and the types of readings that emerge from the text.

In this course, we will explore one such theoretical approach to Genesis 1-11, that is, the question of whether a theological-political reading of Genesis 1-11 can be sustained by a close reading of the biblical text. The main purpose of the course is to develop the ability to read the text carefully and critically. The approach is primarily literary, which is to say that the received biblical text will be the primary focus of study. The only textbook required is a good quality translation of the Bible.

There will be two short papers (20% each), one mid-term test (20%), and a final exam (30%). Attendance, participation, and possible in-class assignments will compose the remaining 10% of the grade.

Missed Testing and Late Policies (Calendar entry 6.7.5)

• Missed tests with appropriate documentation, will be prorated.

Plagiarism (Calendar entry 6.12.4)

• Plagiarism will receive a grade of zero

Student Accommodation

• The Department is committed to facilitating and promoting an accessible, inclusive, and mutually respectful learning environment. Students requiring special accommodation are asked to communicate firstly with the Glenn Roy Blundon Centre (www.mun.ca/blundon) at the earliest opportunity. University policies and procedures pertaining to accommodations for students with disabilities can be found at www.mun.ca/policy/site/policy.php?id=239

Below is the course outline. While all effort will be made to stay to the lecture schedule, we may vary slightly from the dates given.

Course Outline

Sept. 07: Introduction: The Theological-Political Question

Sept. 12, 14: Genesis 1: The Creation Story

Readings: Genesis 1

Sept. 17, 19: Genesis 2: The Garden of Eden

Readings: Genesis 2

Essay #1: Compare and contrast Genesis 1 and 2. What are the stories trying to teach?

Approximately 1000 words, due September 28.

Sept. 26, 28: Genesis 3: The Fall

Readings: Genesis 3

Oct. 03, 05: Genesis 4: Cain and Abel and the city

Readings: Genesis 4

Oct. 12: Mid-term test.

Oct. 17, 19: Genesis 5: The Book of Generations

Readings: Genesis 5

Oct. 24, 26: Genesis 6: The Decision to Destroy the World

Readings: Genesis 6

Oct. 31, Genesis 7: The Flood

Nov 02: Readings: Genesis 7

Nov. 07. 09: Genesis 8: The Receding Waters

Readings: Genesis 8

Nov. 17, 19: Genesis 9: Noah and the Covenant

Readings: Genesis 9

Essay #2: What, ultimately, are the point and the result of the flood?

Approximately 1000 words, due November 23.

Nov. 21, 23: Genesis 10: The Political Order of the Nations

Readings: Genesis 10

Nov. 28, 30: Genesis 11: Universal Tyranny

Readings: Genesis 11