Hebrew Scriptures: The Torah

The purpose of this module is to help students reflect critically on key themes and issues related to the first five books of the Jewish Scriptures, the Torah (also known as the Pentateuch). In this module students develop knowledge of key issues related to the background and formation of the Torah, explore key themes and figures found within these books (Genesis-Deuteronomy), and analyze the reception, use and impact of these writings. In the course of this module students will also develop skills that will enable them to engage with these texts from a variety of perspectives and methodologies used in the academic study of the Bible. Students are expected to attend and contribute to lectures, and to engage with the primary texts in a reflective and analytical manner as they progress through the module.