Teaching and Learning in Biblical Studies

Extramural / Short Courses – Autumn 2024 Modules - These are day-time and face to face courses. Each course is auditing-based and has either two, one-hour lectures or one two-hours lecture per week.

Introducing the Old Testament/ Hebrew Bible**

Lecturers: Dr Neil Morrison, Dr Benjamin Wold – Mon 10 am and Fri 2 pm

The variety of terms used to designate the ‘Hebrew Bible’ (e.g., Old Testament, Hebrew Scriptures, Tanak) indicate the richness of traditions related to these writings, the various ways that they are viewed, and also their life within different communities at different times. This module will orient students to the literary and theological contours of the Hebrew canon, introducing them to the rich variety of genres within. The lectures will focus on the formation and transmission of the text and how it grew out of the context of the ancient Near East.  It will also invite the student to encounter the primary texts of various sections of this great ‘library’ including the Pentateuch, the historiographical literature, the prophets, the Psalms and the Wisdom literature. Students will also be introduced to the significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls and how their discovery contributes to our understanding of the text and ‘canon’ of the Hebrew Bible in the Second Temple Period.

Jewish Thought and Practice**

Lecturer: Dr Benjamin Wold – Tue 2 pm and Wed 12 noon

This module introduces key social, cultural, and religious aspects of Jewish thought and practice from antiquity to our own time. The focus of this module is on Judaism as a major world religion that has shaped Western Civilization. Rabbinic textual traditions that underpin Jewish religious thought—especially the Mishnah, Talmud, and Midrashim—are explored. Calendar, festivals (esp. Day of Atonement, New Year, Festival of Booths, Passover, Hanukkah), and rites of passage (e.g., birth, circumcision, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, marriage, divorce, death) are studied both within the classroom as well as, when appropriate, in visits to local Jewish synagogues and museums. Contemporary Jewish movements and the history of their traditions come into view along with their different beliefs and practices (e.g., kashrut, Sabbath, worship, prayer)

Qur’an: Scripture, History and Literature

Lecturer: Dr Zohar Hadromi-Allouche – Thurs 1 pm and Fri 12 noon

Qur’an — the Islamic scripture — contains, according to Muslim tradition, the literal word of God, which was revealed to the prophet Muhammad through the mediation of angel Gabriel.

This module explores the structure and main characteristics of the Qur’an; discusses its principal themes; reception history; and close relationship with the Bible.

From Invasion to Exile: The Ancient Histories of Israel and Judah

Lecturer: Dr Neil Morrison – Fri 4 pm for two hours

This module offers an opportunity for critical engagement with some of the most famous texts of the Hebrew Bible including those concerned with the Israelite conquest, the stories of the Judges, the rise and fall of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah and the careers of royal figures such as David, Solomon, Hezekiah and Josiah. Reflection on the historiographical value of these traditions will be facilitated by situating them within the context of the material culture and historiographical traditions of the Ancient Near East, while particular emphasis will be paid to the interface of power and violence within the traditions.

The Apostle Paul: Life and Letters

Lecturer: Dr Benjamin Wold – Tue 4 pm and Fri 10 am

The Apostle Paul’s significance for 2,000 years of Western Civilization is profound. Paul’s thirteen letters dominate the pages of the New Testament. His writings shape Christian theology more than any other part of the New Testament. Many have asked whether Paul was a follower of Jesus or the founder of Christianity. His letters, written between 50-68 CE, are the earliest Christian writings we have. From these we learn about the founding of early churches throughout much the Mediterranean world. In this module, attention is given to the social and cultural location of Paul’s activities and his correspondences with the urban Christian communities he founded. Students will learn about Paul as a first century leader dealing with conflict, controversies, and challenges. Indeed, Paul and his activities were polarizing in his own time. We will explore, from a historical perspective, the issues that were important to him and Christians in the first generation of Christians..

Christianity in the Cultures of Late Antiquity

Lecturer: Dr Daniele Pevarello – Thurs 11 am and Fri 11 am

Using literary sources as well as material evidence (archaeological finds, artwork, inscriptions), this module explores customs, beliefs, institutions and identities of the early Christians within the social, political, religious and cultural context of the Roman Empire in Late Antiquity. The course will help students to think about central questions in the study of early Christianity such as: who were the early Christians? How did they articulate their identities across different languages and in different areas of the late antique world? How and where did they eat, pray and live? How did they understand their beliefs and interact with the cultures around them? What did their Roman, Greek or Syrian neighbours think about them? Students will reflect on different models of cross-fertilisation between emerging early Christian identities and the cultures and religious phenomena which characterised the later stages of the life of the Roman Empire.

REGISTRATION

Registration and payment in cash can be made in person at the School of RTPS (Old Physiology Building) from Monday to Friday, 10 AM – 12 PM; 3 PM – 4 PM.

Cheques, drafts or postal orders should be made payable to TRINITY COLLEGE NO. 1 ACCOUNT.  Please return cheques, drafts or postal orders to:

Executive Officer

School of Religion, Theology, and Peace Studies

(Old Physiology Building)

Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, D02C1F6

For further queries, please call: 01 896 4789 or email: srundergrad@tcd.ie.