ANES 301

Methodological Competency

In this course, students will learn the basic sources, methods, and issues involved in an academic study of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). These will include an introduction to the authorship, audience, historical setting, literary framing, and content of key biblical writings; a history and evaluation of disciplinary approaches to these writings; and an overview of critical methodologies that are often used to study biblical texts. Such introductory topics will help orient students in achieving the broader learning outcomes of their ANES major or minor, including being able to read and interpret biblical texts within their historical, cultural, and literary contexts in a way that will prepare students for future studies within the discipline.

Analytical Thinking and Writing

To further help students prepare for future studies within the discipline, students in this course will develop critical thinking and analytical writing skills by producing a series of short assessment papers on the topics they are studying throughout the semester. While not full research papers (which will be expected later in their studies within the major or minor), these assignments will assist students in understanding, evaluating, and forming their own perspectives on the key texts, methodologies, and academic approaches to the study of the Hebrew Bible.

Spiritual Development

In this course, students will learn to navigate the academic study of the Hebrew Bible in a faith-informing way that will be spiritually strengthening and help them on their journey of becoming lifelong “disciple-scholars.” This will occur as such faith-informing approaches to the academic material are modelled to them by their instructor, as well as through in-class discussions about ways to integrate disciplinary approaches to biblical texts with constructive perspectives on the nature, role, and scripture within the community of faith.