The Five Books of Moses CTI 375 (29481); J S 364 (39113); MES 342 (40309); R S 353 (42429) The University of Texas at Austin Spring 2020 Dr. Philip Yoo Course Description: Termed the ‘Torah’ in Jewish tradition and the ‘Pentateuch’ in Christian tradition, the first five books of the Bible — Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy — contain influential episodes that continue to shape ideas about deity, humanity, nationhood, the cosmos, worship, family, law, science, and history. A close reading of these books is key to understanding the biblical text. In this course, we will undertake the study of these books in their socio-historical context, and in light of its ancient Near Eastern background, with the aim to examine how these books continue to give meaning to readers in the present time. Accordingly, we will read through the entirely of these books and consider the process by which these texts were composed, transmitted, and ultimately accepted as authoritative. Learning Outcomes: By the end of the course, students will 1) develop skills of close reading and analysis of a wide variety of texts; 2) have a deeper appreciation for the many ways an ancient text is read and interpreted by its readers; and, 3) be introduced to some of the critical methods of reading a religious text. The Five Books of Moses Spring 2020 Syllabus Page 1 of 10 Flags: This course carries the Global Cultures flag. Courses that carry the Global Cultures Flag increase your familiarity with cultural groups outside the United States. Courses with the Global Cultures Flag ask you to explore the practices, beliefs, and histories of at least one non- U.S. cultural group, past or present. Many of these courses also encourage you to reflect on your own experiences within a global context. Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites (or corequisites) for this course. Either CTI 305G/J S 311/MES 310 (‘Introduction to the Old Testament’) or CTI 304/R S 315 (‘The Bible and its Interpreters’) is recommended, but not required. Primary and secondary literature will be read in translation. If you have Hebrew, see below for an option to complete the course requirements. It is crucial to remember that students come from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and traditions and that we are not only respectful of these differences but also willing to undertake the critical study of biblical literature. Required Books. The following (available at the University Co-Op) will be used extensively and a hard copy must be brought to each class: - Friedman, Richard Elliott. The Bible with Sources Revealed: A New View into the Five Books of Moses. HarperOne, 2003. (ISBN: 9780060730659) Additional readings (if any) will be posted on Canvas. Highly Recommended is any one of New Oxford Annotated Bible (“NOAB5” below), 5th ed. (2018); or 4th ed. (2010); or Jewish Study Bible (“JSB2” below), 2nd ed. (2014); or Harper Collins Study Bible, rev. ed. (2006). o A copy of NOAB5 is placed on Course Reserves. Call number: BS 191.5 A1 2018 N48 2018. This copy shall not be brought to class. Additional Resources. While the above materials will be sufficient to fulfil the requirements for this course, see Appendix A for additional course resources. Course Requirements: 1. Attend class (20%). Students are expected to prepare for each class and come to each class ready to participate. In order to earn full credit for attendance, preparation (bring the assigned readings and your notes to each class as hard copies) and participation are essential. Please arrive on time for the start of class and remain seated until the end. Students are permitted one unexcused absence (including illness); each subsequent absence (without prior arrangements made to make up each anticipated absence) will result in a deduction that amounts to ≅ 0.667% of the final grade (see also “In Case of Illness or Emergency”, below). Except in cases of extraordinary circumstances discussed in advance with the instructor, more than 15 absences will result in failure. Electronic devices are not permitted in class, any use in class will count as an unexcused absence. 2. In-Class Presentation (10%). Date TBD. Students are required to make an in-class presentation (chosen from meetings 3–28) of approximately 15 mins, on a portion of the assigned reading for that class. Selections will be made by the beginning of the second week of the semester. See Appendix B for more details. This presentation consists of two parts: a) A meeting with the instructor to discuss the presentation. This meeting should occur at least 24 hours before the class presentation. Students are expected to arrive to their The Five Books of Moses Spring 2020 Syllabus Page 2 of 10 meeting with the readings for the day of the presentation prepared and an idea for which portions of the reading they would like to focus on. A meeting held within 24 hours before the class presentation will result in a half-letter grade deduction (i.e., from A to A-); no meeting results in a deduction of two half-letter grades (i.e., from A to B+). b) The class presentation. A one-page (single sided) handout must accompany the presentation. To ensure that hard copies are available for everyone, this handout should be emailed to the instructor no less than one hour before the start of class. Late handouts will be deducted a half-letter grade (i.e., from A to A-); a presentation without a handout will receive a deduction of two half-letter grades (i.e., from A to B+). Handouts will be posted on Canvas within 24 hours of the end of each class. 3. Reading the Five Books (5 reports x 8% each = 40%). Due 21 February, 13 March, 3 April, 17 April, 1 May (all on Friday, 11:59pm). To encourage a close reading of Genesis– Deuteronomy, a report of 500–750 words is due at the end of each unit (see Plan of Study). Reports should be uploaded onto Canvas. Late reports are subject to a penalty of one half- grade per day and the last day to submit a report is 7 days after the due date. Based on the assigned readings and class discussion, there are four components to each report (can be discussed in any order): a) A concise summary of the individual “book”. b) A concise summary of the individual “source(s)”. c) Identify one or more literary or interpretative problems that arise out of a single chapter. d) Raise additional questions. 4. a. Final Exam (30%). This is the default. A three-hour exam during the official exam period. (For now, the final exam is tentatively set for Friday 15 May, 9:00am–12:00pm; please plan your travel accordingly.) The exam will consist of identifications and 2–3 essay questions. A study sheet will be made available one month before the date of the final exam. — or — b. Read and translate portions of the Hebrew text (30%). Students who choose this option do not write the final exam. For students who a) have prior work in Hebrew and b) have approval from the instructor by the end of the first week of the semester. Students who take this option will meet with the instructor for one additional hour a week (to be determined) throughout the semester to read, translate, and discuss set readings from Genesis–Deuteronomy. (For a sample list, see Appendix C.) Weekly homework will be assigned and will form part of the grade. Students who choose this option should obtain a copy of Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (BHS), Kittel et al (eds.). Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft. 5th reprint, 1997. Summary of Requirements: 1. Attendance (20%) Throughout the semester 2. Class Presentation (10%) TBD (sign-up by 1 February) 3. Reading Reports (5 x 8% each = 40%) 21 February, 13 March, 3 April, 17 April, 1 May 4. Final Exam (30%) Tentatively, Friday 15 May, 9am–12pm or with approval from the instructor: Reading the Hebrew Text (30%) Throughout the semester Students are asked to keep all graded and returned tests and assignments until the end of the course. The Five Books of Moses Spring 2020 Syllabus Page 3 of 10 Might miss a deadline or exam? Students must request special consideration from the instructor by email before the stated deadline date and time. Supporting documentation may be required. Grading Scheme: Final grades will be assigned based on the scale below. The instructor also reserves the right to raise or lower a student’s grade by a slight amount, based on the instructor’s perception of the student’s effort throughout the course. Total % Letter Grade Total % Letter Grade 93.0–100.0 A 73.0–76.9 C 90.0–92.9 A- 70.0–72.9 C- 87.0–89.9 B+ 67.0–69.9 D+ 83.0–86.9 B 63.0–66.9 D 80.0–82.9 B- 60.0–62.9 D- 77.0–79.9 C+ < 59.9 F The question usually arises: how are tests and assignments graded? Generally, what I look for is how you are incorporating and critically reflecting upon the assigned readings. While informative, prior learning of the material is not an acceptable substitute for the requirements of this course. In Case of Illness or Emergency… If you are sick, please notify the instructor by email and take care of yourself. If you have a family or health emergency that means you have to miss more than three classes, then I will need a note from a doctor or authority that explains your situation.