Welcome to the course RT2512 Male and Female? Gender, God and Humanity in the Hebrew Bible 7.5 hp!

Course content:

The course involves a study of selected texts from the Hebrew bible (BHS see "literature" below), focusing on constructions of gender and attributes of gender to God and human beings. Using various biblical methods, feminist exegesis, masculinity research, and queer theory, the student is provided tools for a critical approach to different Jewish and Christian interpretations of God and humans, expressed in terms of sex and gender in the Hebrew Bible. In addition to reading texts in the original language of the Hebrew Bible, extra-biblical texts as well as secondary literature in the form of monographs and comments are read.

Learning outcomes:

identify different aspects of sex and gender in the Hebrew Bible.
describe linguistic characteristics in sections of the Hebrew Bible describing gods and people and discuss these characteristics in relation to sex and gender.
problematize norms, beliefs and power structures that are related to sex and gender in the Hebrew Bible.

translate central text sections from biblical Hebrew to Swedish or English and identify linguistic problems in the texts
account for the importance of central words and concepts in the text sections, and show familiarity with text critical work by using the text-critical aparatus in Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia
discuss current text sections based on feminist exegetics, masculinity research and queer theory.
critically analyze descriptions of gods and people in the Hebrew Bible, from both historical-critical, feminist theological, masculinity research and queer theoretical perspectives.
evaluate the significance of sex and gender in Jewish and Christian interpretations of the roles and characters of gods and humans the Hebrew bible.

Literature:

Elliger, K. & Rudolph, W., eds. (1990) Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (Stuttgart: Deutche Bibelgesellschaft, (1966, 1983, 1977).

For secondary literature, see each unit under "Modules" ("Seminar x") for assigned readings.

Course Schedule and Hebrew texts:

Hebrew texts to translate are also available under each unit ("Seminar x").

Course introduction and presentation of teacher and students: November 2

1. Masculinities and the Pentateuch: November 9

Prepare for the seminar by translating the following Bible texts: Exod 1–4; 1 Sam 9; 10; 16.

Assignment 1: November 16

2. The Gender of God: November 23

Prepare for the seminar by translating the following Bible texts: Ps 22; 57; 71; Isa 42:13-15; 66:6-16;

Assignment 2: November 30

3. Israel as a metaphorical woman in the Prophets: December 7

Prepare for the seminar by translating the following Bible texts: Hosea 1–2; Ezek 16.

Assignment 2: December 14

4. Gender equality in the Song of Songs?: December 21

Prepare for the seminar by translating the following Bible texts: The Song of Songs, chs. 1, 2 & 5

Assignment 4: December 28

Forms of teaching:

1. Teaching takes place through compulsive text seminars. Zoom participants are expected to be present well ahead of time with sound and video.

2. The students are required to translate the Hebrew texts for each unit before class. Translations are uploaded on Canvas before the seminar (deadline at Wednesdays 9AM). During classes, the Hebrew texts as well as relevant topics are discussed.

3. During classes: we will focus on the assigned texts from the Hebrew bible and discuss translations and meaning. Each student is supposed to mark grammatical/syntactical issues and/or themes in connection to gender issues in the primary texts that s/he finds difficult and/or exciting. During classes, the student are required to be able to reflect upon these. This will then serve as point of departure for discussions among the colleagues.

4. Each student is assigned a unit for which s/he is responsible to lead the discussion on the specific topic. The "how" is up to each student; for example, through a Powerpoint presentation or oral presentation (maximum 15 minutes), or throughout the seminar where the translations are discussed by interjecting with theological remarks, questions, and by doing so stimulate a discussion with the colleagues. A suggestion: use, and get inspired, by the "Learning Outcomes" above. See separate schedule.

5. Each student is required to write an assignment for each unit. See separate instructions under "Assignment x" (go to "Modules"). Note: all literature must be discussed and referenced as well as biblical text in relation to the design of the assignment.

"Timeline":

Classes are held once every second week.

Students are supposed to work in the following cycle:
- the week before class: TRANSLATIONS and read the assigned literature
- the week following class: ASSIGNMENT based on the literature

Assessment:

The course is assessed through participation in seminar discussion (compulsory), as well as through individual written home assignments + translations. The assignment must be submitted before deadline and at Canvas (not by email).

Each translations and assignment as well as seminar discussions and the oral part during class (see 3. above) will be assessed as Passed with Distinction (VG), Passed (G) and Failed (U). The student must have (at least) Passed (G) on ALL parts to pass the course. For Passed with Distinction the student must acquire the grade on at least 50% of the assignments.