Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) from the syllabus:

We will work together to

  • Develop a working knowledge of key terms and threshold concepts in critical biblical studies;
  • Develop critical questions that matter to us and can be investigated with available resources;
  • Practice analysis of a variety of biblical texts, attuned both to possible contexts and textual patterns;
  • Develop effective arguments, supported by textual evidence and previous research, about ways of interpreting biblical texts; and
  • Practice critical reflection on what we’re learning about the literature of ancient Israel, the social construction (and power dynamics) of identities and ideologies, and the value of disagreeing with each other in an effort to deepen our engagement and enrich our questions.

Most common shared learning goals from our initial self-assessments:

  • Explore the historical and cultural (and social, geographic, political) contexts from which the texts of the Hebrew Bible emerged
  • Consider the challenges and potential relevance of this literature for audiences from antiquity to the present
  • Explore a variety of perspectives on (and evolving interpretations of) these texts, with openness and patience
  • “Be a good student”: be intentional about planning so as to keep up with the reading & writing tasks assigned