The course involves study of Book of Exodus focusing on its narrative sections, and especially on the biography of Moses and the female characters in his story, with sensitivity to Christian and Jewish interpretations of this material. The method of the course is to practice close reading of the materials in English translation. We will also consider musical expressions of the narratives and themes of Exodus, including the recording “Exodus” by Bob Marley and the Wailers (1977).
Syllabus
June 5 Midwives, Mothers, and Sisters: Exodus 1–2
June 6 The Call of Moses: Exodus 3–5
June 7 Moses and Aaron against the Empire: Exodus 6–12
June 8 The Exodus from Egypt: Exodus 13–15
June 9 Moses and YHWH in Conflict and Friendship: Exodus 32–34
Required Texts
Everett Fox, The Five Books of Moses (Schocken Bible 1; Word, 1995). This book is recommended for purchase.