Course Description

This course offers an in-depth examination of the story of Jacob, one of the oldest and most complex narratives in the Hebrew Bible. The primary focus of this course is to analyze the text of Genesis and explore the various academic approaches used to interpret and understand the story of Jacob.

Students will examine the literary and historical context of the story of Jacob, including its connections to other ancient Near Eastern epics and its place within the broader narrative structure of the Hebrew Bible. We will also explore the cultural and social values that are reflected in the story of Jacob and how they changed over time.

The course will take a multi-disciplinary approach that includes literary analysis, historical research, and cultural studies. We will also examine the ways in which the story of Jacob has been interpreted and reinterpreted throughout history, including in Jewish and Christian traditions, as well as in contemporary literature and popular culture.

Throughout the course, students will participate in critical discussions that encourage them to engage with the text of Genesis and develop their own interpretations of the story of Jacob. By the end of this course, students will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the story of Jacob and the various academic approaches used to interpret it. They will also have developed critical thinking skills and an appreciation for the complexities of biblical literature and storytelling.