REL 260 : "Archeology and Biblical Interpretation"
How does one use archeology and historical data to interpret the Hebrew Bible? This course is designed to answer that question. The course will provide an orientation to the methods and resources of the scientific study of archeology in the lands of the Bible as well as present and overview of the archeological data from the pre-exilic period (the Late Bronze III Age through the Irono IICAge). Methodological discussion will be combined with slidelectures and the focused study of a diverse selection of texts from the Hebrew Bible. Areas C and G. Spring semester, even years.
[ Presentations , Schedule , Textbooks , Other ]
Syllabus
Religion 240 "Archaeology and Biblical Interpretation"
MWF 11:30pm, Con 128
Professor: Dr. Andy Vaughn
office: Old Main 103A
office telephone: x7475
home telephone: 931-5657 (before 9pm)
email: avaughn@gac.edu
office hours: MWF 1:30-2:30pm; W 10:30-11:30am & by appointment
Course Description:
How does one use archaeology and historical data to interpret the Hebrew Bible? This course is designed to answer that question. The course will provide an orientation to the methods and resources of the scientific study of archaeology in the lands of the Bible as well as present an overview of archaeological data from the pre-exilic period (the Late Bronze III Age through the Iron IIC Age). Methodological discussion will be combined with slide lectures and the focused study of a diverse selection of texts from the Hebrew Bible.
Area C and GN Fulfillment:
Area C is defined as "Meaning and Value, the Use of Language, and the Historical Process." As stated in the course description, the course utilizes the historical process to evaluate the "use of language" in selected sacred texts found in the Bible. Through this process of evaluation, the "meaning and value" of these biblical texts is examined.
The course fulfills an Area G requirement by treating a foreign culture. Further, the course requires that the student recognize the importance culture plays in shaping a society.
The course also seeks to introduce the student to the use of computerized technology for teaching and for making presentations. This is a supplementary goal to the focus of the class, but it is also considered an important component of the students' general education that does not fall under one of the specific area designations.
Objectives:
The primary goal of the course is to provide the student with a solid foundation in the content and theory of biblical archaeology so that the student will have a greater ability to understand and interpret the Hebrew Bible. With this primary goal in mind, the course will enable the student to accomplish the following objectives:
1. Gain a basic understanding of archaeological methods and theory.
2. Gain an understanding for the proper use of archaeology in interpreting biblical texts.
3. Gain general competence in how to utilize computers and digital technology in leading class discussions and making presentations.
4. Gain an awareness of the basic archaeological resources available for biblical research as well as experience and expertise in utilizing these resources.
5. Gain a basic knowledge of the material culture of the biblical lands from the end of the Late Bronze Age through the Iron IIC Age (roughly 1200 BCE to 586 BCE).
6. Gain experience and expertise in utilizing archaeological research to interpret the Hebrew Bible.
Brief Outline of the Course:
The course will begin with a focused study of archaeological method and theory in order to provide a foundation for the utilization of archaeological data in biblical research. Next, we will examine the relevant archaeological data pertaining to Old Testament from the following periods: the occupation of the land (Late Bronze III to Iron IA), the rise of the Israelite monarchy (Iron IB), the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel (Iron IIB), the kingdom of Judah during the reigns of Hezekiah and Josiah (Iron IIB and IIC), and the fall of the kingdom of Judah (Iron IIC). By using this approach, the course will present an overview of the crucial archaeological data pertaining to the pre-exilic period, while, providing the student with opportunities to integrate these data into biblical interpretation.
Group Presentations:
Throughout the semester, we will have a total of 8 group presentations that will facilitate all-class workshops. The first round of group presentation (the first 4) will be only 5-7 minutes long. The second round of presentations will be for the entire class period. Students are expected to work together with the professor and the Information Technology staff to utilize the computerized and audio-visual equipment that is available in our classroom.
There are at least three reasons for this requirement to use computers and other audio-visual aids: a) their use will make the class more enjoyable for everyone and thus facilitate learning; b) the professor feels that general competence in these areas of technology is an important part of your general education (even for people primarily interested in the humanities), and this competence will be valuable in whatever career you may choose in the future; and c) it's fun!
Anticipated Method of Evaluation:
1. Class participation 10%
2. First Exam: covering Sections One, Two, and Three 20%
3. Second Exam: covering Section Four 15%
4. Group presentations 15%
5. Final Exam: cumulative but concentration
on Sections Five, Six, and Seven: 40%
____
100%
Bible (NRSV or other standard translation). Harper-Collins Study Bible recommended.
Ben-Tor, Amnon. The Archaeology of Ancient Israel. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1992.
Lance, H. Darrell. The Old Testament and the Archaeologist. Guides to Biblical Scholarship, Old Testament Series. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1989.
Mazar, Amihai. Archaeology of the Land of the Bible 10,000-586 B.C.E. The Anchor Bible Reference Library. New York: Doubleday, 1990.
Highly Recommended Book:
Shanks, Hershal, ed. Ancient Israel.
Section One: Introduction and Definition of Biblical Archaeology
Feb. 09 (M): "Introduction of Class"
-Introduce Syllabus
11 (W): "A Case Study on The Use of Archaeology in Biblical Interpretation"
-2 Chronicles 29-32
13 (F): "What is Biblical Archaeology?"
-Ben-Tor, AI, 7-9
-Lance, OTATA, 1-11
-J. M. Miller, "OT History and Archaeology," BA 50 (1987) 55-63
16 (M): "The Proper Use of Arch. in Biblical Research: Negative and Pos. Uses"
-Lance, OTATA, 61-66
-J. A. Sauer, "Syro-Palestinian Archaeology, History, and Biblical
Studies," BA 45 (1982) 201-209
Section Two: Geography and the History of Research
18 (W): "Geographical Features of the Land of the Bible"
-Mazar, ALB, 1-9
-Aharoni et. al, Macmillan Bible Atlas, 11-21
20 (F): "Historical Geography: A Case Study of Lachish = Tell ed-Duweir"
-A. F. Rainey, "Historical Geography-- The Link Between
Historical and Archaeological Interpretation,"
BA 45 (1982) 217-223
Section Three: Archaeological Field Methodology and Terminology
23 (M): "Archaeological Stratigraphy, Terminology, and Chronology"
-Lance, OTATA, 12-37
-Mazar, ALOB, 9-10, 21-26
-Group A leads class with professor
25 (W): Workshop: "Typological Dating and Chronology-- an Overview"
-Lance, OTATA, 37-46
-Mazar, ALOB, 26-34
-Y. Aharoni and R. Amiran, "A New Scheme for the Sub-Division
of the Iron Age in Palestine," IEJ 8 (1958) 171-184
-Group B leads class with professor
27 (F): Workshop: "Dating Levels II and III at Lachish"
-Mazar, ALOB, 427-435
-Group C leads class with professor
Mar. 02 (M): Review for First Exam and Make-up Day
-Group D leads a review in class with professor
04 (W): First Exam: covering Sections One, Two, and Three (20%)
Section Four: Archaeology of the Israelite Occupation (LB III through Iron IA)
06 (F): "Biblical Account of the Israelite Occupation: Identifying the Problem"
-Joshua 1-12, Judges 1, and 1 Kings 4
09 (M) "Overview of the Late Bronze Age in Canaan"
-Mazar, ALOB, 232-241
-R. Gonen, "The Late Bronze Age," in AI, 211-216
11 (W): "The Period of the Israelite Occupation-- transition from LB III - Iron IA"
-Mazar, ALOB, 295-300
-A. Mazar, "The Iron Age I," in AI, 258-262
13 (F): Question and Answer session on IT and AV equipment for presentation
-to be coordinated with staff from IT and Media Services
-professor at seminar in Princeton
16 (M): "An Archaeological Overview of the Israelite Occupation"
-Mazar, ALOB, 328-355
-A. Mazar, "The Iron Age I, in AI, 281-296
-recommended: Chapter 3 "The Settlement in Canaan," Shanks, AI
18 (W): Class Discussion: "Debate: Conquest, Settlement, Revolt, or Pastoralists"
-no new assignments for today
-Group C: Conquest & Settlement
-Group D: Revolt & Pastoralist
-the class will be divided into above four groups, and each group
will be assigned to support one of the above models. Each group
will gather archaeological and textual data from the lectures or
assigned readings to support its position. Each group will
present a 3-5 minute multi-media presentation on their topic, and
then we will follow these presentations with a class discussion.
The purpose of the discussion will be to analyze the right and
wrong uses of archaeological data.
Response to New Theories: goal of the sessions this week is to enable to the student to gain experience and expertise in critically evaluating new proposals by using archaeological and biblical data.
-each group will lead one workshop
-everyone in the class will complete the required readings (to be distributed)
-the workshop will present the content of a new theory to the class
-the group will then lead a discussion in class critically assesses the new theory.
-the presentations should use the computer and digital resources in our classroom
20 (F): Workshop: "The Occupation as a Cyclical Phenomenon?" (Group A)
-present Finkelstein's theory (article on reserve)
-present a critical assessment of how one aspect of Finkelstein's
"Cyclical Theory" is either useful or not useful for interpreting
the biblical account of the Israelite occupation of the land.
-lead a discussion on the material
23 (M): Workshop: "Interpreting Joshua w/ Naaman's Proposal" (Group B)
-present Na'aman's theory (article on reserve)
-present a critical assessment of how one aspect of Naaman's
arguments regarding the historical accuracy of various sections
of Joshua is either useful or not useful for interpreting the biblical
account of the Israelite occupation of the land.
-lead discussion on the material
Section Five: Archaeology of the Philistines (Iron I)
25 (W): "The Philistines: The Biblical Evidence"
-Judges 13-16
27 (F): Second Exam: covering Section Four (15%)
30 (M): Spring Break
Apr 01 (W): Spring Break
03 (F): Spring Break
06 (M): "Settlement of the Philistines in Canaan"
-Mazar, "The Iron Age I", in AI, 262-271
-Mazar ALOB, 300-308
08 (W): Discussion: "Use of Arch. to Interpret the Philistine Cult in the Bible"
-read biblical selections about the Philistine cult (on handout)
-Mazar, ALOB, 319-328
-Mazar, "The Iron Age I," in AI, 275-278
-write a one-page position paper answering the question for the day
-the professor will lead a class discussion on the topic
Section Six: The Archaeology of the United Monarchy
10 (F): Easter Break
13 (M): Easter Break
15 (W): "The Origination of Kingship: The Biblical Evidence"
-1 Sam 7-12
17 (F): No Class
-professor at the Midwest Society of Bib. Literature Conference
-recommended: Chapter IV "The United Monarchy" in Shanks, AI
20 (M): "The United Monarchy: The Biblical Evidence"
-2 Sam 7-12
-1 Kings 3-9
20 (M): Evening Lecture by Dr. Gregory Glover
-presentation on the transition fr. pre-exilic to post-exilic prophecy
-exact time and location to be announced in class
-this meeting is a makeup for the 17th and a 1/4 page summary
must be handed in to the professor
22 (W): "The Period of the United Monarchy-- An Archaeological Overview"
-Mazar ALOB, 368-402
-Barkay, The Iron Age II-III," in AI, 302-326
-(caution: Barkay and Mazar have different dates for the IA IIB,
so pay attention to the definitions)
24 (F): "The Solomonic Age: An Archaeological Problem"
-Barkay, "The Iron Age II-III," in AI, 307-308, 310-315
-Lance, OTATA, 67-93.
Response to New Theories: goal of the sessions this week is to enable to the student to gain experience and expertise in critically evaluating new proposals by using archaeological and biblical data.
-each group will lead one workshop
-the workshop will present the content of a new theory to the class
-the group will then lead a discussion in class critically assesses the new theory.
-the presentations should use the computer and digital resources in our classroom
27 (M): Workshop: "Solomonic Stables" (Group C)
-Barkay, "The Iron Age II-III," in AI, 310-315
-other required reading will be distributed in class
-present the key issues in the debate over "stables" or "storehouses"
-present a critical assessment of the arguments by Callaway (see
assigned readings) and the arguments for "storehouses" and how
this debate affects biblical interpretation
-lead a discussion on the material
29 (W): Workshop: "An Alternative View: The 'Tel Aviv' Attempt to Redate the
United Monarchy" (Group D)
-required reading will be distributed in class
-present key questions in the debate over the dating of the strata
corresponding to the United Monarchy
-describe how "absolute" and "relative" chronology are imp.
-present a critical assessment of the arguments by for the
"low" chronology) and for the "consensus" chronology; address
how this debate is important for biblical interpretation.
-lead a discussion on the material
Section Seven: Archaeology of the Divided Monarchy (Iron IIB to IIC)
May 01 (F): "The Divided Monarchy-- The Biblical Data and Key Questions"
-recommended: Chapter V "The Divided Monarchy" in Shanks, AI
-1 Kings 11-12
-skim 2 Kings 17-23
-skim 2 Chron 32
04 (M): "The Divided Monarchy-- An Arch. Overview of the N. Kingdom"
-Mazar, ALOB, 403-416
06 (W): "The Divided Monarchy-- An Arch. Overview of the Southern Kingdom"
-Mazar, ALOB, 416-457
-Barkay, "The Iron Age II-III," in AI, 327-354
08 (F): Workshop: "Lachish III and the Re-dating of Earlier Excavations"
-Aharoni and Aharoni article on reserve (Y. Aharoni & R. Amiran,
"A New Scheme for the Sub-Division of the Iron Age in
Palestine," IEJ 8 (1958) 171-184)
-Ussishkin article on reserve (Ussishkin, "The Destruction of
Lachish by Sennacherib and the Dating of the Royal Judean
Storage Jars," Tel Aviv 4 (1977) 28-60
-discussion led by professor
13 (M): "The lmlk Jars and Their Significance for Biblical Interpretation"
-assignment to be distributed in class
15 (W): Workshop: "The Archaeological Picture of Hezekiah and Josiah"
-assignment to be distributed in class
-the focus will be on how archaeology is helpful for biblical
interpretation of these two crucial reigns
17 (F): "The Archaeology of Jerusalem: The Minimalist-Maximalist Debate"
-assignment to be distributed in class
-the focus will be on how this debate affects biblical interpretation
20 (M): Review for Final Exam
Final Exam
-will be on day and time set by registrar
-will cumulative with the focus on Sections Five, Six, and Seven
-will contain essay questions dealing with the relationship between history /
archaeology and biblical interpretation
-study guide will be distributed in class