We will investigate the biblical book of Exodus in both its original significance in the ancient Near East and its later meanings for Jews, Christians, and Muslims in societies around the world. Why did its narratives and ideas about law and justice and religion resonate so strongly both in biblical times and afterwards? Which assumptions did the biblical authors make about writing stories and poetry? What is the historical reality of the Exodus? How did the biblical Israelites conceive of their religious practices and institutions? We will also explore how Exodus and the celebration of Passover has been, and continues to be, a crucial source of identity in Jewish and Christian circles. How has Exodus been re-imagined and transfigured multiple times, and how has the Passover celebration reflected transformations in the understanding of the Exodus? We will analyze many types of expression influenced by Exodus: historical sources, liturgy, art, commentaries, theology, literature, film, mysticism, and music.
Course Attributes: EN H; AS HUM; AS LCD; FA HUM; AR HUM
