Biblical Literacy in a Secular Manner: Genesis
In this five week flexible scheduled course we'll be looking at the stories of Genesis
Christy Knockleby
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(191)
What's included
Homework
2-4 hours per week. This is a flexible schedule class so we will not be meeting live. Students will be asked to do a weekly reading assignment and to watch the short videos. Then they will be invited to engage the material in a variety of ways including (but not limited to): - Participating in discussion in the Outschool classroom. - Doing a virtual scavenger hunt finding classical paintings on Biblical themes. - Writing riddles for one another and guessing each other's riddles. - Doing dramatic readings and retellings of stories.Class Experience
US Grade 7 - 10
This course is based on the premise that the Bible is written by humans for humans. The texts were compiled and edited over hundreds of years. We will discuss some of the major stories within the Old Testament and looking at how they fit together. I will provide excerpts from other ancient civilizations to provide comparison and context. The course outline: 1) Understanding the Big Picture of the Bible 2) Creation, Adam and Eve 3) Cain and Abel 4) Tower of Babel & the Flood 5) Stories of the Patriarchs In this set of five classes we'll be looking at the stories in the Biblical book of Genesis. We'll discuss their possible connections to the exilic or Persian period and how they explore boundaries. We'll also look at some of the ways the stories have been rewritten and reinterpreted in Medieval and early modern times. As a secular class, we'll be looking at questions like: - When might this story have been written? - How do these stories relate to one another? - What image of God does this passage portray? - What other mythological themes and motifs can we see in the passage? We will avoid questions like "who is God?" or "what does God want?" or even "is there a God?" because those are questions of faith. This is a secular class for learning about an ancient religion and the ancient history of Israel, as well as later interpretations in literature.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The Bible does contain mature topics including violence and sexual content. We will not be focused on those aspects, but they may come up in passing.
Supply List
Students will need to use a Bible. They can use a paper one or they may access the Bible through a website. I recommend the New Revised Standard Version, the New International Version, or the American Standard Version of the Bible. However, any translation will work as long as it is a translation and not a paraphrased summary of the Bible. Students will be asked to use Biblehub.com as well as websites connected with ORACC (http://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/projectlist.html), a source for cuneiform texts and translations. They will also need to visit art gallery websites. I will provide some optional worksheets, but there is no need to print them off if one would prefer to read them on the screen and just type answers.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined March, 2017
4.9
191reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I was raised within the United Church of Canada to view the Bible as a historical and literary document. I attended theological studies at McGill University, in Montreal, Quebec. I'm currently agnostic or even atheist, but fascinated by Biblical history. I have published a book on the topic, titled A Secular Bible Study.Reviews
Live Group Class
$12
weekly or $60 for 5 weeks5 weeks
Completed by 1 learner
No live video meetings
Ages: 12-16
