The 8-10 page paper due November 12 will be a report and assessment of what you have learned studying a topic in Hebrew Bible. I am particularly interested in seeing that you have accessed the work of biblical scholars and have interacted with their ideas, while offering your own.
Choose your topic early and explore the resources in the university's libraries in researching it. The on-line bibliography for the course will likely provide some assistance. Other helpful resources are the following:
The Anchor Bible Dictionary (Memorial Library reserves, 2nd floor) contains articles on virtually any topic you would want to investigate having to do with the Bible. Its articles can provide a good starting point for work on your subject.
On-line indexing and abstracting databases in the electronic library. Especially useful is the ATLA Religion Database (listed under the Arts and Humanities group of databases), which will give you access to articles and books by topic. Many of these works will be highly specialized and technical. However, if you specify searches using the periodicals Bible Review and Biblical Archaeology Review, you are likely to find material written for the general populace. NOTE: ATLA must be used on site at the library; it cannot be accessed from your home pc.
Check out the links to other web sites at this course's web site. Both links make accessible a wide array of bibliographic and other aids.
Come see me if you get stumped or if you have concerns about your research.
You are welcome to propose a topic other than those listed below, but you must clear it with me no later than October 1. Otherwise, select from the following suggestions:
The conception of kingship in Egypt, Mesopotamia and Israel.
The structure of Canaanite temples and their relationship architecturally to the Jerusalem temple.
The origins and development of Philistine society.
Creation myths in Mesopotamia and Egypt.
Feminist i...