Women in Biblical Literature

RLST 3120 Meeting Times: M/W, 2.45-4.00 PM Classroom: CC 5
James E. Bowley Ph.D. bowleje@millsaps.edu
Office: CC 9; 974 1328 Ofc. Hours: MW: 11,TTh: 10 & by appt.
Home: 362 3660

I. Course Description
In this course we will combine historical, archaeological, and literary study, as we investigate the roles of women in Ancient Israel, Early Judaism, and Early Christianity-how they lived, how they were treated, how they acted and were acted upon in their cultures. We will explore their presentations in literature of the Hebrew Bible and New Testament. We have lots of interesting readings!

II. Objectives
1. Become literate in the study of of biblical literature.
2. Develop skills for different methods of studing, reading ancient literature and history in regard to women.
3. Explore our own curiosities and interests regarding women in Israelite and Early Christian antiquity.
4. Create, satisfy, and perpetuate curiosity for biblical learning.

III. Course Policies
THE MILLSAPS HONOR CODE: As a Millsaps College student, I hereby affirm that I understand the Honor Code and am aware of its implications and of my responsibility to the Code. In the interests of expanding the atmosphere of respect and trust in the College, I promise to uphold the Honor Code and I will not tolerate dishonest behavior in myself or in others.
Our community is based on common trust and respect, and our common success depends on each member of the community, students, faculty, and staff. As we all strive to act in accord with our communal ideals we liberate ourselves to relational integrity and confidence. As teacher, I pledge to respect your work and to teach with honesty and integrity, providing you with accurate information to the best of my ability. From you I need a statement on all assignments and exams informing me that you have followed the honor code. Academic dishonesty is seriously frowned upon and will result in a free trip to visit the Millsaps Honor Council.

1. Students and teachers are expected to attend class in a prepared manner; this is crucial for those desiring to make the most of their personal investments. Experience has shown that there is a direct relationship between attendance and learning and final grade. Absences of 6 or more will merit a final grade of no higher than a C. Perfect attendance is seriously smiled upon : and will result in 10 points being added to one's final exam. Persons are always responsible for material missed during absence.

2. Exams, quizzes, and assignments must be submitted at the scheduled time, except in cases of personal emergency. In such cases, appropriate documentation will be required. There will be no make-ups, except by special permission, in which case it must be completed with 1 week. Late papers will be discounted by one grading increment (e.g. B+ to B) per day.

3. Written assignments must be neatly typed and well organized and conform to appropriate academic standards AND MUST CONTAIN a full, accurate copy of the assigned question or task.

4. Students with special needs because of a learning disability or other kind of disability are encouraged to discuss your needs for this class with me at your earliest convenience.

5. At times the complexities and exigencies of life come to bear even on carefully designed course policies and otherwise idyllic classrooms. Whenever you have a question or difficulty, you are welcome to talk to me. I have never bitten anyone. If you have any questions about this course, assignments, policies, grading etc. or about your ability to complete the tasks, please come talk to me. I can help you only if I am informed. For example, if you do not understand an assignment or question, ask as soon as possible; do not wait until it is due to tell me you didn't understand.

IV. Readings:
1. Women's Bible Commentary, Ed. Carol A. Newsom, Sharon H. Ringe. Westminster John Knox Press, 1998.

2. Alice Ogden Bellis, Helpmates, Harlots, and Heroes: Women's Stories in the Hebrew Bible. Westminster John Knox Press, 1994.

3. Ross Shepard Kraemer and Mary Rose D'Angelo, Women and Christian Origins. Oxford, 1999.

4. Carol Meyers, Discovering Eve: Ancient Israelite Women in Context. Oxford, 1991.

5. Anita Diamant, The Red Tent. Picador, 1998.

5. Bible of your choosing.

V. Outline and Assignments (Subject to revision)
Week 1 18 Jan W: Intro
Week 2 23 Jan M:
W:

Week 3 30 Jan M:
W: Assigned paper on Discovering Eve due
Week 4 6 Feb M:
W:
Week 5 13 Feb M:
W:
Week 6 20 Feb M:
W: Assigned paper on Helpmates, Harlots, and Heroes due
Week 7 27 Feb M:
W:
Week 8 6 March M:
W:
-------------SPRING BREAK---------------
Week 9 20 March M:
W:
Week 10 27 Mar M: Begin group presentations . . . .
W: Assigned paper on Women and Christian Origins due
Week 11 3 April M:
W:
Week 12 10 April M:
W:
Week 13 17 April M:
W:
Week 14 24 April M: Final research paper due
W: Last Class, attendance required
Assigned paper on The Red Tent due

Week 15 6 May 9.00 AM FINAL COMPREHENSIVE EXAM

VII. Grading
Book Papers (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30%
Group Presentation and Paper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20%
Exam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20%
Final Research Paper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30%

Letter grades are assigned to increments of 10 on a scale of 100.
A 94-100 A- 91-93 B+ 88-90 B 84-87 B- 81-83
C+ 78-80 C 74-77 C- 71-73 D+ 68-70 D 61-67

A grade of A means you have produced a paper exemplary in almost every way. You have presented your thesis coherently, you have organized your thoughts effectively, and you have supported your interpretations meticulously. An A paper is also one that is excellent in style and voice or tone. And in an A paper, attention to form (spelling, punctuation, grammar, documentation) is as rigorous as it is to the content. Your work on that paper is superior.
A grade of B means you have gone beyond the minimum requirements of the assignment and have successfully balanced description with analysis. And you express yourself more clearly, meaningfully, and imaginatively than in a C paper. Your work on that paper is good.

A grade of C means you have successfully completed the minimum requirements of an assignment. Your paper has no major problems of any kind, but there is still much for you to do to better your grade. Your work on that paper is average.
A grade of D means your work is seriously deficient in some way and is thus evaluated as below average.
A grade of F means your work is totally implausible for respectable academic standards.