Introduction to the Hebrew Bible Online Course

• Source criticism - The Hebrew Bible was written, edited and passed on orally and in written form to many groups of people. We will delve into these groups - Who were they? Where were they? What did they do?
• Stories of the Ancestors - We will explore several of the key narratives as literary texts, family stories, symbols of nations, covenants & treaties.
• Feminist and Liberation Theology - Looking through the lens of our modern time: How can we understand the positions of men & women in those times? In our times?
• The Exodus - When biblical characters are asked, “Who is your God?”, their response is unfailing: “The God who brought us out of Egypt and slavery”. This is a central story to both the Jewish and Christian faith. We will accompany the wanderers through this pivotal event.
• Legal Traditions - We will explore the complex and interesting relationship between the narrative and legal material.
• Deuteronomy - We will spend time looking specifically at this fascinating book, which contains many of the most majestic and inspiring passages of the Bible.

Course Delivery
Because we all learn in different ways, VST’s on-line materials are presented in various forms:

• We make extensive use of visual materials - maps and modern and ancient art.
• Sound files are available to allow students to hear chants, readings and course professors talking.
• Students will be placed in small online groups that will enable discussion, reflection and feedback.

For those who are interested, course instructors have also developed opportunities to learn ‘sideways’, allowing students to explore various extra sites for additional background information and general interest.

Technical support is available to students online or by telephone.

There will be no final exam. Student evaluation will take place en route, through short essays and postings on the class bulletin board. As well, each small group will be asked to prepare a final presentation that will be sent to the instructors by email.

Course Timeline
The course will begin in September and will end in December 2005. Students will be required to allot 8 - 10 hours a week for the semester (14 weeks), depending upon their reading speed, to complete the course successfully.

Course Fees
The registration fee is CDN$675.
This fee includes a non-refundable deposit of $100, to be submitted at the time of registration.

Students will also be required to purchase 3 textbooks as well as a course packet and several VHS tapes. The approximate cost of these items is CDN$150 in total. You will receive more details once you are admitted to the course.

Admission Requirements
Students must be admissible to one of VST’s degree programs. The basic pre-requisite is an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution or the equivalent, and demonstrated competence in written and spoken English, sufficient for academic study at a graduate level.

Students who are not already in a Masters-level degree program should apply for admission to one of VST’s degree programs. Students from Masters programs in other institutions must apply for permission to register through VST’s Co-ordinator of Admissions and Academic Planning, providing a letter of support from the institution in which they are enrolled.

Technical Expectations
Students will need regular access to a personal computer with one of the minimum specifications and software packages listed below:

A. PC: Pentium 200 MHz or better
32MB RAM
CD-ROM drive (8x or better)
Audio card and software (RealPlayer, Windows Media Player)
56K modem and internet access
A current version of Netscape or Internet Explorer

OR

B. Mac: 603e processor (Power Macintosh), 200 MHz or better
Mac OS 7.5 or higher
CD-ROM drive (8x or better)
RealPlayer Audio software
56K modem and Internet access
A current version of Netscape or Internet Explorer

AND

C. Television and VCR