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RESA4206 - Religion and Society in Ancient Israel

Course content

Religion is a powerful factor in forming and maintaining society; and vice versa religion is also itself changed by social conditions. The aim of this course is to conduct a phenomenological study of various levels and forms of religion in ancient Israel, as mirrored in the Old Testament. Also, we shall reflect upon how these levels and forms of religion interacted with society at the time. The study is phenomenological, using anaytical categories from religious studies, and it shall be clear that a study of levels of ancient Israelite religion is relevant to understadning religion also in present-day societies.

We shall in particular focus upon three different perspectives of religion:

1. Different types of religion as reflected in the Old Testament (orthodox, heterodox and syncretistic Yahwism) and different levels of religion (family religion, local religion, regional and confederate cults, state religion).

2. Forms of visible religion in the Old Testament (holiness, purity/impurity, sacrificial cult).

3. Leadership in religion (elder, priest, prophet, sage, king) and participation in religious society (lay people, women, children, foreigners).

Throughout these domains we shall provide a social interpretation of religious phenomena and focus upon interaction and exchange between society and religion.

A note on instructional language: Teaching and course material will be in English. Students may address the class in any language for which there is someone present that is able to translate into English!

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students should have

• obtained the ability to identify different levels of religion and specific knowledge about these levels in ancient Hebrew religion, as reflected in the Old Testament;
• have gained in understanding of interconnections between religion and society;
• have developed the ability to critical reflection upon interconnections between society and religion.

Admission

Students at UiO must apply for courses in StudentWeb.

International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.

Prerequisites

No obligatory prerequisites beyond the minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway.

Teaching

Obligatory requirements:
During the term each student will complete and present to the professor two small essays (some 1000 words each) on two separate themes from within the syllabus literature. Papers may be written in English or Norwegian.

Exam information

Home examination lasting for three days (some 3000-4000 words).

Language of examination

The exam essay may be written in English or Norwegian.

Assessment and grading

Course grades are awarded on a descending scale using alphabetic grades from A to E for passes and F for fail. Read more about the grading system .

Explanations and appeals

Students can request an explanation of their grades, and can also appeal against their grades or make a complaint about formal examination errors. Read more about explanations and appeals

Possibility of make-up exams and re-takes

Students who due to illness or other valid reason of absence were unable to sit for their final exams may apply for participation in make-up exams. Make-up exams are arranged either later in the same semester or early in the semester following the exam in question. Documentation of valid reasons for absence from the regular exam must be submitted upon application to participate in make-up exams.

Students who have failed and wish to re-take an exam may apply to re-take the exam.

Withdrawing from exams and limits on re-takes

A student can sit for this exam up to 3 times. If a student wishes to withdraw from the exam, s/he must do this in StudentWeb at least two weeks prior to the first day of the exam. Failure to do so will be counted as one of the three opportunities to sit for the exam.

Exam options for students with special needs

Students may apply for access to alternative exam resources or exam forms on the basis of chronic illness and/or special needs that create a marked disadvantage to other students in the exam situation. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.

Other information

Emnet er godkjent som tipoengsemne innanfor masterprogrammet i kristendomsstudier, masterprogrammet i religion og samfunn, masterprogrammet i etikk- og religionsdidaktikk, masterprogrammet i profesjonsetikk og diakoni og profesjonsstudiet i teologi ved UiO.

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