This seminar considers the difficult paradox of the Bible as both a tool for colonization and decolonization. We will frame this problem in three parts. First, we will engage post-colonial theory to interrogate the biblical text as a record of interaction with the various empires of the ancient Middle East, North Africa, and Mediterranean. Second, we will interrogate the Bible as a tool of empire and the European and colonial agenda, with a focus primarily on British, French, and Spanish despoliation of Africa, the Middle East, and Central America. Finally, we will explore the Bible as a tool for decolonization by engaging biblical interpretation by marginalized groups (womanist, mujerista, indigenous, and queer approaches). Our goal is to investigate the role of the Bible as a source of both harm and healing in the history of the world.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 12

Crosslisted Courses: PEAC 346

Prerequisites: A course in a relevant subject area such as religion, history, Peace and Justice studies, Jewish studies, Middle Eastern Studies, or permission of the instructor.

Distribution Requirements: REP - Religion, Ethics, and Moral Philosophy

Typical Periods Offered: Every three years

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered; Spring