An investigation of the Bible at the intersection of queer theory, biblical interpretation, and the historical study of the ancient Middle East. Through an examination of queer readings of the biblical canon and the canon of contemporary queer theory, the class explores the social construction of gender and examines how people in the biblical world and ancient Middle East maintained and contested gender roles. Using primary texts and iconographic evidence, we will consider not only the complex interaction between the categories of gender and sexual orientation, but also how contemporary expectations about “biological sex”, patriarchal structures, and the biblical world impede our capacity to understand the biblical text, explore the experiential varieties of gender in the ancient world, and appreciate the inherent queerness of gender.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 12

Prerequisites: Two classes from the following - JWST 104/REL 104, JWST 106/REL 106, CPLT 112Y/REL 112Y, JWST 202/REL 202, JWST 209/REL 209, REL 242, REL 243, CPLT 246/REL 246, AFR 333/REL 333, JWST 344/REL 344, PEAC 346/REL 346; or one from that list and one course in WGST; or by permission of the instructor.

Distribution Requirements: REP - Religion, Ethics, and Moral Philosophy; SBA - Social and Behavioral Analysis

Typical Periods Offered: Every four years

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring