In this course, the key figures and events of the Old Testament (OT) will be covered in chronological order, supported by maps illustrating the locations of kingdoms, cities, battles, journeys, and more. In addition, modern biblical scholarship, along with scientific and archaeological discoveries, has raised questions concerning some of the events described in the OT, and these will be examined as well.

How do we look compared to the values the founders wanted to see the republic they created embody? This class will read some of the seminal texts of revolutionary era--Common Sense, the Declaration of Independence, letters and articles--with a view to thinking about life, liberty, happiness, equality, security, and so forth, with one eye on what they meant to the founders, and another on how America today would look to them. Readings distributed by email and in paper; $5 copy fee included in course fee.

In this course, we will begin by exploring the Jewish mindset just before Jesus' arrival. From there, we will trace Jesus' travels and key events — supported by maps — followed by Paul's missionary journeys, also illustrated with maps. We will examine the four Gospels, including a discussion of when each was most likely written. The course then moves into the early Church period, surveying influential Christian figures from the first through the fifth century, and exploring how they shaped the development of Christianity and contributed to the formation of the final New Testament canon.