Pedagogy Curriculum and Syllabi

by David Rhoads

Fall 2008

The purpose of this course is to train parish leaders in the memorization and presentation of biblical stories for congregational life. A major focus is on the life-changing power of stories. Students have opportunities to practice performing biblical selections in class and in public presentations. They also learn how to the incorporate biblical storytelling into preaching, worship, Bible study, and pastoral care.

From Scribalism to Storah-Telling: Bible Performance through the Ages

RRC/ Spring 2011

Elsie R. Stern

Course Description

This course is designed to introduce students to the wide range of ways in which biblical texts and traditions have been performed and otherwise "brokered" for popular Jewish audiences from Ancient Israelite times to the present. The course will begin with an exploration of orality and textuality in ancient Isreal and biblical literature. We will then explore examples of some of the main genres of biblical performance and text-brokering throughout history, including translation, poetry, preaching and alternative versions. We will end with an exploration of contemporary modes of biblical performance. Throughout the course, our focus will be two-fold. The course is designed to introduce students to past examples of text-brokering and also to engage them in the experience of biblical performance, both as text-brokers and as audience member. I hope that immersion in the aural experience of torah will broaden our understanding of the nature and content of torah for Jews both past and present.

By Klaus-Peter Adam

Spring 2008