The idea that Moses is the author of the first five biblical books (Genesis through Deuteronomy) is a popular idea that is never clearly stated in the Bible. This class first considers how, why, and when Moses came to be considered the author of these books, and then considers how, why, and when biblical readers decided Moses could not be the author.

Over three sessions, Spencer Allen, U of A instructor for International Relations, will uncover the various ancient sources that comprise the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, looking closely at the repetitions, contradictions, unique writing styles and vocabularies of the four separate ancient traditions. Special attention will be given to the multiple creation stories in Genesis 1-2 (Nov. 4), the sale of Joseph into slavery in Genesis 37 (Nov. 11), and the Korah rebellion in Numbers 16 (Nov. 18).

Instructor: Spencer L. Allen