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Howard Deitcher
Biblical figures play a central role in understanding the richness of the text and provide extraordinary educational opportunities for engaging students in meaningful discourse about its relevance for their lives. This course will focus on examining and analyzing Biblical characters, and give you access to different pedagogical techniques of teaching Bible in the classroom. We will learn about the challenges facing the Bible teacher today, as well as different philosophical, developmental, social, and psychological approaches to addressing those challenges. We will also learn different approaches to examining Biblical stories, including: exegetical, hermeneutic, historical, literary, and gender theory. We will examine and analyze the pedagogic skills to implement these different approaches inside the classroom. We’ll also cover analysis of different Biblical characters and stories, and hear from some experts in the field of Bible studies and Bible education.
Read more
Biblical figures play a central role in understanding the richness of the text and provide extraordinary educational opportunities for engaging students in meaningful discourse about its relevance for their lives. This course will focus on examining and analyzing Biblical characters, and give you access to different pedagogical techniques of teaching Bible in the classroom. We will learn about the challenges facing the Bible teacher today, as well as different philosophical, developmental, social, and psychological approaches to addressing those challenges. We will also learn different approaches to examining Biblical stories, including: exegetical, hermeneutic, historical, literary, and gender theory. We will examine and analyze the pedagogic skills to implement these different approaches inside the classroom. We’ll also cover analysis of different Biblical characters and stories, and hear from some experts in the field of Bible studies and Bible education.
Read more
Biblical figures play a central role in understanding the richness of the text and provide extraordinary educational opportunities for engaging students in meaningful discourse about its relevance for their lives. This course will focus on examining and analyzing Biblical characters, and give you access to different pedagogical techniques of teaching Bible in the classroom. We will learn about the challenges facing the Bible teacher today, as well as different philosophical, developmental, social, and psychological approaches to addressing those challenges. We will also learn different approaches to examining Biblical stories, including: exegetical, hermeneutic, historical, literary, and gender theory. We will examine and analyze the pedagogic skills to implement these different approaches inside the classroom. We’ll also cover analysis of different Biblical characters and stories, and hear from some experts in the field of Bible studies and Bible education.
Using this knowledge, you will gain skills to use inside the classroom, and be able to examine and analyze different educational programs that teach Bible in order to see which best suit your approach and educational setting. If you want to teach Bible, this course is a helpful guide and overview to different approaches and techniques for doing so.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Students will appreciate challenges in teaching classical Jewish texts to school students
2. Students will acquire certain exegetical and literary skills to analyze selected Biblical passages.
3. Students will be exposed to a range of different approaches to presenting Biblical characters.
4. Students will examine a range of relevant developmental, social, and psychological theories that impact the teaching of the Bible.
5. Students will examine a range of educational programs that teach the Bible and will acquire tools to critically analyze these programs.
6. Students will produce a course project that will reflect their understanding of the various issues raised.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/3gk464/the
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What's inside
Syllabus
Welcome Module
The Biblical text is rich with vivid descriptions of the various key characters who serve as prototypes for human behavior throughout history. The course will examine a range of different approaches to presenting the Biblical characters including exegetical approaches, historical, literary and psychological insights. During the course, students will be exposed to a variety of Biblical narratives as well as multiple approaches that highlight some of the educational challenges at hand. In this course, we will explore the challenges in the exciting world of teaching the Bible, from a range of different perspectives: historical context, psychological input, and artistic interpretations. We will learn tools to engage students of all ages in the meaningful study of Biblical texts and work together to understand Biblical characters. We will analyze the philosophical, educational, moral, and theological challenges of learning and presenting the Bible to our students, as well as different pedagogical and textual techniques to teach Biblical characters in a compelling and meaningful way, and how to adapt the approaches and techniques we use in the classroom to match our educational goals. We will also explore how social and historical norms have impacted our understanding of Biblical characters, as well as their role as national heroes to the present day. We will discuss philosophy for children and its role in modern moral education. Topics that will be covered include: Ideological, philosophical, and educational issues in teaching Bible; Identifying educational goals; Using images to enrich Bible education; Using literary skills to analyze Biblical texts; Challenges of teaching classic Jewish texts; Literary tools to analyze Biblical characters; Grappling with the moral challenges posed by Biblical characters’ words and actions; Historical, social and normative factors in presenting Biblical characters; Different approaches to presenting Biblical characters; Addressing the moral behavior of Biblical characters; Identifying and analyzing different approaches to moral education; Exploring a “paradigms of inquiry” approach to teaching moral dilemmas in the Bible; Learning how to use different “hats” to interpret Biblical stories; Examining Biblical characters who serve as national symbols.
This course has been adapted for Coursera based on the online course, “Curriculum and the Teaching of Jewish Texts”, taught by Dr. Howard Deitcher, as part of the Blended M.A. in Education, with a specialization in Jewish Education, at the Melton Centre for Jewish Education at Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
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Syllabus
Welcome Module
The Biblical text is rich with vivid descriptions of the various key characters who serve as prototypes for human behavior throughout history. The course will examine a range of different approaches to presenting the Biblical characters including exegetical approaches, historical, literary and psychological insights. During the course, students will be exposed to a variety of Biblical narratives as well as multiple approaches that highlight some of the educational challenges at hand. In this course, we will explore the challenges in the exciting world of teaching the Bible, from a range of different perspectives: historical context, psychological input, and artistic interpretations. We will learn tools to engage students of all ages in the meaningful study of Biblical texts and work together to understand Biblical characters. We will analyze the philosophical, educational, moral, and theological challenges of learning and presenting the Bible to our students, as well as different pedagogical and textual techniques to teach Biblical characters in a compelling and meaningful way, and how to adapt the approaches and techniques we use in the classroom to match our educational goals. We will also explore how social and historical norms have impacted our understanding of Biblical characters, as well as their role as national heroes to the present day. We will discuss philosophy for children and its role in modern moral education. Topics that will be covered include: Ideological, philosophical, and educational issues in teaching Bible; Identifying educational goals; Using images to enrich Bible education; Using literary skills to analyze Biblical texts; Challenges of teaching classic Jewish texts; Literary tools to analyze Biblical characters; Grappling with the moral challenges posed by Biblical characters’ words and actions; Historical, social and normative factors in presenting Biblical characters; Different approaches to presenting Biblical characters; Addressing the moral behavior of Biblical characters; Identifying and analyzing different approaches to moral education; Exploring a “paradigms of inquiry” approach to teaching moral dilemmas in the Bible; Learning how to use different “hats” to interpret Biblical stories; Examining Biblical characters who serve as national symbols.
This course has been adapted for Coursera based on the online course, “Curriculum and the Teaching of Jewish Texts”, taught by Dr. Howard Deitcher, as part of the Blended M.A. in Education, with a specialization in Jewish Education, at the Melton Centre for Jewish Education at Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
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Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Focuses on teaching Biblical characters, providing educators with valuable insights and techniques for engaging students in discussions about the relevance of the Bible to their lives
Provides a comprehensive overview of different pedagogical approaches to teaching the Bible, including exegetical, hermeneutic, historical, literary, and gender theory
Taught by Dr. Howard Deitcher, who is an experienced educator and scholar in the field of Jewish Education
Covers a wide range of topics, including the challenges of teaching classical Jewish texts, literary skills for analyzing Biblical texts, and different approaches to presenting Biblical characters
Provides opportunities for learners to analyze different educational programs that teach the Bible and develop critical analysis skills
May require learners to have some prior knowledge or background in the study of the Bible
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Reviews summary
Approaches to teaching bible effectively
According to learners, this course offers a broad exploration of pedagogical approaches and academic theories for teaching biblical texts and characters. Students appreciated the insightful analysis of figures and narratives, finding the content valuable for developing their teaching methods. Many found the course provides a useful framework and practical tools, particularly for those teaching within a Jewish educational context. While generally well-received, some learners noted that certain academic concepts required prior background or that they expected more theological depth over pedagogical focus. Overall, it is considered a solid foundation for educators interested in teaching the Bible through diverse lenses.
Primarily tailored to a Jewish context.
"As someone teaching in a Jewish school, this course was highly relevant and applicable."
"It's clearly based on materials for Jewish education, which was exactly what I needed."
"While valuable, learners from non-Jewish backgrounds might need to adapt some content."
"The references to classical Jewish texts and rabbinic commentary were helpful."
Provides deep analysis of biblical figures.
"The course helped me understand different ways to present complex figures to students."
"The analysis of biblical characters and their relevance was insightful and well-presented."
"Examining figures like King David as national symbols offered new perspectives for teaching."
"Learning how to analyze the moral behavior of characters was a key takeaway."
Explores a wide range of pedagogical strategies.
"I appreciated the exploration of different pedagogical techniques for teaching Bible."
"The course provided me with various approaches to engage students with biblical characters and texts."
"Learning about exegetical, literary, and psychological approaches was very helpful for my classroom."
"The different 'hats' of interpretation section was particularly insightful for presenting complex stories."
Offers tools for use in educational settings.
"I gained practical skills and tools that I can immediately use in my Bible classroom."
"The section on addressing moral challenges and dilemmas in texts was very practical."
"The final project helped me synthesize the concepts and apply them to my own teaching context."
"Useful for anyone involved in Bible education, especially in a school setting."
More pedagogy, less theology than some expected.
"I was hoping for more in-depth theological discussion, but the focus is primarily on teaching methods."
"While the educational strategies are great, it doesn't delve deeply into theological interpretations."
"If you're looking for theological insights rather than teaching tools, this might not be the best fit."
"The course is designed for educators, not primarily for theological study."
Certain topics may be challenging without foundation.
"Some of the theoretical approaches felt a bit dense and might require prior academic exposure."
"Topics like gender theory applied to the Bible were interesting but perhaps needed more foundational explanation."
"I found some concepts challenging to grasp without having a background in educational theories."
"Could benefit from more basic explanations for those new to academic biblical studies or pedagogy."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in The Wonders and Challenges of Bible Education with these
activities:
Revisit concepts of parable, allegory, and metaphor
Show steps
Start by reviewing these three concepts from a literary perspective. Reflect on how they impact the Bible's key characters.
Browse courses on
Bible
Show steps
-
Read a general overview of parable, allegory, and metaphor.
-
Reflect on examples of each from the Bible or other religious texts.
Review THE BIBLE
Show steps
Familiarize yourself with Bible to maximize retention of concepts and ideas
Show steps
-
Read the Bible stories
-
Take notes on the main events
-
Identify the main characters
-
Underline or highlight important passages
-
Review your notes regularly
How To Read the Bible
Show steps
Understand the different methods for interpreting the Bible.
Show steps
-
Read the book
-
Take notes on the main points
-
Identify the main arguments
-
Evaluate the book's arguments
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Interpreting the Bible
Show steps
Develop a solid understanding of the different methods for interpreting the Bible.
Browse courses on
Biblical Interpretation
Show steps
-
Research different methods of biblical interpretation
-
Watch videos or read articles on biblical interpretation
-
Apply different methods of biblical interpretation to a Bible passage
Bible Reading Plan
Show steps
Deepen your understanding by engaging with the Bible regularly.
Browse courses on
Bible
Show steps
-
Set a reading schedule
-
Read the Bible regularly
-
Reflect on the Bible passages
-
Write about your experiences
Exegetical Bible Study
Show steps
Develop a solid understanding of the different methods for interpreting the Bible.
Browse courses on
Biblical Interpretation
Show steps
-
Practice exegetical Bible study
-
Analyze a Bible passage
-
Interpret the Bible passage
Biblical Discussion Group
Show steps
Develop a deeper understanding of the Bible.
Browse courses on
Biblical Interpretation
Show steps
-
Join a Biblical discussion group
-
Discuss the Bible with other people
-
Share your insights on the Bible
-
Learn from others' insights on the Bible
Biblical Hebrew Workshop
Show steps
Develop a solid understanding of the Hebrew language.
Browse courses on
Bible
Show steps
-
Attend a Biblical Hebrew workshop
-
Learn the basics of Biblical Hebrew
-
Practice reading and writing Biblical Hebrew
-
Translate Biblical Hebrew texts
Biblical Resources
Show steps
Compile a collection of resources that can help you learn more about the Bible.
Browse courses on
Bible
Show steps
-
Gather resources on the Bible
-
Organize the resources into a collection
-
Share the collection with others
Biblical Character Analysis
Show steps
Take your understanding of the key biblical characters and how they relate to the overall narratives of the bible.
Show steps
-
Choose a biblical character
-
Research the biblical character's story
-
Write about the biblical character's motivations
-
Analyze the biblical character's impact on the story
-
Evaluate key themes and lessons from the character's story
Revisit concepts of parable, allegory, and metaphor
Show steps
Start by reviewing these three concepts from a literary perspective. Reflect on how they impact the Bible's key characters.
Browse courses on
Bible
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read a general overview of parable, allegory, and metaphor.
- Reflect on examples of each from the Bible or other religious texts.
Review THE BIBLE
Show steps
Familiarize yourself with Bible to maximize retention of concepts and ideas
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the Bible stories
- Take notes on the main events
- Identify the main characters
- Underline or highlight important passages
- Review your notes regularly
How To Read the Bible
Show steps
Understand the different methods for interpreting the Bible.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book
- Take notes on the main points
- Identify the main arguments
- Evaluate the book's arguments
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Interpreting the Bible
Show steps
Develop a solid understanding of the different methods for interpreting the Bible.
Browse courses on
Biblical Interpretation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research different methods of biblical interpretation
- Watch videos or read articles on biblical interpretation
- Apply different methods of biblical interpretation to a Bible passage
Bible Reading Plan
Show steps
Deepen your understanding by engaging with the Bible regularly.
Browse courses on
Bible
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Set a reading schedule
- Read the Bible regularly
- Reflect on the Bible passages
- Write about your experiences
Exegetical Bible Study
Show steps
Develop a solid understanding of the different methods for interpreting the Bible.
Browse courses on
Biblical Interpretation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Practice exegetical Bible study
- Analyze a Bible passage
- Interpret the Bible passage
Biblical Discussion Group
Show steps
Develop a deeper understanding of the Bible.
Browse courses on
Biblical Interpretation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join a Biblical discussion group
- Discuss the Bible with other people
- Share your insights on the Bible
- Learn from others' insights on the Bible
Biblical Hebrew Workshop
Show steps
Develop a solid understanding of the Hebrew language.
Browse courses on
Bible
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Attend a Biblical Hebrew workshop
- Learn the basics of Biblical Hebrew
- Practice reading and writing Biblical Hebrew
- Translate Biblical Hebrew texts
Biblical Resources
Show steps
Compile a collection of resources that can help you learn more about the Bible.
Browse courses on
Bible
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather resources on the Bible
- Organize the resources into a collection
- Share the collection with others
Biblical Character Analysis
Show steps
Take your understanding of the key biblical characters and how they relate to the overall narratives of the bible.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a biblical character
- Research the biblical character's story
- Write about the biblical character's motivations
- Analyze the biblical character's impact on the story
- Evaluate key themes and lessons from the character's story
Career center
Learners who complete The Wonders and Challenges of Bible Education will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Minister
Minister
A Minister leads religious services and provides spiritual guidance to a congregation. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to teach the Bible effectively.
Theology Professor
Theology Professor
A Theology Professor teaches students about the nature of God, the meaning of life, and other religious topics. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the study of Biblical characters.
Religious Studies Professor
Religious Studies Professor
A Religious Studies Professor teaches students about religion, including its history, beliefs, and practices. This course will provide you with an in-depth understanding of Biblical characters and their significance in religious studies.
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum Developer
A Curriculum Developer creates and develops educational materials, such as textbooks and lesson plans. This course will help you develop the skills needed to create effective curriculum materials about Biblical characters.
Education Policy Analyst
Education Policy Analyst
An Education Policy Analyst analyzes and evaluates education policies. This course will provide you with the knowledge needed to understand the role of Biblical characters in education policy.
Textbook Author
Textbook Author
A Textbook Author writes and develops textbooks for use in schools and other educational institutions. This course will help you develop the skills needed to write effective textbooks about Biblical characters.
Museum Educator
Museum Educator
A Museum Educator develops and delivers educational programs for museum visitors. This course will help you develop the skills needed to create engaging and informative programs about Biblical characters and their significance.
Educational Consultant
Educational Consultant
An Educational Consultant provides advice and support to schools and other educational institutions. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to advise schools on how to effectively teach the Bible.
Hospice Chaplain
Hospice Chaplain
A Hospice Chaplain provides religious guidance and support to patients and families who are facing death. This course may help you develop the skills needed to provide comfort and support to patients and families during this difficult time.
Prison Chaplain
Prison Chaplain
A Prison Chaplain provides religious guidance and support to prisoners. This course may help you develop the skills needed to teach the Bible to prisoners and help them through their difficult circumstances.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Manager
A Nonprofit Manager manages a nonprofit organization. This course may help you develop the skills needed to manage a nonprofit organization that provides educational programs about Biblical characters.
Religious Writer
Religious Writer
A Religious Writer writes articles, books, and other materials about religion. This course may help you develop the skills needed to write engaging and informative materials about Biblical characters.
Theology Librarian
Theology Librarian
A Theology Librarian manages a library that specializes in religious materials. This course may help you develop the skills needed to manage a theology library and assist patrons with finding resources about Biblical characters.
Youth Pastor
Youth Pastor
A Youth Pastor provides religious guidance and support to young people. This course may help you develop the skills needed to teach the Bible to young people and help them develop their faith.
School Teacher
School Teacher
A School Teacher teaches children different subjects, such as reading, writing, math, and science. Biblical figures can be used to teach students about history, culture, and religion. This course may help you understand how Biblical characters can be used to teach students about important topics.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/3gk464/the
Reading list
We've selected 11 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
The Wonders and Challenges of Bible Education.
This companion provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between the Bible and ethics, exploring the ethical issues that are raised by the Bible. It will help students understand how the Bible can be used to address ethical issues today.
Save
Provides a comprehensive introduction to biblical hermeneutics, exploring the different methods of interpreting the Bible. It will help students develop their own approach to interpreting the Bible.
Save
Explores the moral vision of the Bible, exploring the ethical principles that are found in the Bible. It will help students understand how the Bible can guide their moral decision-making.
Examines the relationship between the Bible and the arts, exploring how the Bible has been used to inspire and inform art. It will help students understand the Bible's influence on art and its implications for today.
Save
Examines the relationship between the Bible and science, exploring how the Bible can be used to address scientific issues. It will help students understand the Bible's perspective on science and its implications for today.
Examines the relationship between the Bible and the environment, exploring how the Bible can be used to address environmental issues. It will help students understand the Bible's perspective on the environment and its implications for today.
Save
Examines the relationship between the Bible and education, exploring how the Bible can be used to inform educational theory and practice. It will help students understand the Bible's perspective on education and its implications for today.
Examines the relationship between the Bible and politics, exploring how the Bible can be used to inform political theory and practice. It will help students understand the Bible's perspective on politics and its implications for today.
Save
Provides a literary analysis of the Bible, exploring its different genres and styles. It will help students understand the Bible as a literary work of art.
Save
Examines the role of gender in the Bible, exploring how the Bible has been used to justify gender inequality. It will help students understand the Bible's perspective on gender and its implications for today.
Examines the Bible as a historical document, exploring how it can be used to understand the history of the ancient Near East. It will help students understand the Bible's historical context.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/3gk464/the
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Effort
Estimated Workload 7 weeks of study, 2.5 -4.0 hours a week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Instructor
Howard Deitcher
Language
English
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