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Women and Gender in the Bible

Key information

  • Module code:

    6AAT3051

  • Level:

    6

  • Semester:

      Spring

  • Credit value:

    15

Module description

This course explores the characterization and role of women and gender constructions in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and New Testament. Students will develop the capacity to assess a variety of ancient and modern approaches to the biblical texts, including feminist exegesis and gender criticism. Archaeological data and other external evidence will also be examined. The way texts are interpreted and used today will also be of concern.

Key topics:

  • The Genesis account of Adam, Eve and the Serpent.
  • The Women of Genesis
  • Gender in Biblical Law: Masculinity and Femininity
  • Mary Magdalene: A Paradigm for Women’s Discipleship?
  • Leadership Roles in the Earliest Churches

For more information please refer to the module description.

Assessment details

One 4,000 word essay (100%)

Teaching pattern

1-hour prerecorded lecture, 1-hour seminar weekly for ten weeks.

Suggested reading list

Preliminary reading

  • Bach, A. ed. Women in the Hebrew Bible: A Reader (London: Routledge, 1999).
  • Frymer-Kensky, T. Reading the Women of the Bible (Schoken: New York, 2002).
  • Thurston, B. Women in the New Testament: Questions and Commentary (Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, 2004).

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.