This course provides a study of the Old Testament through the perspectives of archaeology, anthropology, art history, and literary analysis. We explore the emergence of ancient Israel during the Bronze Age and its evolution under the successive power dominance of Egypt, Assyria, Babylonia, Persia, Greece, and Rome. Participants will gain an understanding of how the ancient texts emerged and why they remain central to the Western religious and cultural heritage. The course incorporates both classic and modern scholarly debate, enriched by access to recent lectures and research from leading experts across various disciplines. Note: Daylight Savings Time ends on November 2, 2025. After that date this class will begin at 1:00 pm EST. No class 11/11, no class week of Thanksgiving.