Su18E Jericho: The Controversial/Contradictory Psychology of a Folkloric Siege (Zoom; OLLI @ U of A)
Zoom | Registration opens 6/30/2026 10:00 AM EDT
The siege of Jericho is a hallmark episode in the Bible. Archaeology makes clear that the episode is folklore. But for the folklorist, Jericho is a critical and exciting opportunity to evaluate the concept of “prestige culture” and the role of shamanic magic elevated to theology, told in an inconsistent narrative brimming with moral issues. Using modern methods that may surprise you, we will immerse in the storyboard (from the spies and Rahab to Joshua’s curse upon a razed city) as seen through ancient Israelite eyes and then submit those value judgements to our own sensibilities. Superficially, Jericho is about the preface to a siege and the siege itself; at its core, the story is about the complex psychology and descriptive language of an ancient culture that have contributed to shaping our own moral perceptions. Bring a Bible, your ideas, and respect for the views of others. Pre-reading: Joshua 2:1-24, 5:13-6:27.
Craig Miller holds a doctorate in Theology/Spirituality, specializing in biblical/classical languages, and a degree in Ancient Near Eastern/Mediterranean History. He has taught for over 40 years at nearly all levels of academia, including over 25 years for adult/community education programs such as OLLI, and has been involved with international scholarly programs and projects. He has taught diverse, innovative courses on religion, classics, and classical languages. His mantra is that any subject can be made accessible and enjoyable through student-centered teaching. He is a 30-year Central Intelligence Agency careerist.
*This registration item is ZOOM-only; there is not an in-person component to this course. It is offered and run by The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Arizona.*