Our course introduces students to all the facets of Biblical love, from the inspiring devotion of Ruth and Orpah, to the (not so) simple lust of Samson and Delilah, and the passionate poetry of the Song of Songs. We also take a close look at what Israel's ancient neighbors were writing (and painting) in the same vein: inspiring (and sometimes racy) love lyrics, tomb scenes with 'coded' sexual expressions, and illustrated papyri that transcend the erotic. Throughout the course, we also search out the rights and roles of men and women in romantic relationships, from Mesopotamia to Israel to Egypt.

Please note: This course contains explicit Biblical texts and Near Eastern art.