I am shocked at the number of positive reviews that have been posted for this class. While Professor Halvorson-Taylor is a genuinely nice person and a relatively good lecturer, this class is terrible in so many ways. Firstly, it tries to do WAY too much for a 1200 level religion course. Religious studies classes are typically a cake walk, but this class DEMANDS your full attention or you will get a bad grade. The readings numerous, and so similar that you will be confused quickly. Midterm/Final has a study guide, but gives you a list of 150+ terms to memorize when only 8 will be on the exams. TA Hoffman has ridiculous expectations for papers, grades relatively unfairly. As a student who excels in critical writing, I was shocked to be averaging a "check" on the discussion papers. Also that note, they try to use section as basically another lecture with all new material instead of reviewing the lecture material. Overall, avoid. There are much easier classes in the department that you can still learn a great deal in.

Professor Halvoson-Taylor is probably one of my favorite professors thus far at UVA. She does a great job of explaining and connecting the material and lectures are really interesting. Throughout the semester, I've found that I have a much better grasp on the content, history, and analysis of the Old Testament.

I AM OBSESSED WITH HALVERSON-TAYLOR. Take this class. If I had one piece of advice to give every single student at the University of Virginia, it would be to take this class. You won't regret it.

Absolutely excellent class. Professor H-T is incredibly kind, helpful, and interesting. It's fascinating listening to her lecture on this subject and I enjoyed coming to every class. The readings aren't that long at the beginning of the semester, but it picks up as the semester goes on. Unfortunately, the readings also get more boring near the end of the semester too. However, this was an incredible class that everyone should take, even if you're not interested in Religious Studies. You learn a lot about the Bible and about the history of the Jews, and you learn about controversies in the Bible that I had never even thought of before. David's also an amazing TA; very personable and friendly. Take his section.

This was my favorite class of the semester! Professor Halvorson-Taylor is a very engaging lecture and never put me to sleep. She is also incredibly easy to take notes to. The material was interesting and encouraged critical thinking. My section was always fun and thought provoking with Andrew Guffey. I definitely recommend this class!

The earlier part of the semester is easier and more interesting. Be sure to pay MORE attention during the second half. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help on your essays. The course requires discussion postings and 4 short essays on the check scale, but you have multiple chances for check-pluses.

This is a great class. I'd recommend it to anyone who's always wanted to read the Bible but hasn't gotten around to doing it. Even if you don't want to become a Religious Studies major, it's a fairly easy way of getting the History and Non-Western Perspective requirements out of the way at one time. I learned so much more than I ever thought I would, even in the first few classes. Most of the material is interesting, although a few of the books are boring reads, Prof. H-T still manages to give great lectures. I haven't heard anything bad about the TAs, so I don't think you can go wrong. Everyone's required to do four short papers, but they aren't that difficult and can easily be completed the day before they're due. The midterm seemed very rushed, but if you study a lot you should get a good grade.

This class is definitely enjoyable. Professor H-T is very passionate about the subject material and she is very knowledgeable. Doesn't put very much material on the slides, so you pretty much have to write down everything she says in lecture. Sections are enjoyable too, and the midterm is not too difficult.

The topics covered in the class are really interesting- you definitely have to do the Bible reading, but the Coogan textbook is generally helpful just for filling in the gaps in class. A decent amount of writing involved, but the TAs are great about helping you develop a good argument writing style. Overall an awesome class!

If you take this class make sure you get Andrew. He is awesome in section and really helps you to enjoy the class and engage in the material. He is also known as a fair grader while some of the others are considered a little more difficult graders.