Can something be true and not be factual? Is that a contradiction or a possibility? The class will look at the Old Testament book of Genesis for some answers. We will learn to read Genesis as literature and in so doing we will be able to compare other ancient writings that deal with similar material: for example, the creation stories and the story of the flood are found in a variety of ancient literatures and cultures. Our texts will include Karen Armstrong's In the Beginning: A New Interpretation of Genesis, one of the most scholarly translations available, as well as Genesis from the Interpretation Series by Walter Brueggmann, which provides a different interpretation. This will allow the class to have interesting discussions about those differences. No one has left this class at the end of the term without having developed a richer appreciation for the incredible influence this ancient writing still has on our art, culture and literature.