The course focuses on the identity formation of ancient Israel in terms of available sources. These are material culture, biblical texts and non-biblical texts. The interplay between these sources is followed step by step in order to capture as accurately as possible the nature of identity formation itself.  The course participants will gradually study the recommended materials by means of independent study of relevant literature and on the basis of them they will work out the assigned tasks. A total of ten thematically focused lessons and related assignments will allow participants to explore the interplay between ancient sources and then the complexities of their interpretation in the present.