This seminar examines the historical development of Hebrew Bible studies and the principal challenges facing the field today. Beginning with a survey of key works that shaped past research, the seminar turns to explore current controversies: How should we understand the relationship between the Bible and other ancient Near Eastern traditions? How does the quest for the historical authors of the Bible and their intentions continue to shape the field? What role should social-scientific theories play in biblical exegesis? And how do the context and identity(ies) of the reader shape interpretation? In parallel, the seminar will reckon with thorny questions that concern the future of the field, including issues of diversity and inclusion, the legacy of cultural imperialism, and the politics of citation.