Explores the Hebrew text of the short stories of Ruth, Jonah, and Esther, with particular attention to their ancient contexts, literary features and character development, depictions of life in the Diaspora and the “foreigner,” and theological perspectives. Considers a range of interpretive approaches to the stories, their reception in different communities, and how each is significant for Christian faith, life, and proclamation. (Prerequisite: B505 Introductory Biblical Hebrew)