Why is the Song of Songs part of the Hebrew Bible? How has it impacted its readers throughout the ages? And how might be read and use the text today?

This module explores one of the most remarkable texts in Jewish and Christian scripture in detail and from a range of angles. We will first situate the Song of Songs in up-to-date Hebrew Bible scholarship. Next, we will look at a range of perspective and key points in the Song of Song’s history of interpretation. Then, we will look at a range of ways the Song of Song is currently being used (and has the potential to be used) in terms of queer and eco-theologies, trans theology and spirituality, and the arts.

We have a remarkable team of lecturers for this module who will guide you through different dimensions of studying the Song of Songs and some of the current research happening about the text and its use.

Dr Jayme Reaves will introduce the Song, exploring its content within the context of the Hebrew Bible canon, including drawing on biblical parallels. We will also explore some of its early reception and set up key questions for the week.

Rabbi Professor Deborah Kahn-Harris will lead a session on Jewish approaches to the Song, considering its representation and presentation of sexuality within the context of the Hebrew Bible.

Dr Danilo Verde will follow this by focusing on the Song as love poetry, considered the role of gender in the text. He will then lead a session on war and martial imagery in the Song, based on his book, Conquered Conquerors: Love and War in the Song of Songs.

Dr Michael Hahn will lead two sessions on the Song of Song’s reception. He will begin with an overview of some of the major medieval commentators and some of the key points of difference, focusing on ecclesial, individual and Marian interpretations. Next, Michael will focus on medieval and early modern women as interpreters and exegetes of the Song, focusing on Hildegard of Bingen, Teresa of Avila and Madame Guyon.

Professor Miri Rubin will lead two sessions based on her current research for a book on the history of interpretations of the figures of Ecclesia and Synagoga. In particular, Miri will focus in on the history of Jewish and Christian interpretations of the line ‘I am black and beautiful’ or ‘I am black but beautiful’ (Song 1:5).

Dr Beth Dodd will focus on poetic interpretations of the Song. In particular, Beth will consider medieval Ethiopia and the Kebra Nagast and then focus on more recent work including Nikki Giovanni and the Black arts movement.

Rev Lyndon Webb will lead a session on queer eco theology and the Song. Lyndon will help us to read the Song alongside current developments in eco-theology, asking what spiritualities might emerge if we base our theology of creation on the notion of wildness rather than the binary of order and chaos.

The Ven. Dr Rachel Mann will introduce us to trans readings of the Song, drawing particularly on her own experiences both within the Church and as a poet.

In the final session we will consider some of the ways the Song has been depicted in art, music and fiction, and how it might continue to be utilised and represented today.

What does it mean to audit a course? 

We welcome auditors are participants who learn alongside postgraduate students but are not required to complete an essay or earn academic credit.

This course would made an excellent addition to a study break, retreat or sabbatical in the beautiful Salisbury Cathedral Close, where residential participants enjoy full board, access to the library and to the pattern of liturgy at Salisbury Cathedral.

Whether it’s cultural events, sightseeing (Stonehenge is nearby for example) or shopping — there’s plenty to do if you’d like to extend your stay the weekend before and after the course. For ideas, visit Salisbury Cathedral Close attraction websites to see what’s on Sarum’s doorstep. Visit the Wiltshire Creative website to view events at nearby Salisbury Playhouse and the Salisbury Arts Centre. The Experience Salisbury website has an excellent city-wide listing of forthcoming events around the city.

Need financial assistance? See bursaries that may be available

Learn more about postgraduate study in Christian Spirituality 

Enrolled students also may attend teaching weeks for modules in addition to the modules which they are studying for credit, by permission of the Programme Leader.  The audit fee and hospitality prices are £160 until 30 June 2026.