Nicole Bruk
DARE Project: Strangers in Strange Lands: Liminal People and Peoples in the Hebrew Bible, Its World, and Its Reception
Program(s) of Study: Political Science
Project Supervisor: Carl S. Ehrlich
I hope that my research will provide scholars and students with new insights into how liminal experiences -- moments of transition and ambiguity -- are represented in ancient texts and contemporary forms of media.
Project Description:
My DARE research project explored how the concept of liminality -- a state of being in-between identities and spaces -- applies to key figures and communities in the Hebrew Bible and its broader cultural legacy. Drawing on biblical texts, art, archaeology, and film, I examined how individuals and groups in transitional states are represented and interpreted across time. This required engaging with the origins of the concept of liminality in anthropology and sociology, and extending its application beyond its traditional definitions. As part of the research process, I used OCR software to digitize and analyze a variety of source materials, conducted interdisciplinary research under the guidance of my supervisor, and synthesized these findings into a cohesive analytical framework grounded in liminality. Ultimately, this project highlighted how the theme of liminality not only shapes ancient narratives but continues to inform contemporary cultural and scholarly discourse.The Dean’s Award for Research Excellence (DARE) - Undergraduate enables our students to meaningfully engage in research projects supervised by LA&PS faculty members. Find out more about DARE.