Traci L. Birge, PhD

Assistant Professor, Biblical and Religious Studies

Office Location: John and Marilyn Duke Academic Complex, Duke 237

Traci L. Birge, PhD specializes in the First Testament. Her research and teaching emphasize the power of storytelling in ancient and modern contexts, due to its ability to shape people, create empathy, and practice life with God through “simulations of reality” in story. Birge’s current area of research focuses on the book of Judges and the role of its supporting characters, whose perspectives are too often overlooked. Birge is passionate about teaching and encourages her students to hear the story in the biblical stories; to laugh, to cry, to wrestle, and to find courage as they discover what it means to become a living character in God’s great story of redemption. She is an active member of Foothill Community Church, a Free Methodist congregation in Azusa.

Education

PhD, Christian Scriptures (Old Testament Concentration), McMaster Divinity College
MA, Theological Studies, Northeastern Seminary
BA, Religion and Philosophy, Roberts Wesleyan College
BA, English, Roberts Wesleyan College

Academic Area

School of Theology

Courses Taught

UBBL 100 – Exodus/Deuteronomy
UBBL 310 – Rising of the King: I and II Samuel
UBBL 311 – Old Testament Prophets
UBBL 476 – Women in the Biblical Tradition
UBBL 493 – Biblical Study Capstone: Old Testament Theology