RELG 381/HIST 383: Jewish History
Professor: Dr. K. Vehlow
tel: 803-777-1494
email: vehlow@sc.edu
Office: 324 Rutledge
|
semester
MW 4:00-5:15
Nursing 133
Office hours: before class and by appointment
|
Course description
This course surveys Jewish history from the beginnings to the beginning of the Middle Ages with an emphasis on the Second Temple and the Rabbinic Period, covering the period from c. 1400 BCE to the sixth century CE. We will look at the achievements of these societies in law and social organization, prophetic movements, the history of the Israelite religion and early Judaism, and ancient Hebrew and Jewish literatures.
Our central sources are the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and Rabbinic literature, archaeological excavations in Israel and neighboring lands, and recent discoveries of ancient writings in Hebrew and related languages such as the Dead Sea Scrolls. All of these have greatly contributed to our understanding of the history of Judaism and the emergence of Christianity. Of particular interest is the early development of Israelite monotheism, which, in time, emerged as ancient Judaism, the mother religion of Christianity and Islam. All readings are in English.
Learning Outcomes
• To study the key issues, texts, and topics of the periods covered
• To read and analyze central primary texts
• To encourage critical inquiry in writing and in oral presentations
Text Books:
- A Bible (any edition, I recommend the New Oxford Annotated Bible)
- John C. Collins. A Short Introduction to the Hebrew Bible
- Shaye Cohen. From the Maccabees to the Mishnah
Schiffman.
Grade Breakdown (1000 points total)
| 5 reading responses (1 page each) (40 points each) |
200 points |
| Presentation |
100 points |
| Take-home midterm |
300 points |
| Research paper (12-15 pages + bibliography) |
400 points |
Grading Scale
1000-900 = A
860-899 = B+
800-859 = B
760-799 = C+
700-759 = C
660-699 = D+
600-659 = D
< 599 = F
Schedule of Readings
Introduction: The Study of Ancient Israel and Early Judaism
Patriarchal Age
Exodus
Arriving in Canaan
Deuteronomistic History
The united monarchy: David & Solomon
The Temple
The monarchy divided
Destruction and Exile
Persian Period: Return & Restoration
The Maccabean Revolt
Hasmonean Dynasty
The Jewish Revolts against Rome
Jewish beliefs and practices
Institutions
Jewish movements
Text workshop: Jewish movements
Canonization
Emergence of Rabbinic Judaism
Text workshop: Mishna
Back to Vehlow page
|
The views and opinions expressed in this page are strictly those of the page author.
The contents of the page have not been reviewed or approved by the University of South Carolina.
• University of South Carolina Home
• College of Arts and Sciences Home
•Department of Religious Studies Home
• Faculty
• Undergraduate Program
• Graduate Program
• Departmental Information
• Academic Resources
• Affiliations & Services
• contact information
Department of Religious Studies • University of South Carolina • 803-777-4100 •
by mardi@.sc.edu •
|
© 2008 by the Author |
|