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  6. DR359B: THE JEWISH ENVIRONMENT OF THE NEW TESTAMENT

DR359B: THE JEWISH ENVIRONMENT OF THE NEW TESTAMENT (2014-2015)

Last modified: 28 Jun 2018 10:27


Course Overview

This course explores a world of unparalleled consequence in Western history: Judaea from ca. 200 BC to AD. 200. After an opening survey of the political history and geography of southern Syria, we consider the most important surviving literature of the period (Philo, Josephus, Dead Sea Scrolls), the main institutions and groups (priests, temple, sacrificial cult, synagogue, Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes), and regional politics. Particular attention is given to the sources of conflict that generated catastrophic war between Jews and Roman rulers in 66–74 and 132–135—conflicts of great significance for developing Christian identity.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 3
Term Second Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Professor Steve Mason

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

None.

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course covers a pivotal period and region in Western history: Judaea and its regional context from ca. 200 BC. to AD. 200. It will include: an outline of political history (Ptolemaic, Seleucid, Hasmonean, Herodian, and Roman rule), the varied geography of Judaea and its immediate environs in southern Syria, the Judaean Diasporas (with issues of cultural identity), the extensive Jewish literature produced in the period (Philo, Josephus, Dead Sea Scrolls, wisdom literature, biblical exegesis, philosophy), institutions and groups (priesthood, temple, sacrificial cult, Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, Baptists, charismatic prophets and militants, synagogues), and the regional politics of Judaea, with special attention to Rome's attempts at administration and the eruptions of war.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (60%). One essay of max. 2,500 words (40%).

Resit: 1 two-hour examination (100%).

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment occurs naturally in relation to the student's oral contributions (questions, comments, answers, general preparedness) in seminar sessions.

Feedback

Feedback on the essay will be detailed and prompt. Feedback on the exam will be available on request.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.
 

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