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    Overview

    Historical and ideological context of early Judaism, critical analysis of Ezra-Nehemiah and other second temple texts, the transition from prophetic to textual authority, temple, prayer, identity, colonialism, return migration.

    The study of ancient texts dealing with modern issues: identity, colonialism, return migration, and religious authority. Focusing on Ezra-Nehemiah this paper examines the issues that gave birth to the Judaism of the New Testament.

    About this paper

    Paper title Special Topic: Israels Return from Exile (Advanced)
    Subject Biblical Studies
    EFTS 0.1667
    Points 20 points
    Teaching period Not offered in 2024, expected to be offered in 2025 (Distance learning)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,240.75
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    One 300-level BIBS paper
    Limited to
    BTheol(Hons), BA(Hons), PGDipTheol, PGDipArts, MTheol, MMin, PGDipMin, DipGrad
    Notes
    May not be credited with BIBS315 when taken with the same content.
    Contact

    theology@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Dr Don Moffat, Sir Paul Reeves' Lecturer in Biblical Studies

    Paper Structure

    Ezra-Nehemiah
    Haggai, Zechariah & Temple reconstruction
    Penitential prayer
    Marriage, identity and religious authority
    Return migration and Community identity (Chronicles)
    Revelation and authority
    Governors and High Priests
    Malachi & Isaiah 56-66 community and leadership

    Teaching Arrangements

    The paper will be taught by videoconference to cater to on-campus and distance students. A teaching day will be held in Dunedin and Auckland.

    Textbooks

    Readings will be available through Blackboard.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised

    Scholarship & Lifelong learning, critical thinking, research, communication, ethics, cultural understanding, team work, informational literacy
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete the paper will:

    • Identify and assess the challenges Israel's return from Babylon presented and the resultant evolution of Judaism as a religious and cultural expression;
    • Exegete biblical texts using critical skills and assess them as literary texts and historical records by drawing on appropriate disciplines; and
    • Discuss and analyse a range of topics addressed by scholars in regard to the early second temple studies, including: penitential prayer, return migration, community identity, the "myth of the empty land", and political and religious structure and authority .

    Timetable

    Not offered in 2024, expected to be offered in 2025

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught through Distance Learning
    Learning management system
    Blackboard
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