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    Overview

    An overview of the history and literature of Judaism from Alexander the Great to the fall of Masada (332 BCE - 74 CE), focusing particularly on the Dead Sea Scrolls.

    The history and literature of early Judaism from Alexander the Great to the Bar Kochba Revolt (332 BCE-135 CE). It is an essential introduction to the background of the two major religious traditions to come out of this historical period, Judaism and Christianity.

    About this paper

    Paper title Judaism in the Time of Jesus
    Subject Biblical Studies
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period(s) Semester 1 (Distance learning)
    Semester 1 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,040.70
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    36 100-level points
    Restriction
    BIBS 318, RELS 211, RELS 311, RELX 211, RELX 311
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music, Theology
    Eligibility

    Any student with an interest in the origins of Judaism and Christianity. Some prior study of these traditions, e.g. BIBS112, BIBS121, or RELS101, would be an advantage.

    Contact
    james.harding@otago.ac.nz
    Teaching staff

    Lecturer: Reverend Assoc Prof James Harding

    Paper Structure

    Lectures

    Teaching Arrangements

    Distance with in-person assessment components

    There will be one two-hour lecture per week. This paper will be taught simultaneously on-campus and by distance (via Zoom).

    Textbooks

    Cohen, Shaye J. D. From the Maccabees to the Mishnah (3rd ed.; Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 2014).

    Levine, Amy-Jill, and Marc Zvi Brettler, eds. The Jewish Annotated New Testament. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2017.

    Course outline
    View the course outline for BIBS 218
    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Self-motivation.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    By the end of this paper, students will have:

    • Become familiar with the history and literature of early Judaism from the sixth century BCE to the second century CE
    • Gained a broad understanding of the Jewish context in which Jesus lived and in which early Christianity emerged
    • Acquired an basic understanding of the beliefs, practices, and institutions of early Judaism
    • Gained a basic understanding of the origins and development of anti-Jewish prejudice in the ancient Mediterranean world
    Assessment details
    • Two x 1,500 word essays (20% each)
    • One x three-hour examination (60%)

    Timetable

    Semester 1

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

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Thursday 14:00-15:50 9-16, 18-22

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Thursday 14:00-15:50 9-16, 18-22
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