Overview
An advanced 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 (Advanced) |
|---|---|
| Subject | Biblical Studies |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Not offered in 2026 (Distance learning) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,103.10 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- One 200-level BIBS or BIBX paper
- Restriction
- BIBS 218, 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
- More information link
- View more information on the Theology website: www.otago.ac.nz/theology
- Teaching staff
- 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 318
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Information literacy, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
By the end of this paper, students will have:
- A good understanding of the history and literature of early Judaism from the sixth century BCE to the second century CE
- A solid understanding the Jewish context in which Jesus lived and in which early Christianity emerged
- Become familiar with the beliefs, practices, and institutions of early Judaism
- Gained a thorough understanding of the origins and development of anti-Jewish prejudice in the ancient Mediterranean world
- Acquired a sound ability to interpret primary sources (in translation) pertaining to the history and literature of early Judaism, and to analyze critically the arguments of scholars working in this field
- Assessment details
- Two x 1,500 word essays (20% each)
- One x three-hour examination (60%)
Overview
An advanced 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 (Advanced) |
|---|---|
| Subject | Biblical Studies |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Not offered in 2027 (Distance learning) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- One 200-level BIBS or BIBX paper
- Restriction
- BIBS 218, 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. BIBS 112, BIBS 121, or RELS 101, would be an advantage.
- Contact
- james.harding@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
View more information on the Theology website.
- Teaching staff
- 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 318.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Information literacy, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
By the end of this paper, students will have:
- A good understanding of the history and literature of early Judaism from the sixth century BCE to the second century CE
- A solid understanding the Jewish context in which Jesus lived and in which early Christianity emerged
- Become familiar with the beliefs, practices and institutions of early Judaism
- Gained a thorough understanding of the origins and development of anti-Jewish prejudice in the ancient Mediterranean world
- Acquired a sound ability to interpret primary sources (in translation) pertaining to the history and literature of early Judaism, and to analyse critically the arguments of scholars working in this field
- Assessment details
- Two 1,500 word essays (20% each)
- One three-hour examination (60%)