Introduction to Rabbinic Literature

(3 Credits)

This course is intended to provide a general introduction to classic rabbinic literature, the documents compiled by the rabbis between 200-600CE, including the Mishna, Tosefta, Halakhic (Tannaitic) Midrashim, Amoraic Midrashim, and the two Talmuds. It covers both the primary sources themselves and the main scholarly questions and debates concerning these compilations. Class time will be divided between the reading and analysis of the primary texts and the discussion of the secondary readings and the status questionis. This class in intended for M.A. and Ph.D. students. All primary texts will be provided in both the original Hebrew/Aramaic and in translation. Ph.D. students will be expected to prepare the originals; M.A. students the translations.