Early Judaism: From Formative to Normative

3 credits · Undergraduate

(3 hrs Lecture) This course surveys the historical events, documents, modes of interpretation, major figures and diverse communities and beliefs and practices that preceded and informed the emergence of rabbinic Judaism. The course unpacks the influence of momentous events such as Greek and Roman conquests in the Middle East, the nascent Jesus movement, and the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 CE. It explores how documents such as the Dead Sea scrolls, the Apocrypha and the Pseudepigrapha and authors such as Philo of Alexandria and Josephus provide insight into the formative period of Early Judaism. It introduces students to the major genres of early biblical interpretation, such as typology, allegory, and midrash and oral Torah. Cross-listed: CLAS-2704. Restrictions: Students may not hold credit for this course and CLAS-2704.