JWC1030

Jewish civilisation I, part A

Paul Forgasz

6 points
* 2 lectures and 1 tutorial per week
* First Semester
* Clayton
* No prior knowledge of Jewish history is required

Objectives The subject is designed to provide a thematic introduction to the major events and issues in Jewish history, thought and culture. An additional objective of the subject is to provide students with the skills required for a basic analysis of the source materials pertinent to the study of Jewish civilisation.

Synopsis The focus of JWC1030 is on the Biblical and immediate post-Biblical period. It surveys the history of ancient Israel from the patriachs to the fall of Jerusalem in 70CE, the rise of Christianity and Rabbinic Judaism. Topics to be included are tools and methods of Biblical studies; the Hebrew Bible in its literary, historical and geographical context; the conquest and settlement of Canaan; the united and divided monarchies; Judean and Israelite religion: Covenant and Torah; the prophets and their message; exile, diaspora and return; Hellenism and Judaism: connection and conflict; Jewish sectarians and the Scrolls of the Dead Sea; the Jews and Romans: rebellion, war and destruction and the rise of Christianity and Rabbinic Judaism.

Assessment Tutorial paper, presented orally and in writing (500 words): 15%
* Long essay (2000 words): 45%
* Examination (2 hours): 40%

Recommended texts

The Hebrew Bible (in English translation)
Hallo W (ed.) Heritage, civilisation and the Jews Source Reader, Prager, 1984
Gottwald N K The Hebrew Bible: A socio-literary introduction Scholars Press, 1993
Cohen S From Maccabees to Mishna Fortress Press, 1993
Talmon S (ed.) Jewish civilisation in the Hellenistic-Roman period Trinity Press, 1991