Time Schedule:
Martin S. Jaffee
RELIG 491
Seattle Campus
Topics vary. Recommended: RELIG 210; RELIG 400, RELIG 405, or RELIG 410.
Class description
This year's version of the class focuses on the formation of classical rabbinic > culture in Roman and Byzantine Palestine (2nd-4th centuries CE) and in the Sasanian Empire > (Persia and Babylonia, 3rd-6th centuries CE). We will explore the efforts of modern scholarship to > derive from the vast rabbinic literature information about the social origins > and key institutions--such as the school and the discipleship circle-- of the > rabbinic movement that ultimately reshaped ancient Judaism in its own image.
Student learning goals
Knowledge of the history of Judaism in all of its varied ancient forms from roughly 400 BCE till 600 CE.
Grasp of methodological and philosophical issues in theh history of religions in antiquity
Specific knowledge of how historians derive historically useful information from classical rabbinic writings on law and theology
General method of instruction
> Student presentations, discussion, some lecturing.
Recommended preparation
> It would be helpful to have taken at least RELIG 210, SISJE 250, RELIG 380,and NE 496.
Class assignments and grading
Daily brief written responses to assigned readings, extended exercises in critical, analytic writing. > > > > >>
> Oral presentations and written work.
