Jewish and Christian Identity in a Greek and Roman World
RELI 488
Spring 2011 not offered
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When Alexander the Great created one expansive world order in the West that we call Hellenism, Jews found themselves a minority in this brave new world. Jewish literature and archaeological remains reveal a vibrant Diaspora consciousness that reflects on a sense of Jewish identity in a world ruled by others. When Rome arose and came to rule the formerly Greek-controlled lands, the early Christian movement was also beginning to spread and challenge its relation to Judaism. At the same time that many Jewish and Christian texts reflect a strong sense of identity and distinction, others betray ambiguity, ambivalence, and a gray area of identity. This course will examine how Jews and Christians negotiated their existence in Greek and Roman cultures and came to separate into different communities. |
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Essential Capabilities:
None |
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA RELI |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: None |
Major Readings:
Boyarin, Daniel, BORDER LINES: THE PARTITION OF JUDAEO-CHRISTIANITY
Collins, John, BETWEEN ATHENS AND JERUSALEM
Cohen, Shaye, BEGINNINGS OF JEWISHNESS
Kimber Buell, Denise, WHY THIS NEW RACE? ETHNIC REASONING IN EARLY CHRISTIANITY
Lieu, Judith, NEITHER JEW NOR GREEK? CONSTRUCTING EARLY CHRISTIANITY
Wills, Lawrence, ANCIENT JEWISH NOVELS
Doran, Robert, BIRTH OF A WORLDVIEW: EARLY CHRISTIANITY IN ITS JEWISH AND PAGAN CONTEXT
Goodman, Martin, JEWS IN A GRAECO-ROMAN WORLD
Packet of readings.
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Examinations and Assignments:
Close reading and discussion of texts, six short reflection papers, one short paper and one final paper. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
This course fulfills a "Religion in Society" requirement for the department major. |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
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