Special Topic: History

Catalog description

HIST680: This course, when offered, is a one-time offering on an area of special interest that will vary each term. These are open to graduate students as an elective, or to fulfill concentration requirements. September 2026: HIST680 Jewish and Christian Egypt through Papyri This course explores the world of Jewish and Christian communities in ancient Egypt as seen through the papyrological texts they have left behind. Starting from the Persian Period and continuing through to Late Antiquity, we will read, analyze, and assess translated documentary, sub-literary, and literary papyri, and compare and contrast papyrological evidence with other source types. The class also explores the various ways in which papyri may be analyzed including data analysis (with AI assistance), comparison to literary records, and the many implications of studying papyri as artifacts.