HIST 285DJewish History Ancient to 1500

Catalog

This course offers an introduction to Jewish history from the Bible to the end of the Middle Ages. It surveys some of the major issues that defined Judaism, including the nature and development of biblical texts; the effort of small Jewish states in the age of great ancient empires; the impact of (Greek culture) Hellenism on Judaism and the rise of Christianity from it; the emergence of the Diaspora; and Jewish life under and interaction with medieval Islam and Christendom. The course's two major themes are: 1) the evolution and development of Judaism, and 2) the shifting character of Jewish identity and peoplehood. No previous knowledge of Jewish history and religion is required or assumed. This course satisfies the core and survey requirements for Judaic Studies majors and minors.