Course Description
The Roman period was pivotal in the history of Judaism. From the long reign of the pro-Roman king Herod the Great, through three revolts that shook the empire to its foundations, to the rise of the rabbinic movement, this course explores the transformation of Judaism and the everyday lives of Jews.
Athena Title
Jews in the Roman Empire
Pre or Corequisite
One course in CLAS or RELI or HIST or INTL or POLS or ENGL or LING
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
- By the end of this course, students will be able to arrive at conclusions about Jewish history by gathering and weighing evidence, logical argument, and listening to counter argument.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to write stylistically appropriate papers and essays. Students will be able to analyze ideas and evidence, organize their thoughts, and revise and edit their finished essays.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to identify how Jewish history has shaped social and cultural identities and attitudes, encouraging them to understand diverse worldviews and experiences.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to apply appropriate methodological approaches to their analysis of primary sources and to organize their evidence to show historical continuities and discontinuities.
Topical Outline
- Herod the friendly king
- Jewish communities and the rise of Christianity
- The great revolt
- Babatha and the bar-Kochba revolt
- Messianic literature and Jewish culture
- The Mishnah and the rise of rabbinic Judaism
Institutional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
Communication
The ability to effectively develop, express, and exchange ideas in written, oral, interpersonal, or visual form.
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
