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CRS314Arts2 Unitsintermediate

Intertestamental Literature

This course introduces students to the inter-testamental period, a crucial era bridging the Old and New Testaments. It explores the historical, religious, and literary developments during the 400 years between the end of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New Testament. Students will examine the rise of Jewish sects, the impact of Hellenistic culture, and the literature that emerged during this period, including the Apocrypha, Pseudepigrapha, and Dead Sea Scrolls.

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156h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Intertestamental PeriodApocryphaPseudepigraphaDead Sea ScrollsJewish History

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Intertestamental Period

2

Apocrypha

3

Pseudepigrapha

4

Dead Sea Scrolls

5

Jewish Sects

6

Hellenistic Influence

7

Roman Rule

8

Apocalyptic Literature

9

Rabbinic Literature

Total Topics9 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Religious Studies Scholar

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Historian

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Theologian

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Archaeologist

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Archivist

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Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

AcademiaReligious OrganizationsMuseumsHistorical Research InstitutesLibraries

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module I: Introduction of Inter-Testamental Literature

4h

Unit 1: Defining Inter-testamental Period

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 1: Defining Inter-testamental Period. Understand the historical context and significance of the period.
  • Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1 to reinforce understanding of key definitions.

Unit 2: Biblical Criticism of Exegetical Study of Inter-testamental Literature

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 2: Biblical Criticism for Exegetical Study of Inter-testamental Literature. Focus on understanding textual and historical criticism.
  • Identify the key critical methods used in biblical studies.
Week
2

Module I: Introduction of Inter-Testamental Literature

4h

Unit 3: Biblical Methods for the Interpretation of Inter-testamental Literature

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 3: Biblical Methods for the Interpretation of Inter-testamental Literature. Focus on literal, moral, and allegorical interpretation.
  • Compare and contrast different hermeneutical approaches.

Unit 4: Number Symbolism and Images in Inter-testamental Literature

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 4: Number Symbolism and Images in Inter-testamental Literature. Analyze the use of symbolic numbers and images in Jewish culture.
  • Identify common apocalyptic images and their meanings.
Week
3

Module I: Introduction of Inter-Testamental Literature

3h

Unit 5: The Super-Powers in Inter-testamental Period

3 study hours
  • Read Unit 5: The Super-Powers in Inter-testamental Period. Understand the influence of Persian, Greek, and Roman empires.
  • Identify key rulers and their impact on Jewish society.
Week
4

Module 2: Inter-testamental Period (400 BC-1st Century AD)

3h

Unit 1: The Jewish Sects

3 study hours
  • Read Unit 1: The Jewish Sects. Focus on the origins, beliefs, and practices of the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and Zealots.
  • Compare and contrast the different Jewish sects.
Week
5

Module 2: Inter-testamental Period (400 BC-1st Century AD)

3h

Unit 2: Jewish Independence

3 study hours
  • Read Unit 2: Jewish Independence. Understand the Maccabean Revolt and the Hasmonean dynasty.
  • Analyze the factors that led to Jewish independence.
Week
6

Module 2: Inter-testamental Period (400 BC-1st Century AD)

3h

Unit 3: Inter-testamental Religion

3 study hours
  • Read Unit 3: Inter-testamental Religion. Explore the religious practices, beliefs, and developments during the period.
  • Identify key religious figures and their contributions.
Week
7

Module 2: Inter-testamental Period (400 BC-1st Century AD)

3h

Unit 4: Features of Inter-testamental Religion

3 study hours
  • Read Unit 4: Features of Inter-testamental Religion. Focus on prayer, clothing, holidays, and dietary laws.
  • Understand the significance of each feature in Jewish religious life.
Week
8

Module 2: Inter-testamental Period (400 BC-1st Century AD)

3h

Unit 5: Other Events during Inter-testamental Period

3 study hours
  • Read Unit 5: Other Events during Inter-testamental Period. Examine key events before the birth of Jesus.
  • Analyze the historical and religious context of these events.
Week
9

Module 3: Review of Inter-testamental Literature

3h

Unit 1: Apocrypha Literature

3 study hours
  • Read Unit 1: Apocrypha Literature. Focus on the contents and significance of the Apocrypha.
  • Identify key themes and messages in the Apocryphal texts.
Week
10

Module 3: Review of Inter-testamental Literature

3h

Unit 2: Pseudepigrapha Literature

3 study hours
  • Read Unit 2: Pseudepigrapha Literature. Explore the different categories and basic structures of Pseudepigrapha.
  • Analyze the historical and religious context of these texts.
Week
11

Module 3: Review of Inter-testamental Literature

3h

Unit 3: The Dead Scrolls

3 study hours
  • Read Unit 3: The Dead Sea Scrolls. Understand the origin, types, and significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
  • Analyze the impact of the Dead Sea Scrolls on biblical studies.
Week
12

Module 3: Review of Inter-testamental Literature

3h

Unit 4: Apocalyptic Literature

3 study hours
  • Read Unit 4: Apocalyptic Literature. Focus on the definition, contents, and key themes of Apocalyptic literature.
  • Identify common apocalyptic symbols and their meanings.
Week
13

Module 3: Review of Inter-testamental Literature

3h

Unit 5: Rabbanic Literature

3 study hours
  • Read Unit 5: Rabbanic Literature. Explore the contents and significance of Rabbinic literature.
  • Understand the role of the Talmud in Jewish law and tradition.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a timeline of key events and rulers during the intertestamental period (Units 1-5).

2

Develop flashcards for the major Jewish sects (Unit 6), including their beliefs and practices.

3

Compare and contrast the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha (Units 11-12), focusing on authorship and content.

4

Analyze the significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls (Unit 13) and their impact on biblical studies.

5

Outline the key themes and characteristics of apocalyptic literature (Unit 14), using examples from the Book of Daniel and 1 Enoch.

6

Summarize the development of Rabbinic literature (Unit 15) and its influence on Jewish law and tradition.

7

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and address any areas of weakness.

8

Practice essay questions on the major themes and topics covered in the course.

9

Allocate sufficient time for revision and review of all course materials.

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