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CRS314

Intertestamental Literature

  • Arts
  • 300 level
  • 2 credit units
  • 188 pages
  • 14 units

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.

About this course

Difficulty
Intermediate
Study hours
156 hours
Maths
None
Content
Theoretical, case study
Practical work
No
How it is assessed
  • Assignments
  • Tutor marked assessments
  • Final examination

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

CRS314 · Unit 3: The Development of Great Powers during Inter-testamental Period Unit 4: The Jewish Independence Unit 5: The State of Israel Unit 1: Definition of Inter-Testamental Literature

From this unit, you have learned the meaning of inter-testamental period and inter-testamental literatures. Within the constraints of space, the definitions of Inter-testamental period and inter-testamental literature have been highlighted in such a manner that would help your understanding of the course.

What you should be able to do

  1. Define the intertestamental period and its significance.
  2. Identify and describe the major Jewish sects of the period.
  3. Analyze the impact of Hellenistic culture on Jewish society and religion.
  4. Evaluate the historical and religious context of the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha.
  5. Understand the significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
  6. Explain the key themes and characteristics of apocalyptic literature.
  7. Describe the development of Rabbinic literature and its influence on Jewish law.

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Religious Studies Scholar
  • Historian
  • Theologian
  • Archaeologist
  • Archivist
Where it is applied
  • Academia
  • Religious Organizations
  • Museums
  • Historical Research Institutes
  • Libraries

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • Module I: Introduction of Inter-Testamental Literature

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

    Requires understanding of complex literary analysis techniques and familiarity with various critical methods.

  • Module 3: Review of Inter-testamental Literature

    Unit 3: The Dead Scrolls

    Requires detailed knowledge of specific texts and their historical context, as well as the ability to synthesize information from multiple sources.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 41 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Module I: Introduction of Inter-Testamental Literature
    • Unit 1: Defining Inter-testamental Period · 2 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 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..

  2. Week 2Module I: Introduction of Inter-Testamental Literature
    • Unit 3: Biblical Methods for the Interpretation of Inter-testamental Literature · 2 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 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..

  3. Week 3Module I: Introduction of Inter-Testamental Literature
    • Unit 5: The Super-Powers in Inter-testamental Period · 3 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..

  4. Week 4Module 2: Inter-testamental Period (400 BC-1st Century AD)
    • Unit 1: The Jewish Sects · 3 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..

  5. Week 5Module 2: Inter-testamental Period (400 BC-1st Century AD)
    • Unit 2: Jewish Independence · 3 hours

      Read Unit 2: Jewish Independence. Understand the Maccabean Revolt and the Hasmonean dynasty.. Analyze the factors that led to Jewish independence..

  6. Week 6Module 2: Inter-testamental Period (400 BC-1st Century AD)
    • Unit 3: Inter-testamental Religion · 3 hours

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

  7. Week 7Module 2: Inter-testamental Period (400 BC-1st Century AD)
    • Unit 4: Features of Inter-testamental Religion · 3 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..

  8. Week 8Module 2: Inter-testamental Period (400 BC-1st Century AD)
    • Unit 5: Other Events during Inter-testamental Period · 3 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..

  9. Week 9Module 3: Review of Inter-testamental Literature
    • Unit 1: Apocrypha Literature · 3 hours

      Read Unit 1: Apocrypha Literature. Focus on the contents and significance of the Apocrypha.. Identify key themes and messages in the Apocryphal texts..

  10. Week 10Module 3: Review of Inter-testamental Literature
    • Unit 2: Pseudepigrapha Literature · 3 hours

      Read Unit 2: Pseudepigrapha Literature. Explore the different categories and basic structures of Pseudepigrapha.. Analyze the historical and religious context of these texts..

  11. Week 11Module 3: Review of Inter-testamental Literature
    • Unit 3: The Dead Scrolls · 3 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..

  12. Week 12Module 3: Review of Inter-testamental Literature
    • Unit 4: Apocalyptic Literature · 3 hours

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

  13. Week 13Module 3: Review of Inter-testamental Literature
    • Unit 5: Rabbanic Literature · 3 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..

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Create a timeline of key events and rulers during the intertestamental period (Units 1-5).
  • Develop flashcards for the major Jewish sects (Unit 6), including their beliefs and practices.
  • Compare and contrast the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha (Units 11-12), focusing on authorship and content.
  • Analyze the significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls (Unit 13) and their impact on biblical studies.
  • Outline the key themes and characteristics of apocalyptic literature (Unit 14), using examples from the Book of Daniel and 1 Enoch.
  • Summarize the development of Rabbinic literature (Unit 15) and its influence on Jewish law and tradition.
  • Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and address any areas of weakness.
  • Practice essay questions on the major themes and topics covered in the course.
  • Allocate sufficient time for revision and review of all course materials.

Questions students ask about this course

What is CRS314 about?

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.

How many units does CRS314 have?

CRS314, Intertestamental Literature, has 14 units across 3 modules, over 188 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is CRS314?

CRS314 carries 2 credit units, at 300 level in Arts.

Is CRS314 hard?

CRS314 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.

How long does CRS314 take to study?

About 156 hours of study, spread across its 14 units.

How is CRS314 assessed?

CRS314 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.

What can I do with CRS314?

Religious Studies Scholar, Historian, Theologian, Archaeologist and Archivist.

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