963 History Elective
Parish Episcopal
Term: Fall 2008
Room: 4025
Day and
Time: B4
Instructor: Dr.
Course Syllabus
Course
Description:
History 963 Power and
Controversy in Judean Politics 200 BCE – 70 CE (1/3 credit)
This course examines the
nature and extent of Jewish political autonomy while under Hellenistic and
Roman Imperial influence. Students will explore the lives of influential
and controversial leaders, such as the Maccabees and Herod the Great. They also
will explore the roles of such institutions as the high priesthood, kingship,
the Sanhedrin, Nasi, and the role of direct Roman rule during the time of
Jesus. They will investigate not only the causes of the rise and fall of
certain notables and institutions but also the nature of cultural assimilation
among Jews and how it at times led to religious and political instability in
Judea up to the point of outbreak of war with
Course Textbook:
Josephus, Flavius. The
Jewish War. Betty Radice,
E. Mary
Smallwood, ed. Introduction
and trans. by G. A.
Williamson.
Other reading: I
Maccabees (NRSV); Gospel of Mark (NRSV); selections from Danby, H.
The Mishnah.
Methodology of Approach and Objectives:
Our exploration will focus on the study of primary written sources.
Rather than simply reading a textbook,
in other words, students will read selections from a variety of original testimonies
that have survived from the period under study (200 BCE – 200 CE), selections
from I Maccabees, Josephus, the Gospel of Mark, and a rabbinic source, the
Mishnah. Given its methodology, this
course may be described as an introduction to historiography, the study of the
nature and use of primary sources, as much as it is an introduction to the
particular topic at hand. In effect,
students will learn the task of a good historian.
The primary objective of this course is skill development in
relation to the study of history; namely, it is to teach students the skill of
informed, historical criticism. It is to
enable them to question sources of information by considering the variety of
factors that influence them, such as context, background of the author,
audience, method of dissemination, among others. This is an important skill
applicable not only in the study of history but also in other areas of study
(and for all practical purposes, in the exercise of good citizenship). As a secondary objective, relevance will made
to the modern state of Judea, or
Provisional
Course Outline:
Primary Topics:
I.
Priests
Neglected Their Duties to Go to the Gym?: Revolt, Greek Culture, and
Controversial New Leadership under the Maccabees (I Maccabees, Weeks 3-6)
II.
A Mysterious
Death at Herod’s Pool Party: Greek and Roman Culture, Familial Strife, and
Skullduggery under Herod the Great (selections from Josephus, The Jewish War,
Weeks 7-9)
III.
Jesus, His
Mission, and His Dimwitted Disciples According to Mark’s Gospel (selections from
The Gospel of Mark, Weeks 10-11)
IV.
The Great
Sanhedrin According to the Mishnah: Evaluating
the memory of the early Rabbis (selections from tractate Sanhedrin, Week
12)
V.
Final
Comments: Assessing the Evidence and Arguing for History
Introductory Topics:
VI.
Introduction
to the Course, Syllabus, Required
VII.
Why Take this
Course? The Significance of this Topic within World History
VIII.
Overview of
Jewish History in the Hellenistic and Early Roman Imperial Period
IX.
Overview of
Events, Peculiar Personalities, and the Controversial Issues that Surrounded
Them
*Reading schedules with
outlines, topics of interest and discussion will be provided on a weekly basis.
Student Assessment:
Final averages are based on quizzes over
assigned reading, short presentation papers (x4), and a class participation
grade. 20% of the final average is based
on quizzes, 40% on presentation papers, and 40% on participation in class
discussions.
Note on Presentation
Papers and Format:
This course incorporates a seminar element. Classes will involve a brief lecture by the
instructor but will focus principally on group discussion. Others will be designated for brief paper
presentations by students. Papers will
address a topic assigned by the instructor and will be read aloud by the
student in class. (Presentations will
serve to galvanize student discussion rather than to invite criticism by
classmates.) Margins are to be 1 inch (top, bottom, right, and left), and font in 12 pnt. Times New Roman or
Garamond (because I like these). Length is to be one page double
spaced. Any deviation from this format
will result in point deduction.
Recommended Supplies:
In addition to the course text, a folder should be purchased (if
you haven’t purchased one already) in which to organize supplemental reading
material.
Course Policies:
No credit will be given on assignments handed in after due dates.
Food and/or drink are allowed in the classroom ONLY at the
discretion of the instructor. For all
other matters relating to expectations of student conduct, I refer you to the
student handbook and the
Additional Notes:
It is imperative that assigned readings be completed on schedule,
as class sessions will involve relevant group discussions in addition to
lectures provided by the instructor.
Class activities typically will comprise the following: (1) lectures;
(2) reading and discussion of key texts, relevant issues, etc.; (3) paper
presentations; (4) one break if needed (five minutes).
Course Credit: 1/3 History Credit
Grade Type:
A+ = 97-100 C+ =
77-79 F = below 60
A = 93-96 C = 73-76
A- = 90-92 C- =
70-72
B+ = 87-89 D+ =
67-69
B = 83-86 D =
63-66
B- = 80-82 D =
60-62
Skills and Other Emphases:
Critical thinking, textual analysis, cultural awareness, and
persuasive writing are skills emphasized and developed in this course.
Contact
Information:
Office
4029: 972.239.8011, Ext. 2370
E-mail: schepey@parishepiscopal.org
I will
be available to meet with students before and after class or by appointment.