Abstract
The Judaisms of the Second Temple period were in large part the result of competing visions on how Jewish life should be lived under foreign rule. This course is a detailed study of early Jewish and Christian history, with particular attention to the land and space. Students will wrestle with the complex historical and theological question of what is the relationship between Christianity and Judaism and what role has the land played in the intersection of these two faiths. Particularly, the class will ask how the Jesus movement offered an alternative vision to other competing visions on what it means to be the people of God living in a Promised Land occupied by a foreign power. The course will also attempt to tease out certain historical patterns/parallels between ancient Jewish history and modern Jewish history. The required travel component will provide essential first-hand information and experiential learning opportunities for students. Maymester Course. Travel Component Required. Four credits. Meets the general education area I requirement.