HIS 317 - The Talmud: Its History and Literary Development

Course Cross-listed with JS 317
3 credit(s)
Area/Group Designation: History of Asia and the Middle East

This course introduces students to the history and literature of the Talmud, the central work of Jewish law and lore that evolved from about 200 B.C.E. (= B.C.) to 500 C.E. (= A.D.). By examining the pertinent texts in their historical context, students concentrate on major issues that also engrossed Greek and Roman thinkers. Such matters as the sanctity of life, theories of democracy and justice, capital punishment, civil and criminal law, and the roles of women and their rights are analyzed amid the relevant historical events and trends and the larger societies that surrounded the Jews.

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