REL 3060 - The Jewish Tradition

This course traces the history and development of Judaism from its roots in the Ancient Near East to the present, and its role in the shaping of Western consciousness. Particular attention is given to the periods of radical social, political and cultural change in Jewish history and hence to the critical problem of Jewish identity. An analysis of Jewish writings, customs, and institutions taken from different periods of Jewish history reveals that Jewish people have discovered and expressed their identity within a religious framework that includes myths and rituals, festivals, and holy days, celebration of the past and anticipation of the future, as well as social movements and political revolutions.

Credits: 4 hours