HIST 387: Topics in Global History

HIST 387-010: Religion and History of Ancient Israel
(Spring 2021)

10:30 AM to 11:45 AM TR

David J. King Hall 2053

Section Information for Spring 2021

This course will examine the still very relevant topic of the origins of the Israelites in the Late Bronze Age (around 1100 BC), survey their developing history from the LBA until the Babylonian Exile in 587 BC. Equal attention will be given to the origin and evolution of their religion. The Old Testament/Hebrew Bible will be investigated from historical and religious aspects e.g. the Patriarchs, the Exodus, the united monarchy. Using extra-Biblical inscriptions, annals, other textual sources, and archaeological findings, ancient Israel will be set in its surroundings. Those significant factors that contributed to its unique self-understanding, which enabled the Israelites to survive the trauma of Exile, create Judaism and become the ancestor of Christianity and Islam will be studied. The struggle among fact, fiction and "fake news" in this fascinating period will play a large part. Towards the end of the course we will look at the relationship between ancient Israel and the modern state of Israel and its place in the contemporary Middle East.

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Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3-6

Study of historical topics or periods of special interest in global, Latin American, African, Asian, or Middle Eastern history. Notes: Topics announced in advance. May be repeated for credit when topic is different. May be repeated within the term.
Mason Core: Global Understanding
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies, Non-Western Culture
Schedule Type: Lec/Sem #1, Lec/Sem #2, Lec/Sem #3, Lec/Sem #4, Lec/Sem #5, Lec/Sem #6, Lec/Sem #7, Lec/Sem #8, Lec/Sem #9, Lecture, Sem/Lec #10, Sem/Lec #11, Sem/Lec #12, Sem/Lec #13, Sem/Lec #14, Sem/Lec #15, Sem/Lec #16, Sem/Lec #17, Sem/Lec #18
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

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