University of Minnesota

ANE 3117 THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS:

THE INTER-TESTAMENTAL PERIOD

4 Credits

Professor Tzvee Zahavy

Fall Quarter, 1991

Description: Jewish sectarianism in the pre-Christian period; position of the Dead Sea sect. Qumran texts in English; communal organization, modes of worship, theology, and Messiah concept as a precursor to later religious developments. Knowledge of Hebrew not required.

Required Textbooks:

G. Vermes, The Dead Sea Scroll in English, Penguin, pb

G. Vermes, The Dead Sea Scrolls: Qumran in Perspective Fortress, pb

Supplementary:

S. Talmon, The World of Qumran from Within, Magnes-Brill

Reserve readings: Wilson library reserve room and at CNES Library

Weekly Schedule

9/26 Hellenistic Judaism, The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls

10/3 The Qumran Community: history and religion

10/8-10 The Rules of the Community

10/15-17 Prayers: hymns, liturgies, wisdom poetry

10/22-24 Purity at Qumran

10/29-31 Apocalyptic eschatology

11/5-7 Bible interpretation

11/12-14 Meanings of Qumran for later Judaism and Christianity

11/19-21 Controversial new scrolls

11/26 Study sessions

12/3 Final Papers Due

Requirements:

Students will do:

1. all assigned readings;

2. mid-term take-home essay exam;

3. one brief classroom presentation (to serve as the basis for their-)

4. final paper of 5-7 pages.