35
in receipt of a social welfare pension. Those
paying in two instalments must make the second
payment no later than Friday, 10 January 2014.
Date
Teaching in the first semester commences
during the week beginning 23 September 2013
and in the second semester during the week
beginning 13 January 2014. Please note this is
a day-time course.
Duration
The course runs for a total of twenty-two weeks
in two parts. Part 1 runs through the first
semester; part 2 runs through the second
semester.
Further information
Contact: Sinéad Dixon, Department of Near
and Middle Eastern Studies, Arts Building,
Trinity College, Dublin 2. Phone: 01 896 1451,
email:
Jewish and Christian Origins
and the Bible
Part 1
This introductory course explores the physical
environment of the world of ancient Israel and
early Judaism using both literary and
archaeological evidence. Particular attention is
paid to the religious worldview of the ancient
Israelites and their neighbours in the land of
Palestine and in Babylonia, Persia, Egypt and
the Hellenistic world. The literature of the
Israelites (primarily the Bible, the Pentateuch
and the Deuteronomistic history) is examined
within this wider context. Part 1 of this course
can be taken without part 2 and is suitable for
those with no prior knowledge.
Part 2
In the first six weeks inscriptions and other
material evidence from the environment of
ancient Israel which may help to elucidate the
world of the biblical texts are examined. For
example, the Mesha inscription from the ancient
kingdom of Moab is examined and compared to
the biblical account of wars with Moab in the
book of Judges. Also explored is the importance
of writing in ancient Israel and in the ancient
Near Eastern world of Israel’s neighbours. How
important were written records? Were the
identities and self-understandings of the ancient
societies more deeply rooted in oral tradition
and if so how can we begin to explore their
religions and cultures? The second part of the
course looks at the emergence of the Jesus
movement within the Jewish world of first
century Palestine. Topics covered include Jesus
and Jewish tradition, Jesus and Torah, Jesus
and the Temple and Jesus and first century
Jewish sects. Part 2 of this course can be taken
without part 1 and is suitable for those with no
prior knowledge.
Lecturer
Professor Anne FitzPatrick
How to apply
Applications can be made in person on
Thursday, 19 September 2013, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
in the Department of Near and Middle Eastern
Studies, room 5042, level 5 of the Arts Building,
Trinity College, Dublin 2 or by post before
19
September 2013.
Fee
Part 1
€150
Part 2
€150
Both parts
€259
For security reasons payment should be by
cheque/draft/postal money order only, made
payable to Trinity College no. 1 account. A
concession rate is available to second and third
