Course

Apocrypha and Apocalypse

During the Second Temple period, a large number of Jewish texts, representing a wide variety of genres, were produced in Hebrew as well as in Aramaic and Greek. These texts were never included in the emerging canon of the Hebrew Bible, although some received a place in the Greek Old Testament and a few made their way into other Christian traditions. The role of these apocryphal texts in early Judaism and Christianity alike is often underestimated. In this course, a selection of apocryphal texts is studied with special emphasis on their continuity and relationship with earlier and later Jewish and Christian Scripture. Their specific traits and theologies are analyzed and their influence on Jewish and Christian tradition is highlighted. Special emphasis is given to the apocalyptic genre, its mythological roots, and the beliefs and streams of thought it represents. Texts with apocalyptic features are analyzed with the help of cognitive metaphor theories and with philosophy of religion models for the use and function of mythopoetic language.

Collins, John J., 2016 [1984]. The Apocalyptic Imagination: An Introduction to Jewish Apocalyptic Literature. 3 uppl. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. (352 s)

Horsley, Richard A., 2012. The Prophet Jesus and the Renewal of Israel: Moving Beyond a Diversionary Debate. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. S. 1-­64. (64 s)

Himmelfarb, Martha, 2010. The Apocalypse: A Brief History. Chichester, UK: Wiley-­Blackwell. (160 s)

Nickelsburg, George W. E., 2005. Jewish Literature Between the Bible and the Mishnah: A Historical and Literary Introduction. 2 uppl. Minneapolis: Fortress. (344 s) ) (Boken finns att köpa för nedladdning: https://www.logos.com/product/15718/jewish-literature-between-the-bible-and-the-mishnah)

Stone, Michael E., 2011. Ancient Judaism: New Visions and Views. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. (194 s)

Primärtexter och artiklar (220 s).

The schedule is available at the latest one month before the course starts. We do not recommend that you print the schedule as some changes may happen.

Open the Schedule

Thomas Kazen

Professor

08-564 357 15

thomas.kazen@ehs.se

Grades

A = Excellent, B = Very good, C = Good, D = Satisfactory, E = Sufficient, Fx = Insufficient, F = Insufficient

Examination Format

  • Papers
  • Take-home examination

Godkända kurser för en kandidatexamen i teologi/religionsvetenskap, 180 hp, där minst 150 hp utgörs av teologi/religionsvetenskap eller motsvarande. Dessutom kunskaper i engelska motsvarande kraven för grundläggande behörighet.

  • Completion of a course requires a minimum of 80% attendance at lectures and 100% attendance at seminars/group work and other assignments. Absence beyond that can be compensated by supplementing assignment(s) if the instructor finds it possible. In case of an absence of 50% or more, the course is considered as interrupted, even if assignments have been completed.
  • Students have the opportunity to take the exam according to the original course syllabus within two years after the course. If there are special reasons, such a re-examination can also take place later. Normally, teaching is not given according to an older syllabus. The possibility of exemption shall be decided by the president or vice president.
  • If a student due to disability has a decision from the EHS on special pedagogical support, the examiner shall, if necessary, adapt the examination and conduct the examination in an alternative way.

Established by Subject Representative College at Enskilda Högskolan Stockholm on December 15, 2015.

Last revised on February 22, 2017.