| Unit name | Dead Sea Scrolls |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRSM0136 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Lindsey Davidson |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Why is this unit important?
The Dead Sea Scrolls are one of the most important and unique discoveries relating to early Judaism,
nascent Christianity, and the Greco-Roman period in the ancient Middle East. As a crucial witness to the
formation of early Judaism and Christian origins, the Scrolls are a collection of nearly 900
manuscripts dating to between c. 250 BCE to 70 CE, discovered in 1947 in caves near Qumran on the
shore of the Dead Sea. The manuscripts shed light on the textual history of the Hebrew Bible and
reveal key Jewish theological debates and beliefs of the time. The unit will introduce students to key
theological and methodological issues of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Qumran community.
Knowledge of the Scrolls, and their significance, is indispensable for any students interested in
ancient history, Jewish studies, biblical studies, or Christian studies, and for those who enjoy working
on controversial primary evidence and ancient theological debates.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
Specialist subject options are offered in the second and third years of the Religion and Theology
programmes. It is standard practice for final-year single honours students to take two specialist
options in each of those years (one per TB), and for joint honours students to take two. Specialist
subject options are available to students on Liberal Arts programmes and to postgraduates. The
portfolio of units available will change from year to year based on staff availability, but it will
consistently represent a full range of research strengths across the Religion and Theology department,
as well as demonstrating our commitment to supporting choice and providing increased optionality as
students progress through their programme.
An overview of content
The unit content will focus normally on three key themes/sections (such as the Scrolls and the origins
and formation of Judaism and Christianity; textual transmission of the Hebrew Bible; and theological
and methodological issues). These three themes will be exemplified in more depth by way of two
main primary case studies, stable over the course of the unit, usually one biblical text and one or two major non-biblical or sectarian texts. The key themes and primary texts will build a solid foundation of
deeper knowledge for tackling controversies, mysteries, theological issues, debates about origins, and
other topics relating to the Scrolls and Qumran. The key themes and chosen sources may vary slightly
from year to year but will be selected to be highly representative, in order to better guide students
through major cornerstones of the field of study.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Articulate a sound knowledge of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Scrolls’ place within early
Judaism and Christian origins.
2. Evaluate with sophisticated balance different theological and methodological issues in the study
of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
3. Conduct careful investigations of how the Dead Sea Scrolls shed light on the textual history of
the Hebrew Bible.
4. Apply sophisticated modes of analysis when handling evidence in primary materials and
secondary sources, appropriate to level H/6.
5. Exercise good oral communication skills to express topics and controversies in the study of the
Dead Sea Scrolls.
Classes will involve a combination of long- and short-form lectures, class discussion, investigative activities, and practical activities. Students will be expected to engage with readings and participate on a weekly basis. This will be further supported with drop-in sessions and self-directed exercises with tutor and peer feedback.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
1. 1000-word ethical heritage policy assignment (10%) [ILOs 1-4]
2. oral test (20%) [ILOs 1-2, 5]
3. 2.5 hour written exam (70%) [ILOs 1-4]
When assessment does not go to plan
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same
formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the format or
number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are confirmed by the School/Centre
shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the year.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. THRSM0136).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
