| Unit name | Dead Sea Scrolls |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRS30180 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| 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) |
N/A |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
N/A |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
N/A |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Why is this unit important?
This unit explores the world of the Dead Sea Scrolls, a collection of nearly 900 Jewish manuscripts from eleven caves near Qumran, discovered in in 1947, and would be critical for any students interested in early Jewish and Christian studies, and who enjoy working with primary sources.
The Scrolls are over 2000 years old, with texts produced across late Second Temple Judaism (c.250 BCE-70 CE).
Topics include the texts, archaeology, debates, and issues surrounding the Dead Sea Scrolls. Students will become familiar with many of the Dead Sea Scrolls as primary sources and related early Jewish literature. This unit will aim to help uncover the overall nature of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the variety of early Jewish literature, the significance of the Scrolls for the study of early Judaism and Christianity, and different critical perspectives in modern scholarship on the Dead Sea Scrolls.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
Specialist subject options are offered in the third year of the Religion and Theology programmes. It is standard practice for 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 are also available to taught postgraduates (MA Religion). 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 English department, as well as demonstrating our commitment to supporting choice and providing increased optionality as students’ progress through their programme.
As part of this unit, students will become familiar with many of the Dead Sea Scrolls as primary sources and related early Jewish literature. The unit will give context and colour to the fascinating historical and literary world of the Dead Sea Scrolls. All primary sources will be read in English translation. Furthermore, students will acquire appropriate skills in using primary sources and secondary sources, critical thinking, textual interpretation, historical analysis, and argumentation in written and oral communication.
Unit Aims
This unit aims to provide an in-depth critical understanding of:
(1) the overall nature of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the variety of early Jewish literature;
(2) the significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls for the study of early Judaism and Christianity;
(3) different critical perspectives in modern scholarship on the Dead Sea Scrolls
They will also be expected to have acquired:
(4) appropriate skills in using primary sources and secondary sources, critical thinking, textual interpretation, historical analysis, and argumentation in written and oral communication.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the overall nature of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the variety of early Jewish literature;
2. apply an understanding of critical and theoretical reading to specific issues of the significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls for the study of early Judaism and Christianity;
3. discriminate between different critical perspectives in modern scholarship on the Dead Sea Scrolls
4. demonstrate appropriate skills in using primary sources and secondary sources, critical thinking, textual interpretation, historical analysis, and argumentation in written and oral communication.
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 do not count towards your mark but are required for credit (zero-weighted):
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
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. THRS30180).
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 Faculty 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. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
