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Unit information: The Dead Sea Scrolls and Scripture in 2021/22

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Unit name The Dead Sea Scrolls and Scripture
Unit code THRSM0132
Credit points 20
Level of study M/7
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director Dr. Lindsey Davidson
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

School/department Department of Religion and Theology
Faculty Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

This unit treats the world of the Dead Sea Scrolls, a collection of nearly 900 Jewish manuscripts discovered in eleven caves near Qumran in 1947 by Bedouin shepherds. The Scrolls are over 2000 years old, with texts produced across late Second Temple Judaism (c. 250 BCE-70 CE). Topics that students will explore include the texts, archaeology, debates, and issues surrounding the Dead Sea Scrolls in depth. 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 ancient sources will be read in English translation. 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 critical thinking, textual interpretation, historical analysis, and argumentation in written and oral communication, using evidence from primary texts and secondary sources.

Intended 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 critical thinking, textual interpretation, historical analysis, and argumentation in written and oral communication, using evidence from primary texts and secondary sources.

Teaching Information

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.

Assessment Information

One 5000 word essay [ILOs 1-4].

Resources

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. THRSM0132).

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.

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