CLAS 207 Biblical Interpretation in Classical Antiquity (Same as Religion 207) (Not offered 1999-2000)
In exploring the ways various biblical, Jewish, Christian, and pagan communities
in the past interpreted the Bible, we will investigate both how a given community
influenced an understanding of the Bible and how the Bible influenced the
understanding of that community. We will also give attention to the technology
of interpretation, that is, the various methods employed by biblical exegetes.
Among the texts, interpreters, and technologies we will consider: "inner
biblical interpretation;" canonization; translation (the Septuagint, Targum);
paraphrase (Philo, Josephus, Pseudo-Philo, Pirke d'rabbi Eliezar, Jubilees);
typology and allegory (New Testament, Dead Sea Scrolls; Philo, Clement, Origen);
"gapping" (Apocryphal Old Testament and New Testament, Midrash); pagan views
of the Bible (Porphyry and Julian). While the course examines interpretations
of the Old and New Testaments, the term "Bible" is used precisely because
the contents of the Bible differed depending on the community.
Evaluation will be based on classroom participation, a term paper, and midterm
and final exams. No prerequisites. Open to all classes. (This course is part
of the Jewish Studies cluster.)