Archaeology has become an indispensable source for the reconstruction of past cultures and therefore is of direct importance for Biblical studies. The course aims at giving students insight into the material culture of societies in the ancient Levant from the Bronze and Iron ages down to the material context of Early Christianity in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Special attention will be given to the archaeology of cult (domestic cult, sanctuaries, synagogues, earliest churches), but also of regions and periods that feature in Biblical literature. But how can literary and material sources be brought into a methodologically reflected dialogue? What is the impact of archaeology on Biblical studies?
Student will be introduced to basic methods of archaeological work and its role in reconstructing the life and beliefs of past societies. They will be introduced to important archaeological periods and types of material culture relevant to the biblical world.
Onderwijsvorm
Seminar style (lecture elements, discussion, presentations, self-study)
Seminar Overview and Assignments
Weekly meetings (12 × 2 hrs): 24 hrs
Weekly reading assignments (12 × 3 hrs): 36 hrs
Presentation: 20 hrs
Paper: 40 hrs
Practical assignment (presentation II or excavation): 20 hrs
Total: 140 hrs
Literatuur
To be announced in class.
Toelating
In addition to the general rules set out for admission to the master program students are required to be familiar with Biblical literature and history or classical or Near Eastern archaeology or history. Minimum number of participants 3.
Time table
See time table Master Religious Studies
Opmerkingen
The language of instruction will be English unless all students have an adequate knowledge of Dutch.
Practical assignments will make sure that students get into contact with archaeological fieldwork (cooperation with Leiden colleagues in Archaeology).
Please contact instructor before signing up for this course:
- Prof. dr. J.K. Zangenberg: j.k.zangenberg@religion.leidenuniv.nl