RAB 401 Virtual Pathway (VP) Introduction to Rabbinic Literature
An introduction to the literature and thought-world of early rabbinic (tannaitic) Judaism in its cultural, religious, and historical contexts. Through the reading of selected primary texts in Hebrew and more extensive primary texts in English as well as significant secondary literature, we will explore some of the major issues of early rabbinic culture. We also will examine the range of exegetical and discursive practices in early rabbinic literature. Students will become familiar with the characteristic conceptual and rhetorical traits, as well as the themes and issues, of the Mishnah and Tosefta, with some attention devoted to the tannaitic midrashim. This is an on-line synchronous course.