| Ira Chernus PROFESSOR OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT BOULDER |
EXAM # 1
RLST 3100: JUDAISM Summer, 2003
Prepare an essay responding to the following statement:
The history of biblical and rabbinic Judaism was shaped by 4 major turning points: the creation of the monarchy, the conquest of Judah and destruction of the first Temple by the Babylonians, the coming of Hellenistic culture, and the battle against the Romans (including the destruction of the second Temple). In each case, different groups of Jews responded in different ways to these formative events. There was never a single unanimous response. Still, there was some common element in all the responses to all these events — an element that made them all distinctively "Jewish."
Choose any three (3) of the four major turning points and explain how different groups of Jews responded in different ways to them. In conclusion, explain why you agree or disagree with the last sentence in the statement above: Was there anything that all the responses had in common, or not?
INSTRUCTIONS (READ CAREFULLY):
Answer the question by writing a detailed OUTLINE for an essay. You do NOT have to write the actual essay -- just the outline. Your outline should be about 5 pages double-spaced. Use proper outline form. If you don't know what it is, go to the library and look it up.
Each entry in your outline should be a substantial statement -- not just a word or two (though it does not have to be a full sentence). For each entry, indicate where you got that information (book page number or class date).
When you are done with the outline, write a short essay (1-2 pages) explaining your answer to the opinion part of the question.
As in any other academic course, you are being tested on your ability to understand, organize, synthesize, and think logically about the ideas presented in this course. Therefore, in answering the question, you should show that you have read the assigned readings, attended class, and grasped the main ideas presented in readings and class. Please remember that your grade is based on your demonstrated understanding of the course material.
This exam covers material studied through June 16. It is due in class on June 19.
After the graded exams are returned, you may revise your exam to improve your grade.