Syllabus - The Caves of Qumran: A Material Approach to the Qumran Quest (43890)

Syllabus The Caves of Qumran: A Material Approach to the Qumran Quest - 43890
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Last update 23-10-2022
HU Credits: 2 Degree/Cycle: 2nd degree (Master) Responsible Department: Archaeology & Ancient near East Semester: 1st Semester Teaching Languages: English Campus: Mt. Scopus Course/Module Coordinator: Marcello Fidanzio Coordinator Email: marcello.fidanzio@teologialugano.ch Coordinator Office Hours: Tuesdays, 14:00 – 15:00 Teaching Staff: Prof Marcello Fidanzio Course/Module description: The course will focus on the Caves of the Qumran area as the immediate material context in which the Scrolls were found. Through a multidisciplinary approach (archaeology, archaeometry, geology, topography), it will provide a thorough reconstruction of the material contexts of the caves, focusing on the deposition of the scrolls. The relationship between the caves and the nearby settlement will be reassessed. A comparative analysis between the caves themselves, as well as with the other caves in the Qumran area, and with other finds from the region, will complete the exam of the material culture and will place the caves under examination in their wider cultural setting. Course/Module aims: The course aims at introducing to the study of material culture as a tool for research on Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls, providing students with the relevant methodological and critical skills. Learning outcomes - On successful completion of this module, students should be able to: 1. To evaluate the contribution of the study of material culture to the understanding of the Qumran site and the Dead Sea Scrolls. 2. Explain the connection between the caves and the settlement at Qumran. 3. To assess the differences between the various caves and their significance for understanding the site. Attendance requirements(%): 90 Teaching arrangement and method of instruction: Frontal teaching, mandatory reading in preparation for lessons, class discussions, final paper, Tours. Course/Module Content: 1. Introduction: A material approach to the Qumran quest 2. History of the discoveries and excavations of the caves of the Qumran area 3. History and current state of research in the field 4. The natural caves and related repertoire 5. The artificial caves and related repertoire 6. Analysis of the repertoires and reconstruction of the assemblages 7. The archaeology of Khirbet Qumran and the relation between the settlement and the caves 8. Comparative analysis of the Qumran caves also within their regional context 9. When, how, and why were the scrolls deposited in the caves? Required Reading: 1. G. J. Brooke, The Dead Sea Scrolls as Archaeological Artefacts (Schweich Lectures on Biblical Archaeology 2019). 2. J.E. Taylor, “The Qumran Caves in their Regional Context: A Chronological Review with a Focus on Bar Kokhba Assemblages,” in M. Fidanzio (ed.), The Caves of Qumran: Proceedings of the International Conference, Lugano 2014; Leiden 2016, 9-24. 3. D. Mizzi, “Archaeology of Qumran,” In G.J. Brooke and C. Hempel (ed.), T&T Clark Companion to the Dead Sea Scrolls, London 2019, 17-36. 4. J.E. Taylor, D. Mizzi, and M. Fidanzio, 2017. “Revisiting Qumran Cave 1Q and its Archaeological Assemblage,” Palestine Exploration Quarterly 149/4 (2017): 295-325. 5. M. Fidanzio, “The Deposition of the Copper Scroll: New Archaeological Investigations,” Early Christianity 13 (2022): 1-18. 6. M. Fidanzio, “Roland de Vaux’s Excavations at Qumran Caves (1949–1956), Final Report: Cave 11Q as a Starting Point,” in E.G. Chazon (ed.), The Dead Sea Scrolls at Seventy: “Clear a Path in the Wilderness” Leiden forthcoming. 7. R. de Vaux, “Archéologie,” in M. Baillet, J.T. Milik and R. de Vaux, Les ‘petites grottes’ de Qumrân: Exploration de la falaise: Les grottes 2Q, 3Q, 5Q, 6Q, 7Q à 10Q: Le rouleau de cuivre, Oxford: Clarendon, 1962, 26-31. 8. R. de Vaux, “Archéologie,” in R. de Vaux and J.T. Milik, Qumrân Grotte 4.II: I. Archéologie; II. Tefillin, Mezuzot et Targums (4Q128–4Q157), Oxford: 1977, 3-22 9. M. Broshi and H. Eshel, 1999. “Residential Caves at Qumran,” Dead Sea Discoveries 6 (1999) 328-348. 10. J. Magness, The archaeology of Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls, Grand Rapids, MI 2021, 84-96. 11. D. Mizzi, “Miscellaneous Artefacts from the Qumran Caves: An Exploration of Their Significance,” in M. Fidanzio (ed.), The Caves of Qumran: Proceedings of the International Conference, Lugano 2014, Leiden 2016, 137-160. 12. O. Shamir and N. Sukenik, “Qumran Textiles and the Garments of Qumran’s Inhabitants,” Dead Sea Discoveries 18 (2011): 206-225. 13. J. Magness, The archaeology of Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls, Grand Rapids, MI, 2021, 33-83. 14. M. Fidanzio, “Biblical Scrolls in Their Depositional Contexts: Psalms as a Case Study,” in P. Dubovsky - F. Giuntoli (eds.), Stones, Tablets, and Scrolls. Periods of the Formation of the Bible, Tübingen 2020, 443-449. 15. R. de Vaux, “Archéologie,” in M. Baillet, J.T. Milik and R. de Vaux, Les ‘petites grottes’ de Qumrân: Exploration de la falaise: Les grottes 2Q, 3Q, 5Q, 6Q, 7Q à 10Q: Le rouleau de cuivre, Oxford 1962, 32-36. Additional Reading Material: Will be delivered to students in the first class Course/Module evaluation: End of year written/oral examination 0 % Presentation 0 % Participation in Tutorials 25 % Project work 75 % Assignments 0 % Reports 0 % Research project 0 % Quizzes 0 % Other 0 % Additional information:

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