Jewish Studies in the Graeco-Roman Period

Programme Description:

The MSc in Jewish Studies in the Greco-Roman Period at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of Jewish history, culture, religion, and society during the period from the Hellenistic era through the Roman Empire. This unique programme aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of the complex interactions between Jewish communities and Graeco-Roman civilization, emphasizing critical analysis of primary texts and archaeological sources, as well as engagement with contemporary scholarly debates. Students will examine a wide range of topics, including Second Temple Judaism, the development of Jewish religious traditions, the impact of Hellenistic culture, and the integration of Jewish communities within the broader Roman world. The curriculum combines rigorous academic coursework with seminars, workshops, and research projects designed to develop analytical skills, historical methodology, and a deep appreciation for the diversity and dynamism of Jewish life during these formative centuries. The programme also offers opportunities for interdisciplinary study, incorporating insights from archaeology, philology, religious studies, and historical sciences. Graduates will be well-equipped for careers in academia, museum and archival work, heritage management, or roles in cultural and educational institutions. The programme is delivered by renowned scholars specializing in Jewish history and Near Eastern studies, ensuring students receive excellent academic supervision and mentorship. With its focus on critical examination of sources and nuanced understanding of historical contexts, the MSc in Jewish Studies in the Greco-Roman Period provides an intellectually stimulating environment for students passionate about understanding the historical foundations of Jewish civilization and its enduring influence.

The course consists of instruction in the history and institutions of the Jews and in three specialised areas of Jewish studies which involve close study of particular types of primary texts. The course is examined at the end of the sixth term by four three-hour papers and by a thesis of not more than 30,000 words.

The course is taught by a mixture of tutorials and classes. Tutorials consist normally of one-to-one discussions with your  tutor  and written work produced by yourself. The general paper on Jewish history and institutions is taught entirely by a series of weekly tutorials (usually eight) in this manner. The classes provide instruction in the translation and interpretation of most but not necessarily all of the set texts which you are required to study for your specialised papers. General questions about these texts are discussed in tutorials.

You can expect to be engaged on academic work for at least thirty-five hours a week during the full term and you will be required to carry out a considerable amount of work during the vacations. At the end of the first year of the course, you will be required, unless specifically exempted by the Faculty Board, to sit a qualifying examination to confirm your suitability to continue to the second year. The course is examined by a series of three-hour written examinations and by a dissertation

Most work for the written examinations is normally completed in the first year of the course, so that most of the second year can be devoted to the dissertation, but some text work may be carried over into the second year if this is convenient. You will be required to choose, in consultation with your supervisor, the special subjects that you wish to study during your first term so that set texts can be approved by the Faculty Board towards the end of that term.

After approval by the Faculty Board, set texts will be published in the Course Handbook, which can be accessed via the faculty's course webpage. There is less urgency in choosing a thesis topic, but you should have a general idea of the field you wish to work in by the middle of your second term so that thesis supervision can be arranged by your general supervisor. You should have a clear idea of your thesis topic by the end of the Trinity term in your first year so that you can work on your thesis over the summer vacation.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in any subject.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

Applicants must have a working knowledge of Hebrew. Some options in the course can only be chosen by students with prior knowledge of Greek.

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement: Up to three pages
• Written work:Two essays of 2,000 words each
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• Ertegun Scholarship Programme

The University of Oxford offers a comprehensive program in Jewish Studies in the Graeco-Roman Period, designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of Jewish history, culture, religion, and society during this significant era. The program covers the Second Temple period, the Hellenistic influence on Jewish life, the development of Jewish religious texts, and the interactions between Jewish communities and the broader Greco-Roman world. Students will explore key topics such as the evolution of Jewish sects, the impact of Hellenization, the interpretation of biblical texts, and the emergence of Jewish thought and identity. The curriculum integrates various disciplines including history, theology, archaeology, and philology, employing primary sources like texts from the Dead Sea Scrolls, Septuagint translations, and other contemporaneous documents. The program benefits from Oxford's renowned resources, such as access to special collections, expert faculty, and collaborations with international scholars. Students may have opportunities for fieldwork, attending lectures, participating in seminars, and engaging in original research projects. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, religious studies, cultural heritage, and related fields. It also offers pathways toward further postgraduate study, including Master's and doctoral research, with a focus on historical methodologies, textual analysis, and contextual studies of Judaism within the Graeco-Roman milieu. The course structure typically includes core modules, electives, and a dissertation component, enabling students to tailor their studies to specific interests within the broader field of Jewish Studies in the Graeco-Roman Period. Overall, this program aims to illuminate the rich historical and cultural complexities of Jewish life during a transformative era, fostering critical analysis and scholarly inquiry.