Examination of Jewish literature written during the Hellenistic and early Roman periods (c. 300 B.C.E. - 100 C.E.). The main focus will be on reading primary literature mostly translated from Greek but also from Hebrew (from the Dead Sea Scrolls). The course also will provide a survey of the sociological and historical contexts of Jewish life in this period (especially in Egypt and Judea/ Galilee), and it will address how Jewish identity was formulated in antiquity. This course is essential for anyone interested in the history of Judaism and/or Christianity. REL 111 or REL 121 is strongly recommended prior to taking this course.