Wilfrid Laurier University
Department of Religion and Culture
RE 344: Apocalypticism
Winter, 2011
1. Instructor: Alex Damm
(519) 884-0710, ext. 4341
adamm@wlu.ca
Office hours: Tuesdays, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm (or by appointment), in
DAWB 2-127
2. Class time and location:
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 am – 11:20 am, in DAWB 2-108. Remember that
for a walk or ride home after class, call the Foot Patrol, at 886-FOOT. If you need extra
help to get home after class, speak with the Instructor. Do not leave the classroom on
your own if you feel unsafe.
3. Textbooks:
i. Required. These books are available in the WLU bookstore:
James H. Charlesworth, ed., The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha [OTP], vol. 1
Apocalyptic Literature & Testaments, ABRL (New York: Doubleday, 1983)
John J. Collins, The Apocalyptic Imagination: An Introduction to Jewish
Apocalyptic Literature, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids MI: Eerdmans, 1998 [1984])
Holy Bible. New Revised Standard Version with the Apocrypha (New York and
Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1989)
ii. Recommended. This book is available in the bookstore; I have also placed a
copy on library reserve:
Frederic J. Baumgartner, Longing for the End: A History of Millennialism in
Western Civilization (New York: St Martin’s Press, 1999)
4. Course webpage:
I administer this course with the help of the university’s My Learning Space
website (see https://mylearningspace.wlu.ca/). On our course webpage you will find full
assignment instructions and suggestions, grades and reminders from me. If you have not
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logged in to the website yet, please do so as soon as possible, and please do check our
webpage for assignment instructions and for weekly messages and updates. If you have
any questions about the webpage, please feel free to speak with me.
5. Course introduction and goals:
Apocalypticism is a religious ideology that centres on the conflict of good and evil
in the context of an approaching end of the present world. Over the centuries—indeed,
over more than two millennia—apocalyptic ideas have proven at times fearsome,
appealing, frustrating and inspiring in Western religious traditions. In RE 344, our goal is
to examine and understand apocalypticism within early Judaism, early Christianity and
subsequent Western traditions. In particular, I would like us to appreciate its defining
themes, its persistence in and importance to Western culture, and the complex issue of its
causes, from the theological and psychological to the social-cultural and literary.
On another level, I hope that we come away from this course with a heightened
empathy and willingness to think critically about traditions that have impacted the lives
of others. And I hope too that we can refine our skills in reading, analysis and
communication. To help achieve these goals I offer the following requirements and
evaluation.
6. Course requirements and evaluation:
I expect that you will attend class each week, having completed in advance the
readings for that week. I also expect you complete the assignments and examinations, and
submit work at the beginning of class on the dates given; I have marked these dates with
an asterisk (*) in our outline. Provision of a medical note is a basis for accommodation
with any requirement.
i. Attendance: We are here to learn from one another; attendance is essential. If
you provide a medical note for a missed class, you will receive an attendance
mark. 15% of final grade
ii. Shorter exegesis. An exegesis summarizes the main themes of a text, discusses
its strategies for effective communication, and reflects on reasons why this
particular text says what it says. About exegeses you will receive more guidelines
on our website and in class. The shorter exegesis is to address the book of Daniel
7:1-14. Maximum length: 750 words. Due date: January 20 (week 3). 15% of final
grade
iii. Longer exegesis: This exegesis follows the same guidelines, but affords more
room for discussion and detail. This exegesis is to address the gospel of Mark
13:1-37. Maximum length: 1000 words. Due date: February 15 (week 7). 20% of
final grade
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iv. Research report: Apocalypticism in Western culture. In this report, examine in
detail a cultural artifact of your choice (ancient or modern; visual or auditory;
small or large) that stands to some degree within a larger tradition of apocalyptic
ideas. You might choose a work of art, or novel, or a film or piece of music; the
choice is yours. Whatever your choice, you have two main goals. The first is to
detail ways in which the artifact exhibits apocalyptic themes. The second goal is
to explore the artifact’s context and causes: How did this work come about? What
was its inspiration? You will receive more information about the report, including
a consultation and a basic bibliography, on our website and in class. Maximum
length: 3500 words. Due date: March 24 (week 12). 30% of final grade
v. Final examination: This examination will occur during the university’s April
examination period. You will receive information about the examination well in
advance. 20% of final grade
Further notes on evaluation….There is a 5% deduction per day for late
submission of work, though I waive such deduction upon provision of a medical
note. I ask too that you submit work only in paper form, not via electronic mail,
unless requested to do so.
Please note: Students must reserve the examination period of April 7 – April 28.
If you are considering registering for a special examination or event, you should
select a time outside the examination period. Consult with the Undergraduate
Calendar for special circumstances for examination deferment. The up-to-date
and official version of the Calendar can be found at www.wlu.ca/calendars. There
is a 5% deduction per day for late submission of work, although I waive such
deduction upon provision of a medical note. I ask too that you submit work only
in paper form, not via electronic mail, unless requested to do so.
A Note on Academic and Research Misconduct: You are expected to be aware of
and abide by University regulations and policies, as outlined in the current on-line
calendar
(see
http://www.wlu.ca/calendars:
University Undergraduate
Regulations). Note that the University has an established policy with respect to
cheating on assignments and examinations, and that you must know this policy. If
caught cheating, a student may be suspended or expelled from the University; an
offence may also appear on one’s transcript, in which event the offence can have
serious consequences for one’s business or professional career. Note also that you
must adhere to the Principles in the Use of Information Technology. These
Principles and resulting actions for breaches are stated in the current
Undergraduate calendar. Wilfrid Laurier University uses software that can check
for plagiarism. Students may be required to submit their written work in
electronic form and have it checked for plagiarism.
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7. Calendar dates, services and regulations:
January 10: Final day to drop this course with no tuition charge
January 17: Final day to drop this course at 10 percent tuition charge
March 7: Final day to drop course without failure and for tuition adjustment
Learning Services denotes a set of centres that provides excellent tips and guidance in
study strategy, writing and exam preparation. The Writing Centre is located in Library 2213 (884-0710, ext. 2220), and the Study Skills Centre is located in MacDonald House
(884-0710, ext. 3640). A complete list of services is available at
http://www.wlu.ca/homepage.php?grp_id=1397.
The Accessible Learning Office provides information for, and assists students with,
disabilities at this university. Staff are committed to assure students equal access and
support services for programs, facilities and services in the university community. These
disabilities include, but are not limited to: sight, hearing, learning, chronic pain, head
injuries and mobility. Do not hesitate to consult with the office, preferably early in the
term. The office is located in 1C11 (884-0710, ext. 3086; Accessible_Learning@wlu.ca).
You may also review services at http://www.mylaurier.ca/accessible/info/home/htm.
8. Outline of lectures :
Each week’s lecture will address an overarching theme through a particular
text(s). From time to time we shall supplement lectures with slides and video clips, as
well as guest speaking and group discussion. Throughout, I will benefit from hearing
your insights and coming to know better your interests, for I find motivation and take
pleasure in hearing your input and in seeing your development.
Introduction:
January 4: a. Introduction to the course; b. Introduction to apocalyptic traditions:
What is apocalypticism, and why does it matter?
January 6: a. Characteristic or defining features of apocalyptic traditions: Motifs
and genre; b. Causes and contexts of apocalyptic literature
Excursus: Reading and writing in our course
Readings: Collins, Apocalyptic Imagination, 1-23, 37-42
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Ancient Judaism:
January 11: Historical and theological roots of apocalypticism (1): Near Eastern
and Persian traditions
Readings: Collins, Apocalyptic Imagination, 23-33; Near Eastern traditions of the
gods Baal and Yamm (handout distributed in previous class)
January 13: Historical and theological roots of apocalypticism (2): The Jewish
prophets and Hellenistic traditions
Readings: Collins, Apocalyptic Imagination, 33-37
January 18: Early apocalyptic literature and crises facing Israel (ca. 330-100
BCE). A study of 1 Enoch
Readings: 1 Enoch (in Charlesworth, ed., OTP, 5-89); Collins, Apocalyptic
Imagination, 43-79, 177-193
January 20: Early apocalyptic literature (continued): The book of Daniel
Readings: The book of Daniel (in the Hebrew Bible); Collins, Apocalyptic
Imagination, 85-115
*Shorter exegesis due
January 25: The apocalyptic tradition of Qumran in the first century BCE:
Introduction
Readings: Collins, Apocalyptic Imagination, 145-176
January 27: The apocalyptic tradition of Qumran (continued): Exploring the
Community Rule and the War Scroll
Readings: The War Scroll (1QM) (handout distributed in previous class)
February 1: Apocalyptic traditions in the Greco-Roman world
Readings: Collins, Apocalyptic Imagination, 116-118; Virgil’s Fourth Eclogue
(handout distributed in previous class)
February 3: Jewish apocalyptic traditions in the Greco-Roman world: The
Sibylline Oracles
Readings: Sibylline Oracles Book 3 (in Charlesworth, ed., OTP, 317-329);
Collins, Apocalyptic Imagination, 118-127, 233-241
February 8: Jewish apocalypticism and the crisis of the Second Temple (ca. 60
BCE – 135 CE)
Readings: 2 Baruch (in Charlesworth, ed., OTP, 615-652); Collins, Apocalyptic
Imagination, 194-195, 212-225
February 10: Jewish apocalyptic traditions after the biblical period and in modern
times
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Ancient Christianity:
February 15: Christian origins (ca. 30-100 CE), part 1: In what ways were Jesus
and the first Christians “apocalyptic?”
Readings: Readings: Mark 13:1-37, Matthew 24:1-44, Luke 21:5-33; Collins,
Apocalyptic Imagination, 256-264
*Longer exegesis due
February 17: Christian origins, part 2: Changes in Christian apocalyptic during
the first century CE: The apostle Paul and the canonical gospels
1 Thessalonians; The gospel of Mark; Collins, Apocalyptic Imagination, 264-268;
Baumgartner, Longing for the End, 1-30
February 22 and 24: Reading week: six weeks until the end (the end comes after
the examination).
March 1: Early Christianity (ca. 100-350 CE), part 1: Variety in Christian
Apocalypticism: Catholic understandings
Readings: The book of Revelation; Collins, Apocalyptic Imagination, 269-279
March 3: Early Christianity, part 1 (continued): Gnostic understandings
Readings: The Apocalypse of Adam (in Charlesworth, ed., OTP, 707-719)
March 8: Early Christianity, part 2: What do apocalyptic Christians do with
apocalyptic Jews? Early Christian use of Jewish tradition;
Readings: 4 Ezra (in Charlesworth, ed., OTP, 517-559); Collins, Apocalyptic
Imagination, 195-212; Baumgartner, Longing for the End, 30-43
March 10: Apocalypticism at the dawn of the Middle Ages (ca. 350 CE)
Readings: Baumgartner, Longing for the End, 44-45
Apocalypticism in Western religious traditions:
March 15: Islamic apocalypticism
Readings: Qur’an Suras [sections] 79-83 (handout distributed on March 8);
Baumgartner, Longing for the End, 47-51
March 17: Christian apocalyptic traditions in the Middle Ages and the Early
Modern World (ca. 1000-1800 CE)
Readings: Baumgartner, Longing for the End, 52-99, 119-149
March 22: Apocalypticism in modern Christian tradition (1): The United States
Readings: Baumgartner, Longing for the End, 151-252
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March 24: Apocalypticism in modern Christian tradition (2): Latin America,
Africa and Asia
*Research report due
March 29: Apocalypticism without religion? How do we think in apocalyptic
terms, and why?
Readings: Baumgartner, Longing for the End, 253-264
March 31: Course summary
9. Appendix: Abbreviations for biblical texts
When we make reference to verses in a biblical text—for instance, to the eighth
verse of Luke’s fifteenth chapter—we conventionally express our reference as Luke 15:8.
For reference to multiple verses: Luke 15:5, 8, 10; for text spanning multiple chapters:
Luke 15:8-17:2; for texts in individual chapters and verses: Luke 15:8; 17:2; for parallel
texts: Mark 13:1-27; Luke 21:5-33. You may refer to a verse within a sentence (for
example: “In Luke 15:8, the evangelist emphasizes . . . .”), or using parentheses (Luke
15:8).
The following are standard abbreviations for biblical texts:
Hebrew Bible/Old Testament:
Gen (Genesis), Exod (Exodus), Lev (Leviticus), Num (Numbers), Deut (Deuteronomy), Josh
(Joshua), Judg (Judges), Ruth (Ruth), 1-2 Sam (1-2 Samuel), 1-2 Kgs (1-2 Kings), 1-2 Chr (1-2
Chronicles), Ezra (Ezra), Neh (Nehemiah), Esth (Esther), Job (Job), Ps/Pss (Psalms), Prov (Proverbs), Eccl
(Ecclesiastes), Song (Song of Songs), Isa (Isaiah), Jer (Jeremiah), Lam (Lamentations), Ezek (Ezekiel),
Dan (Daniel), Hos (Hosea), Joel (Joel), Amos (Amos), Obad (Obadiah), Jonah (Jonah), Mic (Micah), Nah
(Nahum) Hab (Habakkuk), Zeph (Zephaniah), Hag (Haggai), Zech (Zechariah), Mal (Malachi)
New Testament:
Matt (Matthew), Mark (Mark), Luke (Luke), John (John), Acts (Acts), Rom (Romans), 1-2 Cor (12 Corinthians), Gal (Galatians), Eph (Ephesians), Phil (Philippians), Col (Colossians), 1-2 Thess (1-2
Thessalonians), 1-2 Tim (1-2 Timothy), Titus (Titus), Phlm (Philemon), Heb (Hebrews), Jas (James), 1-2
Pet (1-2 Peter), 1-2-3- John (1-2-3 John), Jude (Jude), Rev (Revelation). Note also, for the Qumran library:
1Qap Genar (Genesis Apocryphon), 1QH (Hodayota or Thanksgiving Hymnsa), 1QpHab (Pesher
Habakkuk), 1QM (War Scroll) 1QS (Community Rule), 1QIsaa (Isaiaha), 1Qisab Isaiahb), CD (Damascus
Document)
Old Testament Pseudepigrapha:
Ahiqar (Ahiqar), Ant. bib. (Liber Antiquitatem Biblicarum), Apoc. Ab. (Apocalypse of Abraham),
Apoc. Dan. (Apocalypse of Daniel), Apoc. El. (H) (Hebrew Apocalypse of Elijah), Apoc. El. (C) (Coptic
Apocalypse of Elijah), Apoc. Ezek.(Apocalypse of Ezekiel), Apoc. Mos. (Apocalypse of Moses), Apoc. Sedr.
(Apocalypse of Sedrach), Apoc. Zeph. (Apocalypse of Zephaniah), Apocr. Ezek. (Apocryphon of Ezekiel),
Aris. Ex. (Aristeas the Exegete), Aristo. (Aristobulus), Artap. (Artapanus), Ascen. Isa. (Martyrdom and
Ascension of Isaiah 6-11), As. Mos. (Assumption of Moses), 2 Bar. (2 Baruch), 3 Bar. (3 Baruch), 4 Bar. (4
Baruch), Bk. Noah (Book of Noah), Cav. Tr. (Cave of Treasures), Cl. Mal. (Cleodemus Malchus), Dem.
(Demetius the Chronographer), El. Mod. (Eldad and Modad), 1 En. (1 Enoch), 2 En. (2 Enoch), 3 En. (3
Enoch), Eup. (Eupolemus), Ezek. Trag. (Ezekiel the Tragedian), 4 Ezra (4 Ezra), 5 Apoc. Syr. Pss. (Five
Apocryphal Syriac Psalms), Gk. Apoc. Ezra (Greek Apocalypse of Ezra), Hec. Ab. (Hecataeus of Abdera),
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Hel. Syn. Pr. (Hellenistic Synagogal Prayers), His. Jos. (History of Joseph), Hist. Rech. (History of the
Rechabites), Jan. Jam. (Jannes and Jambres), Jos. Asen. (Joseph and Aseneth), Jub. (Jubilees), L.A.E. (Life
of Adam and Eve), Lad. Jac. (Ladder of Jacob), Let. Aris. (Letter of Aristeas), Liv. Pro. (Lives of the
Prophets), Lost Tr. (The Lost Tribes), 3 Macc. (3 Maccabees), 4 Macc. (4 Maccabees), 5 Macc. (5
Maccabees), Mart. Ascen. Isa. (Martyrdom and Ascension of Isaiah), Mart. Isa. (Martyrdom and Ascension
of Isaiah 1-5), Odes. Sol. (Odes of Solomon), Philo E. Poet (Philo the Epic Poet), Pr. Jac. (Prayer of
Jacob), Pr. Jos. (Prayer of Joseph), Pr. Man. (Prayer of Manasseh), Pr. Mos. (Prayer of Moses), Ps.-Eup.
(Pseudo-Eupolemus), Ps.-Hect. (Pseudo-Hecataeus), Ps.-Orph (Pseudo-Orpheus), Ps.-Phoc. (PseudoPhocylides), Pss. Sol. (Psalms of Solomon), Ques. Ezra (Questions of Ezra), Rev. Ezra (Revelation of
Ezra), Sib. Or. (Syballine Oracles), Syr. Men. (Sentences of the Syriac Menander), T. 12 Patr. (Testaments
of the Twelve Patriarchs), T. Ash. (Testament of Asher), T. Benj. (Testament of Benjamin), T. Dan
(Testament of Dan), T. Gad (Testament of Gad), T. Iss. (Testament of Issachar), T. Jos. (Testament of
Joseph), T. Jud. (Testament of Judah), T. Levi (Testament of Levi), T. Naph. (Testament of Naphtali), T.
Reu (Testament of Reuben), T. Sim. (Testament of Simeon), T. Zeb. (Testament of Zebulun), T. 3 Patr.
(Testaments of the Three Patriarchs), T. Ab. (Testament of Abraham), T. Isaac (Testament of Isaac), T. Jac.
(Testament of Jacob), T. Adam (Testament of Adam), T. Hez. (Testament of Hezekiah), T. Job (Testament of
Job), T. Mos. (Testament of Moses), T. Sol. (Testament of Solomon), Theod. (Theodotus, On the Jews),
Treat. Shem (Treatise of Shem), Vis. Ezra (Vision of Ezra)
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