This course provides an advanced investigation of selected issues in ancient Jewish texts stemming from the Second Temple Period (5th century BCE to 1st century CE) and includes comparative study of biblical writings, apocrypha and pseudepigrapha, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and writings of ancient Jewish historians and philosophers. The specific topic of the course varies from one semester to another, and can deal with, e.g., language, scriptural interpretation, poetry and liturgy, theology, legal developments, and social and political history. The course has a strong research and writing component. Knowledge of Hebrew required. Greek or Aramaic may be recommended.