This course will examine the interconnections between the various layers of rabbinic literature in terms of theme, sources, hermeneutics, orality, and textual variation. Development of terminology and exegetical methods from the earlier to the later genres of literature will be investigated. Solid knowledge of Hebrew and some background in Aramaic are prerequisites for this course. All textual readings in the seminar course will be in original languages. Students will be introduced to the use of the most important database in rabbinic literature, about Bar Ilan Responsa Project and learn its usefulness in comparing texts.