Larry Yarbrough
Pardon Tillinghast Professor of Religion
Email: yarbroug@middlebury.edu
Phone: work802.443.5294
Office Hours: Spring Term: Tuesdays 4:00-5:30, Wednesdays 4:15-5:30, and Fridays 1:30-2:30 and by appointment
Download Contact Information
Professor Yarbrough, Tillinghast Professor of Religion, teaches biblical studies (both Jewish and Christian scriptures), the origins of Christianity, and religion and literature. He is the author of Not Like the Gentiles: Marriage Rules in the Letters of Paul and co-editor of The Social World of the Earliest Christians. Professor Yarbrough has been at Middlebury College since 1983.
Courses
Courses offered in the past four years.
▲ indicates offered in the current term
▹ indicates offered in the upcoming term[s]
FYSE 1351 - Ancient Alexandria
Ancient Alexandria: Crucible of Religious Innovation
Alexandria was one of the most important cities of the ancient Mediterranean world. Melding elements of Pharaonic Egypt and Alexander the Great’s world, it became a major center for the arts and sciences. It also became a crucible for religious innovation, which will be the focus of this seminar. Reading both ancient and modern sources, we will examine the ways Alexandria’s earliest leaders linked Egyptian and Hellenistic religious traditions, the role of Alexandria’s Jews in the shaping of Diaspora Judaism, the contributions its churches made to the development of Christianity, and how the proponents of these traditions interacted with one another. 3 hrs. sem.
Fall 2011
IGST 0706 - MES Senior Thesis
INTL 0505 - EUS Independent Research
INTL 0706 - MES Senior Thesis
RELI 0130 - The Christian Tradition
The Christian Tradition WT
An introduction to the ecclesiastical and theological development of Christianity. The course will begin with the formation of doctrine in the first five centuries. Attention will then be given to the development of Roman Catholicism, the Reformation, and the rise of Protestantism. The latter part of the course will deal with the changes that have occurred in the post-Enlightenment period and end with some contemporary issues. 2 hrs. lect., 1 hr. disc.
Fall 2009
RELI 0180 / ENAM 0180 - Intro to Biblical Literature
An Introduction to Biblical Literature ST, WT
This course is a general introduction to biblical history, literature, and interpretation. It aims to acquaint students with the major characters, narratives, and poetry of the Jewish and Christian scriptures, with special emphasis on the ways scripture has been used and interpreted in Western culture. Students interested in more detailed analysis of the material should enroll in RELI 0280 and RELI 0281. 3 hrs. lect., 1 hr. disc.
Spring 2010, Spring 2012, Spring 2013
RELI 0262 / CLAS 0262 - The Formation of Judaism ▲
The Formation of Judaism in Antiquity ST, WT
In 586 BCE, Judah fell to Babylonia; in 638 CE, Byzantine Jerusalem surrendered to the Muslims. During the centuries between these two important dates, Israelite culture transformed into "Judaism." In this course we will examine early Jewish society from a variety of topical perspectives. We will consider Hellenistic novellas and canonical works; see Jewish culture through the eyes of Greeks and Romans; consider sectarian movements, such as Samaritans, Essenes, and early Christian communities; discover the origins and art of the early synagogue; and learn about Judaism as it was lived by Jews throughout the ancient world. (Previously RELI/CLAS 0162) 3hr. lect.
Spring 2010, Fall 2011, Fall 2013
RELI 0280 - Hebrew Bible /Old Testament
Studies in Hebrew Bible/Old Testament WT
Studies in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament is an introductory course that focuses on a major religious text in the Western tradition. We will closely read diverse selections from the Pentateuch, the Prophets, and the Writings in English translation; no familiarity with the Bible or background is presumed. Special attention will be paid to matters of genre and methods of modern biblical scholarship, as well as Jewish and Christian traditions of interpretation. 2 hrs. lect., 1 hr. disc.
Note: Students with sufficient knowledge of Hebrew who would like to study selections from relevant texts in the original should register for RELI 0280B. (HEBR 0102, HEBM 0103, or waiver)/
HIS PHLFall 2012
RELI 0281 - Studies in the New Testament ▲
Studies in the New Testament ST, WT
In this introductory course we will examine the early Christian writings that were eventually collected and canonized as “The New Testament.” In studying these works, we will also read representative books that were not included in the canon, with a view to seeing how the New Testament is situated in the diversity and complexity of the early Christian movement. Among the topics we will explore are the uses of Jewish scriptures in early Christian literature, the formation of early Christian groups (including the roles of women), early Christian beliefs and practices related to Jesus, and relations between Christian groups and the larger Greco-Roman world. 3 hrs. lect./disc.
Spring 2009, Fall 2013
RELI 0380 - Seminar in Biblical Studies
Seminar in Biblical Studies: The Making of the Bibles ST
In this seminar we will examine the processes by which the Jewish and Christian Bibles were compiled. We will look at ancient texts such as The Wisdom of Jesus ben Sirach, the Letter of Aristeas, and selections from the rabbis and early church fathers. In addition to theological and historical considerations, we will take into account technical advances that allowed for the production of codices (books), which supplemented the use of scrolls. We will also consider issues related to writing and literacy. Recent secondary literature will supplement the reading of ancient texts. 3 hrs. Sem.
Fall 2009
RELI 0381 - Seminar in the New Testament
Seminar in the New Testament: Paul and his Legacy WT
The apostle Paul was one of the most important shapers of early Christianity. His letters to the communities he founded in cities throughout the Roman world comprise much of the New Testament. Paul was also one of the most controversial figures of early Christianity, embroiled in conflict wherever he went and the topic of intense debate ever since. This seminar will begin with an examination of Paul's theology, the organization of his mission, his relationship to Jews and Gentiles, and the conflicts that arose in the churches he founded. We will go on to examine Paul's legacy by reading responses to Paul in the early, medieval, reformation, and modern eras of the Christian tradition. The seminar will seek to balance concern with theological interpretation and historical method in analysis of the texts. (RELI 0180 or RELI 0281)
Spring 2012
RELI 0385 - Seminar in Christian Origins
Seminar in Christian Origins: Defining Jesus WT
Participants in this seminar will explore the diversity of early Christianity by examining the multiple ways its constituent groups defined Jesus of Nazareth. In addition to the works of the New Testament (gospels, letters, and Revelation), we will read early Gnostic literature, the second century apologists, creeds (e. g. Nicene and Chalcedonian), episcopal letters, and theological treatises arguing the interpretation of the creeds. We will also examine hymns, liturgies, and works of art. Recent secondary literature will be used to supplement primary sources. 3 hr. sem.
Spring 2009
RELI 0387 - Religions of Rome: Good Life
Religions of Rome: The Good Life WT, ET
In this course we will examine “the good life” as Greek, Roman, Jewish, and Christian philosophers and moralists wrote about it. Commonly treated in terms of set themes (for example, justice, self-control, civic responsibilities, detachment, and pleasure), definitions of the good life had many common themes but still varied greatly with regard to both what the good life comprised and on what it was based. Primary readings will draw on such writers and works as Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Epictetus, Musonius Rufus, Plutarch, wisdom literature in the Hebrew Bible, Philo of Alexandria, Sirach, Tobit, 4 Maccabees, Paul of Tarsus, the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, the Didache and Clement of Alexandria. Secondary literature will put these works in context and provide models for comparing and contrasting the views they discuss. 3 hrs. sem.
Fall 2012
RELI 0500 - Independent Research ▲ ▹
Independent Research
(Approval Required)
Spring 2009, Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010, Fall 2011, Winter 2012, Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014
RELI 0601 - Senior Project in Religion
Senior Project
(Approval Required)
Spring 2009, Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010, Fall 2011, Spring 2012
RELI 0700 - Senior Project in Religion ▲ ▹
Senior Project
(Approval Required)
Spring 2009, Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010, Fall 2011, Winter 2012, Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014
RELI 0701 - Senior Thesis in Religion ▲ ▹
Senior Research for Honors Candidates
Approval required
Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014