Visions of world catastrophe and divine judgment are not unique to either early Judaism or apostolic Christianity, but both religious traditions have been profoundly affected by ideas such as the end of history and the resurrection of the dead. In this class, particular attention will be paid to those scriptural works that embrace some form of eschatology (i.e., any doctrine of end-times, culminating in divine intervention in human history) and seek to influence the present by predicting the future. The books of Daniel and Revelation will be read in their entirety. Note: Participants should obtain any bible that contains both the Old and New Testaments, plus (ideally) the Apocrypha (for example, The Oxford Study Bible). Assigned readings: Isaiah 13:9-22; 24-26; 65. Daniel (entire book). 4 Ezra 7-13. Gospel of Matthew 24:1-51. Revelation (entire book). Recommended readings: Jonathan Kirsch, A History of the End of the World (HarperCollins, 2006). Elaine Pagels, Revelations: Vision, Prophecy and Politics in the Book of Revelation (Penguin Books, 2012). Class will be held in the sanctuary at Congregation Bet Haverim, 1715 Anderson Rd., Davis.