MASTER SYLLABUS

COURSE TITLE AND NUMBER:     “Jewish Religious Traditions” (Rel 2SG)

DEPARTMENT: Religion

CREDIT HOURS:   3

PREREQUISITES:   Any Tier 1 Religion course   (Rel 106,107,109, 210 or Phil 217)

I. Statement of Purpose:  

     This course deals with a question that is central to all Jewish religious traditions:   how do written and oral traditions combine to create the fabric of contemporary Jewish life?   We will pursue this question by focusing upon one aspect of Rabbinic Biblical interpretation (midrash) and two selected ritual observances.   In order to examine this question in proper depth, we will also discuss the diversity of approaches within the major movements of contemporary Judaism (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform). Within the context of this course, students will also have opportunity to pursue related topics of their own choosing .    Meets Tier 2 Humanities requirement.

II. Course Objectives:

              1.   To identify and demonstrate understanding of traditional Jewish approaches to Scripture. Through readings, class discussion and written assignments, students be able to identify selected methods of Rabbinic interpretation, especially the interpretive approach known as “midrash.”

              2.   To identify and demonstrate understanding of distinctive Jewish religious practices and ritual observances.   In particular, we will study in some depth both the dietary laws of “kashrut” and at least one seasonal holy day (Yom Kippur in the fall or Passover in the spring). Through readings, discussions and at least one visit to a synagogue, students should gain knowledge of Jewish ritual observation as a means for structuring and enhancing the value of human life.

              3. To become aware of how the selected areas studied are affected by the historical development and differences among the major Jewish traditions practiced in the United States today. Students will be encouraged to extrapolate from these observations to a more general understanding of religious diversity today.

              4. To pursue a topic or theme which is of particular interest and research it in depth. Students will be encouraged to study issues that have larger significance for contemporary society such as Jewish approaches to charity and social justice, gender issues or inter-religious dialogue.

III. Content of the Course:

              Part I                    Introduction to Jewish Religious Traditions                        

              Part II                   Rabbinic Biblical Interpretation, with particular focus on midrash

                                                        •Development of Formative (Rabbinic) Judaism

                                                        •Concept of written and oral Torah

                                                        •Selected midrashic readings of Biblical passages

              Part III                 Daily Ritual Observance:   Kashrut (Dietary regulations)

                                                        •Historical and theological foundations

                                                        •Observance in contemporary Judaism

              Part IV                             Annual Ritual Observance:   “Yom Kippur” or “Passover”

                                                        •Historical and theological foundations

                                                        •Observance in contemporary Judaism

              Part V                   Summary and Conclusions            

IV. Instructional Approach:

              Interactive lectures, class discussion, visit to synagogue.

V. Evaluation Criteria:

              1. Attendance and class participation. Students are expected to participate in class discussions and to generate thoughtful comments and questions about the material.   Exemplary or deficient class participation and attendance may add or subtract up to five points of the final grade.

              2.   One quiz dealing with historical framework and basic terms (10%)

              3. Three reflection papers (3-4 pp. each), intended to help students integrate and synthesize the material covered in this course with particular reference to their own religious beliefs and practices (20% each; 60% altogether).  

              4. Research paper (7-10 pp.) dealing with one aspect or important theme in the Jewish religious tradition (30%).

VI. Resource Material:

              A Short History of Judaism:   Three Meals, Three Epochs   by J. Neusner

              On Being Jewish   by A. Goldman

              Reading the Book:   Making the Bible a Timeless Text by B. Visotzky

              Selected articles as assigned by instructors