2020-2021 Catalog 
    
    Apr 18, 2024  
2020-2021 Catalog [PREVIOUS CATALOG YEAR]

REL 273 - Judaism


Description: Dimensions and concerns of Jewish civilization historically and in contemporary times. Continuities and discontinuities, secular and religious expressions of Jewish culture, concepts, and ideals; sense of human place, purpose, communal and personal life; influence of Jewish thought on other religious and secular cultures; modern concepts and challenges.

Prerequisites: ENG 101  or ENG 103 . Reading Proficiency.

Credits: 3
Lecture: 3
Course Content:
  1. Introduction to Jewish culture
  2. Historical overview: major periods of Jewish civilization
  3. Ancient antecedents and influences: Near East and Hellenism
  4. Diaspora and rabbinic Judaism
  5. Medieval period and "Golden Age"--Jewish philosophy and mysticism; interaction with Islam and Christian Europe
  6. Early modern period and challenges of emancipation
  7. Post-Holocaust issues: religious existentialism, Zionism, and transformation of Jewish identity
  8. Judaism as living religion and culture
  9. Contemporary challenges: Jewish feminism; assimilation, secularism
  10. Interaction and mutual influences
  11. Varieties of Judaism
  12. Basic aspects of living the Jewish path

Learning Outcomes:
  1. Explain the development of the varieties of Jewish expression from Near East origins through contemporary times. (1-12)
  2. Analyze various periods of Jewish history/religion/culture as part of a broader social, historical, political and religious context. (2-9)
  3. Explain the nature of and central tenets of Judaism. (12)
  4. Differentiate concepts within their historical contexts. (2-7)
  5. Explain how other religious traditions and secular cultures have impacted and influenced Jewish civilization. (10)
  6. Demonstrate ability to have an interreligious and intercultural dialog. (1-12)
  7. Compare perspectives of other cultures, especially minority cultures. (8-11)
  8. Analyze materials from primary and secondary sources and place them in appropriate historical/cultural contexts. (1-12)
  9. Analyze disparate ideas by defining and using key terms appropriate to the discipline. (10-12)
  10. Assess the characteristics of diverse cultures and traditions. (2-12)

Required Assessment:
  1. Demonstrate thoughtful and precise writing skills by completing a minimum of 2500 words of monitored writing.