2022-2023 Yavapai College Catalog 
    
    Dec 06, 2024  
2022-2023 Yavapai College 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 101A or ENG 103. Reading Proficiency.

General Education Competency: Written Communication; Diversity

Credits: 3
Lecture: 3
Lab: 0

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 at least 2,500 words of monitored writing, which includes a 1,500 word essay that undergoes iterations of the writing process (i.e., outline, rough draft, and etc.), using academically appropriate sources.