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

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)

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.