Talmud
JML 221-222 Introduction to
the Talmud (annual)
The textual study of the Babylonian
Talmud and its classical commentaries. For students with a limited background
in Talmud.
Prerequisite: JML 132 or permission
of the Department. 1.5 credits each.
JML 421-422 Machon Talmud
(annual)
In-depth analysis of a tractate
of Talmud, designed to prepare students for independent study of Talmudic
sources and commentaries.
Prerequisite: JML 221-223 or Departmental
approval.
1.5 credits each.
Codes
JML 131-132 Introduction to Ritual
Law (bi-annual E)
Rituals of the Jewish daily life
cycle. For students with little or no background. 1.5 credits each.
JML 201-202 Jewish Law and Customs
-Sabbath and Festival (annual)
Selections from laws of the Sabbath
(201) and the festivals (202). For students with a limited background in
Hebrew.
Prerequisite: JML 132.
1.5 credits each.
JML 301 Topics in Jewish Law
- Kashrut (bi-annual O)
An examination of the Jewish dietary
code, with emphasis on its application to contemporary food processing
and preparation. 1.5 credits.
JML 401 Topics in Jewish Law
- The Family (annual)
Introductory survey of Talmudic
and responsa sources dealing with the legal structure and rituals of Jewish
family life. 1.5 credits.
JML 402 Topics in Jewish Law
- Contemporary Problems
(bi-annual E)
Contemporary problems in Jewish
law with emphasis on those created by scientific and technological development.
Prerequisite: JML 401. 1.5 credits.
Rabbinic Literature
JML 121 Development of Jewish
Law (annual)
Survey tracing the development
and major categories of Jewish Law.
1.5 credits.
ADVANCEDBIBLE
Courses in Bible on the Advanced
Level involve intensive study of the works referred to in the course title,
including comparison and evaluation of classical and traditional modern
commentators, and study of the historical and philosophical background.
This description applies to all Bible courses on the Advanced level with
the exception of JSB 357-358.
Pentateuch
JSB 151-152 Textual Analysis
of the Pentateuch, I-Genesis (annual).
1.5 credits each.
JSB 251-252 Textual Analysis
of the Pentateuch, II-Deuteronomy
(bi-annual O).
1.5 credits each.
JSB 351-352 Textual Analysis
of the Pentateuch, III-Exodus (bi-annual E).
1.5 credits each.
JSB 451-452 Textual Analysis
of the Pentateuch-Leviticus (bi-annual O)
Prerequisite: JSB 351-352.
1.5 credits each.
JSB 453-454 Textual Analysis
of the Pentateuch-Numbers (bi-annual E)
Prerequisite: JSB 351-352.
1.5 credits each.
Prophets
JSB 161-162 The Early Prophets
(annual)
Students will read the Biblical
texts in their entirety together with standard classical commentaries.
Class sessions will be devoted to an examination of thematic issues, historical
questions and problems of textual exegesis.
1.5 credits each.
JSB 262-263 The Latter Prophets
(bi-annual O)
Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel.
1.5 credits each.
JSB 272-273 The Minor Prophets
(bi-annual E)
Trei Asar.
Prerequisite: JSB 161.
1.5 credits each.
Hagiographa
JSB 171-172 Megillot, Psalms
(annual). 1.5 credits each.
JSB 271 The Book of Proverbs
(bi-annual E)
Prerequisite: JSB 152 or 172.
1.5 credits.
JSB 471 Job (bi-annual O)
Prerequisite: JSB 171 or 172.
1.5 credits.
JSB 472 Daniel, Ezra, and Nehemiah
(bi-annual E)
Prerequisite: JSB 171 or 172.
1.5 credits.
Biblical Studies
JSB 355 Biblical Poetry-Pentateuch
Study of the form, content and
nature of biblical poetry through analysis of the "shira" components contained
in the Pentateuch sections of Genesis, Exodus, Numbers and Deuteronomy
with classical commentaries. 1.5 credits.
JSB 356 Biblical Poetry-Prophets
Study of the form, content and
nature of biblical poetry through analysis of the "shira" components contained
in the Prophet sections of the Book of Joshua, Book of Samuel I and II,
and the Book of Psalms with classical commentaries.
1.5 credits.
JSB 357-358 Medieval and Modern
Biblical Exegesis (bi-annual O)
Style and methodology of the exegetes,
with attention to the exegetes of the Northern French School (10th to 14th
centuries): Rashi, R. Joseph Bechor-Shor, and the Spanish Schools of Ibn
Ezra, Radak, Ramban, et al. The second semester deals with modern exegetes:
Malbim, Neziv, Hirsch, et al.
Prerequisite: JSB 252 or equivalent.
1.5 credits each.
JSB 412 Women in the Bible
(bi-annual E)
In-depth analysis of Biblical narratives
dealing with the role, place, and impact of women. Special emphasis on
the lives of the Matriarchs, and the roles of Devora and Esther. 1.5 credits.
JSB 481-482 Independent Study
Credits by arrangement.
JSB 493 Advanced Topics in Biblical
Studies (upon request)
Prerequisite: Senior status. 3
credits.
Jewish Heritage and Thought
JSH 157 Structure and Development
of Jewish Prayer (annual)
The concept of prayer and structure
of various types of liturgy, with special emphasis on the philosophic and
halakhic
dimensions of prayer.
1.5 credits.
JSH 161 Midrashic Literature
(annual)
Analysis of Midrashic treatment
of basic faith concepts. 1.5 credits.
JSH 251-252 Medieval Jewish Philosophy
(bi-annual E)
Critical investigation of medieval
philosophical problems.
1.5 credits each.
JSH 257 The Literature of the
Mussar Movement (bi-annual O)
Study of selections from medieval
and modern Jewish ethical literature. In addition to examination of classical
texts such as Hovot ha-Levavot, Sha'arei Teshuva, Sefer Hasidim, and Mesillat
Yesharim, the course will focus upon the development of the Mussar movement
as reflected in the writings of Rabbi Israel Salanter and his disciples.
1.5 credits.
JSH 258 Jewish Thought-The Hasidic
Masters (annual)
Examination of the Hasidic teachers
of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Prerequisite: JSH 257 or Department
approval. 1.5 credits.
JSH 261 Modern Movements in Traditional
Judaism (bi-annual E)
The Mussar Movement; Hirschian
ideology; Abraham Isaac Kook.
Prerequisite: Sophomore or higher
standing or special permission.
1.5 credits.
JSH 311-312 Topics in Jewish
Philosophy (bi-annual E)
Faith and reason: readings in Hilkhot
Deot, Moreh Nevukhim, Kuzari, and Shemoneh Perakim.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
1.5 credits each.
JSH 321/322 Women in Judaism
(bi- annual O)
An historical analysis of famous
women throughout Jewish history, with special emphasis on the primary and
secondary sources addressing women's issues. The main focus will be the
rabbinic literature dealing with halakhic issues pertaining to women and
mitzvot.
1.5 credits each.
JSH 353 Modern Jewish Thought
(bi-annual O)
The Orthodox response to emancipation,
liberal theology; post-Kantian idealism; neo-orthodox, secular and religious
Zionism; 20th century rationalism and the emergence of Jewish existentialism.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
1.5 credits.
JSH 354 Issues in Contemporary
Jewish Thought (bi-annual E)
Psychological and Jewish images
of man; the challenge of Kantian, existential, and contextual ethics; Jewish
social justice; activism and messianism.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
1.5 credits.
JSH 451-452 Ein Yaakov (annual)
A textual-conceptual analysis of
Ein Yaakov by R. Yaakov ibn Habib.
1.5 credits each. (course may be
repeated for credit.)
JSH 456 Seminar: Maimonides
(upon request)
Selections from the Guide to the
Perplexed analyzed and compared to writings of Saadya Gaon, Yehudah Halevi,
Nachmanides, Albo, Crescas, and contemporary Jewish thinkers.
Prerequisite: JSH 251. 1.5 credits.
JSH 493 Advanced Topics in Jewish
Heritage (upon request)
In-depth analysis of selected topics
and themes.
Prerequisite: Senior status. 3
credits.
JEWISH LAW
Talmud JSL 253-254 Talmud
(annual)
A tractate of the Talmud is studied
with classical commentaries. Emphasis on conceptual analysis.
1.5 credits each.
JSL 451-452 Talmud (annual)
A tractate of the Talmud is studied
intensively with classical commentaries. Emphasis on conceptual analysis.
3 credits each (course may be repeated
for credit.)
JSL 453-454 Intensive Talmud
(annual)
Study of a tractate of the Talmud
with classical commentaries and codes. Supervised periods of independent
study. 3 credits each (course may be repeated for credit.)
Codes
JSL 141 Introduction to Jewish
Law - Daily Life Cycle (bi-annual E)
Study of the rituals of the Jewish
daily life cycle utilizing classical and modern legal literature. 1.5 credits.
JSL 142 Introduction to Jewish
Law - Kashrut (annual)
Study of laws of Kashrut (the Jewish
dietary code), utilizing classical and modern literature.
Prerequisite: JSL 141. 1.5 credits.
JSL 241-242 Topics in Jewish
Law - Sabbath and Festivals (annual)
Selected topics in Sabbath (241)
and Festivals (242). Laws examined in both substantive and procedural aspects.
Prerequisite: JSL 141-142 or permission
of Department. 1.5 credits each.
JSL 341-342 The Compendia of
Joseph Karo (annual)
Jurisprudential issues from their
origins in the Talmud to their codification by Joseph Karo in the 16th
Century.
Prerequisite: JSL 241-252.
1.5 credits each.
JSL 361 Topics in Jewish Law
- Medical Ethics (annual)
Intensive analysis of bio-ethical
issues as treated in Jewish Law. 1.5 credits.
JSL 431 Topics in Jewish Law
- The Family (annual)
Intensive study of Talmudic material
and responsa as it reflects problems in Jewish family life.
Prerequisite: JSL 341-342. 1.5
credits.
Rabbinic Literature
JSL 311-312 Intellectual Trends
in Rabbinic Judaism (upon request)
The thought and writings of preeminent
post-medieval and modern rabbinic scholars. Emphasis on biographies and
historical data.
Prerequisite: Junior status.
1.5 credits each.
JSL 351 The Foundations of Jewish
Law (bi-annual E)
The concept of oral law and the
interrelationship of the Mishnah, Tosefta, Midrash Halakhah, and the two
Talmudim. Emphasis on Maimonides's Introduction to the Mishnah and R. Sherira
Gaon's Iggeret. 1.5 credits.
JSL 362 Jewish Business Ethics
(bi-annual O)
An intensive study of issues that
relate to the running and conducting of business according to Jewish law.
Special emphasis on investment and finance, restraint of trade and compensation,
advertising and marketing practices. Assigned reading includes Talmudic
texts, Codes, and Responsa. 1.5 credits.
JSL 432 Topics in Jewish Law
- Contemporary Problems (bi-annual O)
Intensive study in responsa dealing
with scientific and technological developments.
Prerequisite: JSL 431. 1.5 credits.
JSL 461-462 Seminar in Selected
Topics in Jewish Law (upon request)
Selected topics in Jewish civil
law, litigation, agency, and instruments of acquisition of property. Talmudic
texts examined to extrapolate basic principles of legal analysis. Admission
by permission of the instructor. 1.5 credits each.
JSL 481-482 Independent Study
Credits by arrangement.
JSL 493 Advanced Topics in Jewish
Law (upon request)
In-depth analysis of selected topics
and themes.
Prerequisite: Senior status or
departmental permission. 3 credits.
JSL 494 Seniors Honors Project
in Judaic Studies (upon request)
Prerequisite: JSB 493, or JSL 493,
or JSH 493 and departmental permission. 3 credits.
COURSE LISTINGS-ISRAEL OPTION
The following is a master list
of courses generally offered in Israel. Although exact courses may vary
slightly from year to year, this serves as a guide. Courses such as Talmud,
or Later Prophets may be repeated for credit when course material is not
duplicated, e.g. different tractate of Talmud.
Courses in Judaic Studies earn 1 credit for each 2 semester hours of classroom study. Courses in other
departments such as Languages and Literatures or History earn 1 credit for each semester hour of classroom study.
JSB - Bible
157-158 Introduction to Biblical
Commentaries
159-160 Introduction to Megillot
177-178 Ezekiel/Trei Asar
191-192 Introduction to Pentateuch-Genesis
193-194 Introduction to Pentateuch-Exodus
195-196 Introduction to Pentateuch-Numbers
198-199 Introduction to Early Prophets
209-210 Biblical Themes
265-266 Megillot (Books may vary)
275-276 Hagiographa (Books may
vary)
277-278 Ezekiel/Trei Asar
288-289 Pentateuch Survey I, II
291-292 Text Analysis - Genesis
294-295 Text Analysis - Leviticus
298-299 Later Prophets
368-369 Hagiographa (Books may
vary)
389-390 Topics in Pentateuch
391-392 Topics in Early Prophets
393-394 Topics in Hagiographa
HIS-Jewish History
155-156 History of the Jewish People
159 Modern Jewish History
LLH-Languages and Literatures
191-192 Elementary Hebrew
291-292 Intermediate Hebrew
JSL-Jewish Law
175-176 Introduction to Ritual
Law
187-188 Contemporary Problems in
Jewish Law
191-192 Talmud (tractates vary
according to program)
275-276 Ritual Law-Orach Chaim
277-278 Laws of the Land of Israel
289-290 Topics in Maimonidean Code
293-294 Foundations of Jewish Law
391-392 Talmud (tractates vary)
395-396 Topics in Responsa Literature
455-456 Intensive Talmud (tractates
vary)
JSH-Jewish Heritage and Culture
181-182 Introduction to the Jewish
Experience
182-184 Introduction to Aggadic
Literature
187-188 Introduction to Jewish
Thought
189-190 Introduction to Jewish
Philosophy
191-192 Introduction to Ethics
of the Fathers
193-194 Introduction to Classics
of Jewish Ethics
196-197 Geography of Israel
285-286 Philosophy of Liturgy
289-290 Ethics of the Fathers
291-292 Classics in Ethics
293-294 Topics in Jewish Thought
297-298 Medieval Jewish Philosophy
393-394 Topics in Jewish Philosophy