Judaism
(REL 244)
Jeff Kenney Spring 2003
Office: 205 Harrison Hall TR 10:00-11:40am
Phone: 6277/E-mail: jkenney@depauw.edu AH 016
Office hours: TR 9:00-10:00, or by appointment
Description
This course is intended as an introduction to the Jewish tradition(s). It focuses on the major Jewish worldviews that have emerged throughout history and the ways of life that have given rise to and reflected these worldviews. The underlying theme of the course is religious transformation: the capacity of Jews over time to remake themselves and their tradition in order to meet new challenges. The theme of continuity and change will be traced out through classical Judaism, modern Judaism and Judaism in America.
Requirements
The minimum daily requirements are as follows: 1.) complete the assigned readings, think about them and cobble together an oral response to the focus question; 2.) bring the assigned reading to class, which means attendance is required; and 3.) participate in class discussion. While this is an introduction to Judaism, I will try to avoid the lecture mode, when possible. We will discuss, debate and argue about—in a civil manner—the various topics and ideas covered in the schedule of classes. In order to facilitate this kind of Socratic learning, which I plan on benefiting from also, you must read, think and engage in informed discussion. We will, in other words, cover the material, but the process will be more circular than linear.
Because your participation is so essential for discussion and the learning process, any unexcused absences will negatively affect the class and your grade. I can overlook three “cuts,” but after that each absence will deduct two percentage points from your final grade. Entering class late or leaving early communicates a disregard for the subject, your classmates and me—all things you no doubt want to avoid. I hesitate to emphasize such basic etiquette, but past experience tells me it’s necessary
Grading
Midterm exam 20%
Two take-home essays 40% (2 x 20%)
Participation 20%
Final exam 20%
The exams will be a combination of objective questions and short essays. Contact me in advance if you know that you are unable to make a scheduled exam time. Make-up exams will only be given to those with a valid and compelling excuse, which I reserve the right to determine. The take-home essays will be graded holistically, based on clarity, attention to details and intellectual insight. The grade for class participation is based on your weekly responses to the readings and your willingness to voice your opinions, questions and ideas during class—in short, to make the class a lively and meaningful experience. All exams and essays must be completed in order to receive a calculated course grade; failure to compete any grading component of the course will result in a course grade of “F.”
Academic Integrity Policy
I will observe DePauw’s policy on academic integrity (i.e., cheating and plagiarism), as outlined in the Student Handbook. We will review this issue at the beginning of the class, but I encourage you to read the policy for yourself.
Freedman, Samuel G., Jew vs. Jew: The Struggle for the Soul of American Jewry (Simon & Schuster)
Neusner, Jacob and Alan J. Avery-Peck, eds., The Blackwell Companion to Judaism (Blackwell)
Neusner, Jacob and Alan J. Avery-Peck, eds., The Blackwell Reader in Judaism (Blackwell)
Spiegelman, Art, Maus, A Survivor’s Tale: I My Father Bleeds History/ II Here My Troubles Began (Pantheon)
Schedule of Classes and Assignments
1/28 Introduction
1/30 Defining Judaism(s)
Companion, 3-19
Reader, 3-18
2/4 Religious World of Ancient Israel
Companion, 20-36
Reader, 19-30
2/6 Judaism and the Hebrew Scriptures
Companion, 37-56
Reader, 31-41
2/11 Second Temple Judaism
Companion, 58-77
Reader, 42-59
2/13 Rabbinic Judaism
Companion, 78-111
Reader, 60-85
2/18 Judaism and Christianity in the Formative Age
Companion, 112-129
Reader, 86-100
2/20 Judaism in the Muslim and Christian Worlds
Companion, 131-160
Reader, 101-127
2/25 Midterm exam
2/27 Jewish Piety
Companion, 181-190
Reader, 146-156
3/4 Doctrines of Torah and God
Companion, 193-229
Reader, 160-183
3/6 Doctrines of Israel and Messiah
Companion, 230-266
Reader, 187-201
3/11 Reform Judaism
Companion, 291-307
Reader, 217-231
3/13 Orthodox Judaism
Companion, 311-333
Reader, 232-255
3/18 Conservative Judaism
Companion, 334-351
Reader, 256-267
3/20 New Age Judaism
Companion, 354-369
Reader, 268-283
** 1st take home exam due
3/25, Spring recess
27
4/1 Women in Contemporary Judaism
Companion, 393-410
Reader, 316-332
4/3 Secular Forms of Judaism
Companion, 461-471
Reader, 378-396
4/8 Judaism and Zionism
Companion, 476-494
Reader, 397-410
4/10 Holocaust
Maus I, 5-93
4/15 Holocaust
Maus I, 95-159; Maus II, 11-37
** 2nd take home exam due
4/17 Holocaust
Maus II, 39-136
4/22 Holocaust
Video
4/24 Judaism in America
Jew vs. Jew, 13-79
4/29 Judaism in America
Jew vs. Jew, 80-161
5/1 Judaism in America
Jew vs. Jew, 162-274
5/6 Judaism in America
Jew vs. Jew, 275-259
5/8 Wrap-up and review
** Last day to turn in weekly responses to the readings
5/14 Final exam (8:30-11:30am)