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2019/20 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

THEO1030 Introduction to the Study of Judaism

10 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Dr Johanna Stiebert
Email: j.stiebert@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2019/20

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module will introduce students to the history, beliefs, rituals and contemporary forms of Judaism.We will look at such key aspects of Jewish life as Torah-observance, worship and the Jewish nation, placing them in historical context and considering their importance today.

Objectives

To provide an overview of the history and the key texts and traditions of Judaism, and to explore how this contributes to an understanding of contemporary Judaism.

To introduce different methodologies and sources, textual, historical, philosophical, social-scientific, appropriate to the study of Judaism.

Learning outcomes
At the end of the module the student will be expected to be able to:

1. demonstrate basic knowledge of the main developments in the history of Judaism since the first century, and detailed knowledge of at least one of these developments;
2. with guidance, make appropriate use of one or more of the following sources for the study of Judaism: scriptural and classical texts and commentaries on them, archaeological evidence, social-scientific studies;
3. demonstrate awareness and understanding of one or more major controversies relating to the study of Judaism.


Syllabus

- Introduction: What is a Jew? (week 1)
- Historical Overview, Beliefs, Practices (weeks 2-6)
- Textual sources: Tanakh, Mishnah, Talmud, Zohar, Responsa (weeks 7-9)
- Dimensions of Judaism: Jewish diversity, Zionism (weeks 10-11).

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture111.0011.00
Private study hours89.00
Total Contact hours11.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)100.00

Private study

- Background reading and follow-up lectures, 22 hours
- Preparation of exam, 67 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Attendance monitoring
- Informal communication with module tutor.

Methods of assessment


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)1 hr 30 mins100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)100.00

Exam will comprise 50% short-answer questions (unseen) and 50% essay (questions made available in advance).

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 10/05/2019

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