Religious Studies 307
Judaism: A Cultural and Historical Survey
Fall 2015
Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Hibbard Room 610 (Hours
Tuesday 2:15-3:15, or before class)
E-mail: LEVIY@uwec.edu Papers should not be sent by email without prior
permission.
Home telephone: (612) 920-7771, Cell Phone (952) 906-9000. Please leave a message
if I am not in. I’ll return your call.
Home address: 1932 Cedar Lake Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55416
Disclaimer: this syllabus is tentative and may be subject to change if circumstances
beyond my control require it.
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENT
(PLEASE REFER TO THE STUDENTS HANDBOOK)
UNIVERSITY POLICY REGARDING PLAGIARISM
Students need to be reminded that there is a strong policy in effect regarding cheating
on exams and plagiarism. The disciplinary procedures and penalties for academic
misconduct are described on the UW-Eau Claire Dean of Students web site
(http://www.uwec.edu/DOS/policies/academic/index.htm).
SPECIAL NEEDS
Students who have learning disabilities or special needs should speak with me during
the first week of the course so I can try to meet your needs. Any student who has a
disability and is in need of classroom accommodations, please contact the
instructor and the Services for Students with Disabilities Office in Centennial Hall
2106 at the beginning of the semester
STUDENTS WHO ARE NON-NATIVE SPEAKERS OF ENGLISH
(See the College statement below)
In courses that require tests to be taken during class time (in which the primary language
of instruction and assessment is English), students who are non-native speakers of
English may request extended test-taking time (time and a half). To determine
eligibility, English proficiency is evaluated by the Academic Skills Center (for U. S.
permanent residents/citizens) or by the Department of Foreign Languages (for
international students). Students approved for the accommodation are given a
verification form to present to their course instructors. Students must provide
verification during each semester at least one week before the test for which
accommodation is needed. Verification is valid for one semester. The accommodation
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policy does not apply to other forms of evaluation (e.g., papers, projects, group
presentations) or to situations in which students must demonstrate clinical or similar
skills.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Students are expected to attend all sessions and to come to class prepared with the
readings for that week. Bear in mind that each session is equal to a week of class
sessions. The grade of students who have more than one unexcused absence will be
lowered one full grade. Much of the material (discussions, films, lectures) is only
available at class time. If an emergency occurs, I do appreciate the courtesy of
notification. In cases of unavoidable absence, students must obtain a copy of any
handouts so they will not be unprepared for the next session.
The following statement is one which is recommended by the college:
As a general rule, make ups for missed in-class activities, quizzes, exams, etc. will be
provided only when due to an authorized absence. It is the student’s responsibility to
inform the instructor of such situations and to provide appropriate documentation.
Students will need to consult with the instructor regarding the nature of the make ups
and due dates. . .”
Here is a link to College policy on attendance:
http://www.uwec.edu/DOS/policies/attendance.htm
CLASSROOM CIVILITY
Use of cell phones and computer will be discussed in class. It is my preference that
students use cell phones and computer during class for academic purposes, despite
studies about the independent use of technology in the classroom!
If you feel that the use of phones and/or computers might distract you and alienate you
from the learning environment, please do not use them!
Text messaging and emailing (writing or reading) during class is not acceptable. Phones
and computers may be used in class for class related activities only.
Arriving late is better than not coming at all. Do not wait in the hall to enter at break
time.
Attentive and active participation in class will be our goal. I believe in joyful learning
and full involvement of students in the teaching and learning process.
Students are encouraged to question or disagree, and even “strongly disagree” is
encouraged. Students are encouraged to suggest new materials or topic. However,
always be sure to justify your opinion.
Do not wait to contact me with any comment you may have. No one is perfect!
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GRADE CRITERIA
The final grade will be determined in the following manner:
Homework assignments 20%
Quizzes
20%
Midterm*: 15%
Final exam*: 20% Attendance: 10% Class participation 15%
Extra-Credit
1. Extra Assignments and Credits: Students can earn up to two extra credits per
semester by submitting two extra weekly assignments towards the end of the
semester, or two reflections about the course’s topics. Extra credit assignments
may be made at the instructor’s discretion and will be available to the entire
class; they will not be made on an individual basis.
2. No extra credit assignments will be accepted after final course grades have been
submitted.
The final might be substituted with final take-home essay, synthesizing some of the
major issues and themes discussed in this course and in the required readings, and
demonstrating knowledge of and personal involvement in the specific topic.
If a final take-home essay is given, the essay will have to be chosen and delivered in a
timely manner, to meet the time officially mandated by UWEC administration.
The midterm might be replaced with a paper of 7-10 pages on a topic (general or
specific) of your choice and interest. Before writing, you need to provide a topic and
general outline.
Try to make the topic relevant to yourself, by showing personal involvement.
The quizzes will be based on the reading assignments and on classroom lectures and
discussions. In most cases, a study guide will be distributed in advance of each quiz to
help you focus your preparation.
The instructor will drop the lowest grade of one quiz and the lowest grade of one weekly
assignment before calculating the final grade.
Be sure to retain all papers on a back-up until the end of the semester.
STUDENTS’ EXPECTATIONS
Participation and questions are encouraged: Please don't be shy!
Although I am a veteran, “seasoned” instructor, I do not know everything about the
subject. We will all study together.
Students are encouraged to raise questions about any aspect during sessions, and also
after reviewing learned materials. The course plan is flexible to encourage the students
to bring their own ideas into the discussion.
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 Students are expected to arrive at class meetings having already read the material
assigned.
 Students are expected to contribute to topics, bring new topics, information or
ideas, as well as other suggestions.
 Students are expected to increase their knowledge of the Holocaust, generate
questions and draw conclusions, rather than give answer to questions.
 Students are expected to express experiences (even through reading or watching),
thoughts, etc.
 Students are expected to compare and contrast information.
 Students are expected to analyze materials and interpret them.
 Journal writing is encouraged.
INSTRUCTOR'S EXPECTATIONS
It is my privilege and responsibility to make this an optimal learning environment. I
will do my best to help you increase and strengthen your knowledge and skills. I will
try to answer any question you may have and clarify any difficulties you may
encounter. I will be available to assist you outside the class. Please let me know in
advance of any concern or wish you might have.
I am also available for questions/discussions before or after class or by appointment.
COURSE FORMAT
Note: My goal is not merely “to cover” the materials in this syllabus, but make it
meaningful and understood. The process of study may require change of pace.
Therefore the content of this syllabus may be altered after I have had the opportunity to
assess the level of the students and their particular interests.
This course encourages students’ involvement. In addition to the textbook readings,
other materials will be utilized.
From time to time films/videos will be shown.
We will try to make this course as interactive as possible.
There will be seven quizzes and four papers of varying scope. Repeat: I will drop the
lowest grade of one quiz before calculating the final grade.
Discussion Circles
Periodically a portion of the class period will be devoted to small-group discussion.
Students will share the responsibility for conducting the discussion for that week (You
will not be graded on your “discussion leadership skills,” but your special preparation
will help assure good sessions).
I encourage you to link up with one or more persons in the course, with whom
you can meet or call to discuss issues related to the course material, or even to
share feelings. Please feel free to contact me at any time.
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Students are encouraged to consider a major in Religious Studies or Philosophy. You
may speak to me or any other Department faculty member.
**************************
Last day to withdraw from the course with no record: September 16
Last day to withdraw from the course with a “W”: November 11
The final exam TBA (between December 14 and 18, and see notes about the final
take-home essay).
Required Books
Trepp, Leo Judaism, Development and Life, Fourth edition, Wadsworth, 2000 (Rental)
The Tanakh (rental)
Plaskow, Judith Standing Again At Sinai (purchase)
Steinberg, Milton. Basic Judaism
Scheindlin, Raymond, A Short History of the Jewish People
Supplemental
Fishbane, Michael Judaism Harper-Collins, 1987
Additional materials will be supplied as needed.
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This course is about Judaism understanding of itself and aims to provide students with a basic
understanding of Judaism, as well as the diversity within this religion. It will focus on key
terms and concepts in Jewish theology, liturgy, lifestyles, literature and other Jewish
thought, through general introduction to biblical, rabbinic, philosophic and literary
Jewish sources from its ancient beginning to the present, including the connection to the
land of Israel. The course also includes introduction to the holidays, life-cycle rituals,
ritual objects, textual sources, and basic vocabulary.
The course explores the diverse forms of Judaism, rather than trying to decipher what
Judaism is.
Do not confuse this course, which is introduction to Judaism, with introduction to Jewish
History.
This course introduces the student, through lectures, discussion, and reading of selected
representative texts, to the mythic structures, the symbols, and the significant documents
of Judaism. Simply stated, we will study the intellectual history, major literary works,
beliefs, practices and other cultural materials of the Jewish People.
The survey will trace the development of Judaism from its beginnings to the present.
This is a survey course intended for all students, regardless of their major.
We will not assume any prior knowledge of Jewish history, beliefs, and customs.
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COURSE PROCEDURES
As mentioned above, there will be seven quizzes, a mid-semester exam and a final exam
(see other note concerning substitute of midterm and final).
Students will write three short reports based on “Jewish-experience projects” that they
will choose to work on from the suggested list of projects (see list of project below).
Students will write an 8-10 page research paper on a topic of their choosing about an
aspect of post-biblical Judaism or Jewish life.
All readings are required unless otherwise noted and should be completed prior to the
class session where they will be discussed. Additional materials will be distributed
during the course. Participation and questions are encouraged: Please don't be shy! I
am also available for questions/discussions before or after class or by appointment.
Students are encouraged to consider a major in Religious Studies or Philosophy. You
may speak to me or any other Department faculty member.
All readings are required unless otherwise noted and should be completed before the
class session where they will be discussed. Additional materials will be distributed
during the course
This syllabus may be augmented by additional readings after I have had the opportunity
to assess the level of the students and their particular interests.
The abbreviation EJ refers to the Encyclopedia Judaica. This extremely useful work
may be found in the Reference Room of the library and the Department Commons
Room.
Your attention is directed to the glossaries of terms at the back of Trepp, pp. 411-420,
Plaskow, p. 269, and Fishbane, p. 142-147. The bibliographies on pp. 421-435 (Trepp)
and pp. 148-149 (Fishbane) are very useful for further study and as the starting point for
your research paper.
Requirements for Graduate Students
In addition to the requirements for undergraduate students, graduate students will do
readings from the following works:
Boyarin, Daniel Intertextuality and the Reading of Midrash, Indiana University Press,
1994
de Lange, Nicholas and Freud-Kandel, Miri Modern Judaism, An Oxford Guide,
Oxford, 2005
Dorf, Elliot & Newman, Louis, Contemporary Jewish Ethics and Morality, Oxford,
1995
Holtz, Barry W. Back to the Sources, Reading the Classic Jewish Texts, Simon &n
Schuster, 1984
Jaffe, Martin, Early Judaism, University Press of Maryland, 2006
Neusner, Jacob, Invitation to the Talmud, Harper Collins, 1989
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