THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
FACULTY OF HUMANITIES
DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES
Religious Studies 465.01 | Course Outline, Winter 1999
|
Topics in Rabbinic Judaism |
Class time: TR 2:00-3:15 |
Instructor: | E. Segal |
Office: | Social Sciences 1301
|
Office hours: | T 1-2; or by appointment
|
Telephone: | 220-5886 |
Internet: |
E-mail:
elsegal@ucalgary.ca |
World-Wide Web:
http://www.ucalgary.ca/~elsegal
|
Textbook:
- Eliezer Segal, The Babylonian Esther Midrash: A Critical Commentary, Volume 1
Course
Description:
Our knowledge of the religious ideas and values of Rabbinic Judaism (1st to 7th centuries C.E.) is largely derived from the literature of the aggadic midrash, collections of comments and interpretations to Biblical texts. These works were composed according to a complex set of exegetical and literary rules that are rarely explained, but which must be understood in order to fully appreciate the authors' intentions. The structures of many midrashic passages reflect their origins in public sermons that were delivered in the synagogues of antiquity, sermons which were usually crafted as sophisticated literary creations.
In this course the students will learn to read and appreciate midrashic texts in English translation. Among the topics to be explored are:
- the hermeneutical modes of Rabbinic scriptural interpretation
- homiletical and exegetical midrash, with special reference to the differences between Palestinian and Babylonian sources.
- the literary forms of the Rabbinic homily: proems, halakhic introductions, conclusions of inspiration and consolation, parables, etc.
- the history and bibliography of midrashic literature
- the redaction of midrashic texts.
The phenomena to be investigated will be illustrated in the detailed classroom study of midrashic commentaries to the Biblical Book of Esther which will be examined from a variety of methodological perspectives. Students will apply the methods learned in class and in their readings to independent analysis of other midrashic passages.
Core Competencies:
The course's principal pedagogic objectives will be those of an upper-year seminar. As such, it will place a strong emphasis on the analysis of primary texts, and the critical assessment of scholarly literature. Students will further their skills in the various aspects of scholarly research, including the collecting of information; independent evaluation from a variety of methodological perspectives; and orderly presentation of their conclusions in written and oral form.
Course
Requirements:
- Short paper (due March 9 1999)
| 30% |
- Class presentation (to be designated)
| 20% |
- Major research paper (due April 15, 1999))
| 50% |
(This course will not have a Registrar-administered final examination.)
The class presentation may consist either of an oral presentation on based on one of the written research topics (not simply a reading of the written version) or of a report on a scholarly study (article or chapter of a book) to be assigned by the instructor.
The written research papers will demonstrate the student's ability to deal independently with primary documents in translation, applying the methodological principles learned in the course and utilizing scholarly literature on the subject.
It is recommended that the papers consist of commentaries on passages of midrashic literature (to be selected in consultation with the instructor) or the examination of themes in Rabbinic religious thought according to critical readings of midrashic texts.
Papers:
Two research papers will be required. The first will consist of about 2,000 words (about ten pages), and the second will be a more extensive study of about 3,600 words (fifteen pages). In these papers the student will examine topics, events and personalities in modern Jewish religious thought, observances, law and institutions. A list of suggested topics and bibliographical suggestions will be handed out.
Please consult the instructor for approval of additional topics and guidance.
Grading:
Letter grades will be asigned on the basis of the following scheme:
| | | | | A | 100 - 90 | A- | 89 - 85 |
| B+ | 84 - 80 | B | 79 - 75 | B- | 74 - 70 |
| C+ | 69 - 65 | C | 64 - 60 | C- | 59 - 55 |
| D+ | 54 - 50 | D | 49 - 45 | B- | 44 or less |
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is a serious offense, the penalty for which is an
F on the assignment and possibly also an F on the course,
academic probation, or requirement to withdraw. The
University Calendar states that "plagiarism exists when:
- a) the work submitted or presented was done, in whole or
in part, by an individual other than the one submitting
the work (this includes having another impersonate the
student or otherwise substituting the work of another
for one's own in an examination or test),
- b) parts of the work are taken from another source without
reference to the original author,
- c) the whole work (e.g., an essay) is copied from another
source, and/or
- d) a student submits or presents work in one course which
has also been submitted in another course (although it
may be completely original with that student) without
the knowledge of or prior agreement of the instructor
involved.
While it is recognized that scholarly work often involves
references to the ideas, data and conclusions of other
scholars, intellectual honesty requires that such references
be explicitly and clearly noted.
Plagiarism occurs not only when direct quotations are taken
from a source without specific acknowledgment, but also when
original ideas or data from the source are not acknowledged.
A bibliography is insufficient to establish which portions
of the student's work are taken from external sources;
footnotes or other recognized forms of citation must be used
for this purpose.
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