REL 1850 Debating Jewish Traditions

This course explores ways that Jews have debated what it means to be Jewish and how to think about Jewish traditions. We will think critically and historically about diverse approaches to Jewish identity, belief, and practice. Topics for discussion will include theology, ethics, politics, ritual, gender, spirituality, authority, and encounters with other communities.

Credits

4 sh

Course Types

Civilization; Middle East Studies Elective; IGS: Middle East Regional Concentration; Jewish Studies Elective; Women's, Gender, and Sexualities Studies Elective

Offered

• Fall

Course Outcomes

1. Students will recognize the diversity of Jewish traditions.
2. Students will analyze how Jews have sought to construct the meaning of Jewish identity and the authority of Jewish traditions in diverse ways.
3. Students will reflect on ways that Jewish traditions have been shaped by encounters with other traditions and communities.
4. Students will explain ways in which Jews have seen their traditions as “religious,” “cultural,” “political,” and/or in other terms.
5. Students will demonstrate problems with claims that “Judaism says” X, Y, or Z.
6. Students will identify some significant Jewish ideas, narratives, and practices.
7. Students will explain diverse Jewish approaches to gender.