Introduction to Jewish culture

Academic year: 2009-2010 Course code module FLWG003220 Semester: 2nd semester Credits: 4 Study load (hours) 112 Theory (hours): 30,00 Practice/Exercises(hours): Other (hours): Part-time program: 1/2 Instructor(s) Karin Hofmeester Language of instruction: Dutch Semester exam information: exam in the 2nd semester Contract restriction information: 1. Prerequisites *Algemene competenties Sufficient passive knowledge of Dutch, French, English and German Basic knowledge of history since Antiquity *Sequentiality None 2. Objectives (expected learning outcomes) Purpose of this course is to provide an understanding of the most important elements of Jewish religion and Jewish culture. Students learn to interpret the key concepts of Judaism and Jewish identity. They recognize the interaction between the continuing drive to adapt and the wish to preserve Jewishness as a leitmotiv of Jewish history. 3. Course content Main themes: Jewish identity  Basic elements of Jewish religion, important religious texts, traditions, religious movements  The history of Jewish culture from a birds' eye view:  under Greek and Roman rule under Christianity and Islam the Ashkenazic and Sephardic diaspora in the 16th and 17th century  Enlightenment, French Revolution, Haskalah and Jewish Emancipation Shoah and postwar reconstruction, the foundation of the State Israel The main themes will be illustrated by life stories and texts of influential Jewish scholars, writers and intellectuals as well as by examining daily life in the Jewish communities in various periods and regions. The course will be supported by powerpoint presentations with texts and illustrations. The sheets will be published on blackboard after each lecture. Active participation of the students is expected during the lectures. In class we will read texts and use them to discuss key elements of Jewish culture. 4. Teaching method Direct contact: Lectures 5. Assessment method Exam: Oral, with written preparation 6. Compulsory reading – study material David J. Goldberg and John D. Rayner, The Jewish People. Their History and their Religion (Londen and New York, Penguin Books 1989) texts distributed on Blackboard to be read before class notes taken by the students during the course sheets from blackboard 7. Recommended reading - study material 8. Tutoring laatste aanpassing: last update: 07/01/2009 16:54 hanna.goossens