BA English Literature and History

The course introduces students to the study of the beliefs and practices of Judaism as an example of what “religion” might be, while reflecting upon its openness to a future, and our own present situation as we study it. .

To explain the main historical characteristics of Judaism, including its “religious” dimension, some of its everyday practices and interactions with other cultural traditions, and the various ways in which the academic discourse can approach Judaism and other cultures.  

• Distinguish critically key trends and stages in of the historical development of Judaism
• Provide a critical account of ways in which there is unity and diversity within Judaism
• Consider the meaning of key ideas, and the texts and practices in which they function
• Discuss critically how Judaism has related to other cultures
• Identify and evaluate various approaches to the academic idea of “religion”

Students will have:

• developed their ability to provide accurate accounts of information
• enhanced their skill in assessing arguments critically
• developed the skill to assess progress in their own learning
• enhanced their skill in finding, evaluating, summarising technical information

• listening and taking notes in lectures
• time planning
• using internet and physical information resources

• communicate clearly in written and oral forms
• participate appropriately in a learning group
• self-motivation

• P.S. Alexander, Textual Sources for the Study of Judaism (1984)
• J.R. Baskin and K. Seeskin (eds), The Cambridge Guide to Jewish History, Religion, and Culture (2010)
• D. Cohn-Sherbok, Judaism: History, Belief and Practice (2003)
• N. De Lange, An Introduction to Judaism (2000, 2010²) 
• E. Segal, Introducing Judaism (2009)
• N. Solomon, Judaism: A Very Short Introduction (1996, 2000²)
• A. Unterman, Jews: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices (1981)