
- UCAS course code
- QV31
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Introduction to Judaism
Unit code | RELT10191 |
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Credit rating | 20 |
Unit level | Level 1 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
Available as a free choice unit? | Yes |
Overview
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. .
Aims
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.
Knowledge and understanding
- 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”
Intellectual skills
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
Practical skills
- listening and taking notes in lectures
- time planning
- using internet and physical information resources
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- communicate clearly in written and oral forms
- participate appropriately in a learning group
- self-motivation
Assessment methods
Essay plan | 0% |
Essay | 50% |
Exam | 50% |
Feedback methods
Feedback method | Formative or Summative |
Written feedback on the draft of an introduction | Formative |
Written feedback on the Essay | Summative |
Additional one-to-one feedback (during the consultation hour, or by making an appointment) | Formative |
Written feedback on Exam |
|
Recommended reading
- 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)
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
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Lectures | 22 |
Seminars | 11 |
Independent study hours | |
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Independent study | 167 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
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Alexander Samely | Unit coordinator |