Big Questions: Introduction to Jewish History, Culture and Heritage

Jump to Today

Smith Paloge Wisdom Mural.jpgItamar Paloge, Hillel Smith, Shlome Hayun, Amir Magal, and Elke Reva Sudin, Illuminated Streets mural, Venice Love Shack, Venice, California

Tuesday/Thursday
11:00 am–12:15 pm
McBryde Hall 224

Prof. Rachel Gross
rbgross@vt.edu
Office: 211 Major Williams Hall (Links to an external site.)
Office hours by appointment.

This class fulfills CLE Area 2. It counts toward the the Religion and Culture major (Links to an external site.), the Judaic Studies minor (Links to an external site.), and the Religious Studies minor.

Syllabus

Big Questions

Judaism, like other religions, offers a very particular worldview that focuses on a set of unique responsibilities, beliefs, and values. But Judaism is also a religion and culture that grapples with enduring human issues. In this course, we will use these fundamental questions individuals and members of larger communities as the lens for studying Jews, Judaism (the religion), and Jewishness (Jewish culture):

Overview and objectives

Upon the successful completion of this course, students will learn to:

  • Engage with central Jewish texts, including the Tanakh, the Talmud, and rabbinic and contemporary midrashim.
  • Discuss historical construction of Jewish practices and beliefs.
  • Recognize the diversity of Jewish practices over time and throughout the world.
  • Reflect on readings and discussion throughout the semester orally and in writing.
  • Define key terms and concepts in the Jewish tradition.
  • Explain key narrative themes of Jewish religion and culture.

Assignment guidelines

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due