HS 100: Introduction to Judaism Online (FALL 2015)

D2L TECHNICAL HELPLINE: (414) 229-4319 HS 100: INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM – ONLINE (FALL 2015)

Instructor: Dana Margolis Email Address: [email protected] Office Hours: T/R 10 – 11am by appt (CRT 872)

COURSE OVERVIEW: The purpose of this course is to present each student with an understanding of the major aspects of the Jewish religion. As such, it is not a course in Jewish history nor is it a course about the Jewish people, per se. Rather, it presents a thorough overview of the major components of Judaism’s beliefs and rituals and the sources for them. It is important for the student to keep in mind that this is an introductory course and that each of the included subjects could be developed into a course on its own. Therefore, students are encouraged to pursue additional reading and research on specific subject areas that are of interest to them. Lastly, over nearly 6,000 years of existence, many different styles of Jewish observance have developed. Because even a cursory study of Jewish diversity would require a full semester unto itself, this course will focus on the following general core subject areas: . Belief . Jewish Text and the Development of Judaism . Rituals . Hebrew Calendar and the Holidays . Life Cycle.

Since this is an online course, it is structured differently than a face-to-face class. The course content is delivered via D2L (for discussion, audio, and written materials) and readings in the required texts. You should check into D2L regularly to check on any new announcements or assignments.

To be successful in this online course, it is important that you recognize the role and value of online learning. This class is appropriate for people who like flexibility, are self-motivated, and enjoy participating in discussions with fellow class members. It is also important that you enjoy computer technology and learning independently to be successful. It will be very important that you are willing to learn, and use, the technology necessary to access web information and complete assignments online. You will also have to be willing to do almost all of your communicating, with classmates and me, online.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1. To develop a basic knowledge of how and why Jewish Law has developed and evolved throughout history as a means for understanding Jewish practice today. This includes the ability to identify the major textual works that are responsible for chronicling and tracing Jewish law as it progresses. 2. To gain an understanding of and appreciation for the breadth of diversity regarding Jewish observances and traditions as they have evolved throughout history as a result of migration patterns, influence of surrounding cultures and communities, and variant interpretations of Jewish law. 3. To develop a foundational knowledge of the concepts and philosophies that form the basis of the Jewish belief system; and an understanding of how those beliefs create rituals and customs, form the basis of the Jewish relationship with Israel, and permeate the practices that commemorate life cycle events, holy days, and other important components within Jewish life.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: The Jewish people have evolved over thousands of years with much commonality and shared experience. Yet, due to a variety of historical, sociological and geographical, factors, the Jewish community of today is 1 comprised of people with multicultural backgrounds and rich ethnic diversity. One of the central learning outcomes of this course is to enhance the students’ intercultural knowledge & competence by exposing them to a people/culture that has within it great diversity and cultural variance. By understanding the factors leading to this diversity, the challenges it can create, and inversely, the ability of a people to transcend difference to perpetuate unity, students will be able to increase their understanding of and empathy for others and hopefully expand their ability to celebrate ethnic difference and diversity within their own contexts.

2 D2L TECHNICAL HELPLINE: (414) 229-4319 Specifically, a student completing this course will be able to:  Understand the factors leading to variant Jewish practices and observances today. (Assessment: quizzes, research paper)  Identify the many ethnic sub-cultures within the international Jewish community today. (Assessment: quizzes, research paper, write-up on PBS Jewish Americans video)  Analyze many of the differences in observances/practices of daily rituals, holy days, life cycle events within the ethnic sub-cultures. (Assessment: quizzes, research paper, Jewish holiday presentation, PBS Jewish Americans video write-up)  Understand the mechanisms by which the Jewish community retains cohesion, despite its internal differences and disagreements (Assessment: quiz, research paper)

TIME COMMITMENT & SCHEDULING: Students who are considering this course should be aware that there is still a regular “in class” time commitment of 3 hours per week (for assignments, preparing quizzes, discussion forum participation—reading and writing, etc.). And, just like any other course, the expectation is that for each hour “in class,” there should be roughly 2 hours of preparation outside of class (reading chapters, writing papers, studying for quizzes, etc.). So, the weekly time commitment for this course is very similar to other courses - roughly 9 hours per week. This may vary from person to person, but it is a good idea to remember that online courses still require substantial time, energy, and initiative if you wish to learn the information well.

It will be extremely important for you to develop a schedule for this class similar to any face-to-face class that you take. I will try to help you do that by asking you to complete various assignments by certain times each week, so that you do not get behind or lost. But it will also be necessary for you to set aside certain amounts of time (as you would for any class) to do the reading, the activities, the quizzes, and the papers. Although I will try to structure the course to be as user-friendly as possible, it is ultimately your responsibility to prioritize your time so that the course materials can be completed according to the preset deadlines.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: 1. Introductory Assignment: An introductory assignment will be completed during the first week of classes designed to help each student to examine and/or become aware of their assumptions, conceptions and knowledge of Judaism prior to taking this course. Students will complete an initial post and then read and respond to their classmates. Detailed assignment instructions are posted under the Content Tab in D2L.

(5 points)

2. Audio/Visual

Audio Lectures: With the exception of the Jewish Holiday unit, each week there will be 1 – 3 audio lectures posted. Each lecture is approximately 30 – 75 minutes in length and can be played through your computer, tablet, or handheld devices. These are recordings from the face to face offering of the same course and will serve as the primary vehicle for conveying course content. Each audio lecture will have written notes that accompany it posted on D2L as well. Please note that the written lecture notes are meant to accompany the lectures, NOT replace them. They will not make much sense without listening to the audio lectures.

3 Videos: From time to time I will post links to videos that provide a visual component to the course content. These are very important tools to help present a full picture of concepts that are difficult to fully describe through verbal/audio lectures alone. Usually they will be links to short clips posted on youtube or other similar sites.

3. Reading Assignments: In addition to the D2L lecture notes, students are expected to complete all of the reading assignments as detailed in the Course Schedule listed below during the week in which they are assigned. Preparation of the material is crucial to understanding the lectures and to being able to successfully complete the assignments and quizzes.

4 D2L TECHNICAL HELPLINE: (414) 229-4319

4. Course Questions Each week (besides the Jewish Holidays unit) there will be 2-3 short answer questions posted on the Discussion Board for the Course. Students are required to choose 2 questions and respond thoroughly using the lectures and reading material as your sources. You may use other resources as long you cite them in your responses. Each question should be responded to thoroughly using examples and specific information to support your answer and must include citations that reference the sources used. The Class Reader should be cited as (Reader, pg #) Questions must be posted by the end of each week for 11 weeks (see the Course Schedule below for exact due dates) Each question is worth 3 points for a total of 6 points possible each week. Please note that responses posted after the due date will receive a score of 0 without documentation of medical, religious, or military leave. However, I will set the system to drop your lowest week’s score so you will only be graded on 10 weeks worth of questions. (60 points)

5. Quizzes: There will be 4 quizzes throughout the course; one at the end of each of the first 3 units and the one for the final 2 units offered at the end of the semester. These quizzes will be designed to assess the student’s mastery of the reading and lectures for each unit. There will be NO make-up quizzes offered without proper evidence of excused absence. However the lowest quiz grade will be dropped and not figured into the semester grade for the course. Quizzes will be taken online via D2L according to the Course Schedule listed below. (Each quiz is worth 20 points for a total of 60 points.)

6. Jewish Holiday Assignment Students will work in partners to prepare a presentation on one Jewish holiday. The presentation should include a handout outlining the presentation and an audio-visual component to help their classmates fully understand the significance, rituals and observances of the holiday. In addition, students will write a brief critique of their classmates’ presentations. A full description of the assignment can be found posted on D2L under Content. (25 points.)

7. Term Paper (OPTIONAL EXTRA CREDIT) Students can earn up to 10 points of extra credit by turning in one 5 – 7 page research paper due before the end of the semester. The paper requires the student to further develop and research one of the core subjects discussed during the course: Belief, Jewish Text and the Development of Judaism, Rituals, Calendar and Holidays, or Life Cycle. Paper topics and specific guidelines are posted on D2L. Papers should be submitted before the last day of classes via the dropbox on D2L (See Course Schedule below for exact due date). No late papers will be accepted without proper evidence of excused absence or prior permission from the instructor. The paper is optional but may earn up to 10 points of extra credit.

NOTE: If for any reason you are encountering difficulty or have a situation that may be preventing you from succeeding in the course, please contact me as soon as possible.

Summary of Assessment: Introductory Assignment 5 points Course Questions 60 points Quizzes 60 points Jewish Holiday Assignment 25 points Total 150 points 5 Extra Credit Questionnaire 2 points Extra Credit Paper (Optional) 10 points

6 D2L TECHNICAL HELPLINE: (414) 229-4319 Grading Scale:

Grade % Points A 92-100 138-150 A- 89-91 133-137 B+ 86-88 129-132 B 82-85 123-128 B- 79-81 118-122 C+ 76-78 114-117 C 71-75 106-113 C- 68-70 102-105 D+ 65-67 97-101 D 62-65 93-96 D- 59-61 88-92 F <59 <87

Reading Materials: (in order of use) 1. Lecture Notes posted on D2L 2. Course Reader - Clark Graphics 2915 N. Oakland Ave., 962-4633 3. Maimonides Principle: Foundations of Jewish Faith by Aryeh Kaplan – UWM Bookstore 4. Gateway to Judaism by Rabbi Mordechai Becher – UWM Bookstore

Recommended Reading 5. The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel 6. Jewish Way in Death & Mourning by Rabbi M. Lamm

Instructor Communication Please post general course questions that are not personal in nature to the ‘Course Questions’ Discussion Board so that others can benefit from your question and my response. For all matters personal in nature, or if you don’t see a response post from me quickly, please email me at [email protected].

Jewish Studies Major/Minor This course is part of the Jewish Studies major and minor. The major offers two tracks: Hebrew Studies and Jewish Cultural Studies (which does not require Hebrew language). With its combination of core courses and electives, the Jewish Studies program allows students to create a course of study that can focus on religion, culture, Israel, Holocaust, media, or immigration. A dynamic and innovative major, Jewish Studies prepares students to work in our multicultural world.

For more information on the Jewish Studies major and minor, please the coordinator, Dr. Rachel N. Baum, [email protected]; (414) 229-5156.

For additional information regarding University policy please visit http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/SecU/SyllabusLinks.pdf

7 COURSE SCHEDULE

Date Topic & Assigned Readings Audio/Visual What is Due? Week 1 Introduction Introductory Assignment Sep 6 – 1. D2L: Course Syllabus Initial Post: Thurs, 9/8 by Sep 11 2. D2L: Remember the Human midnight 2nd Post: Sun 9/11 by midnight

September 12 – October 2 Belief Week 2 God & Monotheism Audio: God & Monotheism Weekly Questions: Sun 9/18 Septembe 1. D2L Notes midnight r 12 - 18 2. Reader: God: Faith & Doubt 3. Reader: Is God Necessary for Morality? 4. Reader: Monotheism 5. Reader: Concise Book of Mitzvoth Week 3 Maimonides’ Principles of Faith Audio: Weekly Questions: Sun 9/25 Septembe 1. D2L Notes 13 Principles Part I, midnight r 19 - 25 2. Reader: JL - 13 Principles Part II Maimonides/Rambam 13 Principles Part III 3. Reader: 13 Principles 4. Kaplan – Maimonides Principle Week 4 Jewish Law Audio: Jewish Law Weekly Questions: Sun 10/2 Septembe 1. D2L Notes midnight r 26 2. Reader: JL - – Commandment/Mitzvah Oct 3. Reader: Halakha: The Jewish obe Way r 2 4. Reader: Ethical Writings of Maimonides Israel & Jerusalem Audio: Jerusalem/Israel 1. D2L Notes Video: Jerusalem: The 2. Reader: JL - If I Forget Thee… Heart of the Jewish People 3. Reader: Israel & Jerusalem 4. Reader: JW - The Land of Israel in 8 D2L TECHNICAL HELPLINE: (414) 229-4319 Quiz Quiz Quiz Quiz Quiz #1 Quiz # 1 open 9/28 8:00am – 10/3 @ midnight October 3 – 23 Jewish Text and the Development of Judaism Week 5 Introduction to Jewish Texts Audio: Intro to Hebrew Weekly Questions: Sun 10/9 October 3 1. D2L Notes Bible midnight - 9 2. Reader: Jewish History Timeline 3. Reader: Roadmap of Jewish Sources 4. Gateway: Appendix II p. 475 - 486 Tanach (Hebrew Bible) Audio: Tanach – Mishna 1. D2L Notes NOTE: stop this recording 2. Reader: JL - Tanakh when I get to the discussion 3. Gateway: Appendix I p. 465 - of the Mishna 474 Week 6 Mishna/Talmud/Oral Law Audio: Tanach – Mishna Weekly Questions: Sun October 1. D2L Notes (2nd half) 10/16 midnight 10 - 16 2. Reader: JL - Oral Law Audio: Talmud Video: The History of the Talmud Part I & II Pirkei Avot (Ethics of our Fathers) 1. D2L Notes 2. Reader: Ethics from Sinai Intro 3. Reader: Perek IV Mishna I Week 7 Code of Jewish Law Audio: Talmud – Shulkhan Weekly Questions: Sun October 1. D2L Notes Arukh 10/23 midnight 17 - 23 2. Reader: JL - The Code of Jewish Audio: Shulkhan Arukh - Law Kaballah Kaballah 1. D2L Notes 2. Reader: JL - Kaballah 3. Reader: JL - The Zohar 4. Responsa 5. Reader: JL - Rashi Quiz Quiz Quiz Quiz Quiz #2 Quiz #2 Oct 19 @ 8am – (ON D2L) Oct 24 @ midnight October 24 - November 13 Ritual Week 8 Prayer Audio: Jewish Prayer Weekly Questions: Sun October 1. D2L Notes 10/30 midnight 24 - 30 2. Gateway p. 427 – 450 3. Reader: To Be a Jew: Prayer 4. Reader: Jewish Values: Prayer 9 5. Reader: Cycle of the Jewish Year: Liturgy

Torah Study Audio: Prayer Cont & Torah 1. D2L Notes Study 2. Reader: JL – Torah Study/Talmud Torah 3. Reader: Jewish Values: Study 4. Reader: JW - Study Week 9 Sabbath Audio: Jewish Sabbath Part Weekly Questions: Sun 11/6 October 1. D2L Notes I midnight 31 – 2. Gateway p. 95 – 107 Audio: Jewish Sabbath Part November 3. Reader: JL – Sabbath/Shabbat II 6 4. Reader: Jewish Values: Sabbath Video: Ted Talk: Power of 5. Reader: Cycle of the Jewish Rest and Reflection Year: The Sabbath Week 10 Dietary Laws Audio: Kosher Diet Part I Weekly Questions: Sun November 1. D2L Notes Audio: Kosher Diet Part II 11/13 midnight 7 - 13 2. Reader: JL – Kosher/Kashrut 3. Reader: A Diet for the Soul 4. Gateway pgs. 293 - 300 Quiz Quiz Quiz Quiz #3 Quiz #3 Nov 9 @ 8am – (ON D2L) Nov 14 @ midnight November 14 - 27 Hebrew Calendar and Holidays Week 11 Intro to Jewish Calendar Audio: Jewish Holidays & 12 1. D2L Notes Intro November 2. Gateway p. 81 - 91 14 - 22 General Concepts on Holy Days 3. Reader: Festivals Group Holiday Projects Select your Holiday 11/14 1. D2L: Holiday Assignment Holiday Presentation: Sun Instructions 11/20 @midnight 2. Reader: JL – Listing of Jewish 4 Response Posts Tues Holidays 11/22 midnight (I will allow 3. Gateway p. 115 - 246 you to post until 11/27 but if you want to enjoy your Thanksgiving get them done by 11/22) November Thanksgiving Break Nothing Required! Enjoy Work on Optional Extra 23 - 27 your Break!! Credit Term Papers if you want November 28 – December 14 10 D2L TECHNICAL HELPLINE: (414) 229-4319 Life Cycle Week 13 Bris/Naming Ceremony Audio: Intro to Lifecycles & Weekly Questions: Sun 5/4 November 1. D2L Notes Birth midnight 28 - 2. Reader: JL – Circumcision/Brit December Milah Audio: Birth, Bar Mitzvah, 4 3. Gateway p. 43 - 46 Divorce & Conversion Bar/Bat Mitzvah 1. D2L Notes 2. Reader: JL – Bar Mitzvah & Bat Mitzvah 3. Gateway p. 48 - 49 Divorce 1. D2L Notes 2. Reader: JW – Divorce 3. Reader: JL – Even the Altar Sheds Tears 4. Gateway p. 29 - 30 Conversion 1. D2L Notes 2. Reader: JL – Converts/Ger 3. Reader: JW – Converts Weeks 14 Wedding & Marriage Audio: Weddings & Weekly Questions: Wed & 15 1. D2L Notes Marriage 5/14 midnight December 2. D2L Link: Jewish Wedding: Audio: Marriage Cont & Extra Credit Term Paper 5 - 14 Step by Step Death/Mourning (OPTIONAL) Wed 5/14@ 3. Gateway p. 15 - 29 Video: Oprah Visits a midnight Reader: JL - Aufruf Mikvah End of Semester Death & Mourning Audio: Death/Mourning Questionnaire (OPTIONAL 1. D2L Notes Cont. – Extra Credit) Wed 5/14 @ 2. Reader: JL – Burial midnight Society/Chevra Kadisha 3. Jewish Way in Death & Mourning (recommended) FINAL QUIZ Quiz #4 Dec 14 @ 8am – (ON D2L) Dec 18 @ midnight ** JL – Jewish Literacy by Joseph Telushkin **JW – Jewish Wisdom by Joseph Telushkin