Module VPR-2404:
Judaism in the Modern World
Judaism in the Modern World 2023-24
VPR-2404
2023-24
School Of History, Law And Social Sciences
Module - Semester 2
20 credits
Module Organiser:
Gareth Evans-Jones
Overview
The module may include, but will not be limited to studying: The historical background of Judaism; An overview of the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) and the central tenants of the Jewish faith, including the covenant, the mitzvot, and the concept of ‘God’s chosen people’; The impact of the destruction of the Second Temple and the development of diasporic Judaism; Influential Jewish thinkers, such as Moses Maimonides and Moses Mendelssohn; The practice of contemporary Judaism: rites of passage, dietary laws, religious festivals and rituals; the diverse denominations within modern-day Judaism; Modern Judaism and certain issues: feminism and environmentalism.
Learning Outcomes
- Present information on a topic related to Judaism in a clear and coherent manner.
- • Apply Jewish insights and philosophies to a variety of social and scientific issues.
- • Demonstrate an ability to explore the relationship between Judaism and global political issues.
- • Demonstrate an awareness of the various theological and cultural traditions existent in contemporary Judaism.
- • Discuss and demonstrate knowledge of the variety of sources existent in the Jewish tradition and appreciate how they can be applied to contemporary world situations.
Assessment type
Ffurfiannol
Description
Students are expected to provide a glossary of key terms linked to Judaism.
Weighting
30%
Assessment type
Ffurfiannol
Description
Students will be expected to deliver a 10-minute individual presentation on a particular aspect of Judaism in the Modern World. Students will be given a choice of 5 topics to select from.
Weighting
30%
Assessment type
Ffurfiannol
Description
Students will be expected to write a 2,500- word essay in response to one topic/question out of a selection of 5.
Weighting
40%