Overview

Among the topics discussed in the module, will be: • The beginnings of Judaism. • An overview of the Tanakh (The Hebrew Bible) and the central elements of the Jewish religion, including the covenant and the mitzvot. • Global Judaism. • Influential Jewish thinkers: Moses Maimonides and Moses Mendelssohn. • Practicing contemporary Judaism. • From Ultra-Orthodox to Liberal: the various denominations within modern Judaism. • Current affairs: anti-Semitism and Israel-Palestine.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold D- to D +

Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows: •Generally accurate but with omissions and errors. •Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning. •Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions. •Draws on a relatively narrow range of material.

Good C- to C +

•Submitted work is competent throughout and occasionally distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates: Good structure and logically developed arguments. • At least in parts draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student. • Assertions are, in the main, backed by evidence and sound reasoning. • Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

Very Good B- to B+

Submitted work is competent throughout and distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates: •Very good structure and logically developed arguments. • Draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student. • Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning. • Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

Excellent A- to A*

Submitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways: •Has originality of exposition with the student’s own thinking being readily apparent. •Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study. •Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions.

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.