University Of Wolverhampton
School of Humanities, Languages and Social Sciences

Module Code: RL2201
Module Title: The Jewish Tradition
Semester 1
2000/2001

Pre-requisites: RL1003, RL1010
Co-requisites: None
Credit value: 15 credits
Level: Two
Timetable slots: Thursday 10-1.
Location: Dudley Campus DS204
Module Leader: Dr Deirdre Burke, S block 2nd Floor DS201 Tel; 01902 323522
e-mail : in5454@wlv.ac.uk (fax 01902 323379)
Availability of staff: Please see notice board and my office door.
Office hours (usually) Tues/ Thurs/ Fri 9.00 - 9.30 & Thursday 2-3
Phone in: Wednesday 8.30 - 9.30

Module Aims and Description
This module explores aspects of contemporary Jewish religious thought and
practice through the perspectives of history and tradition. It is an
encounter with the many forms of Judaism practised in modern Britain, with
the aim to provide an insight into what it means to be a 'Jew'. The essay
enables students to assess the contribution of popular presentations of the
faith, in a novel or film, to their study of Judaism. Students will visit a
synagogue to observe worship, and undertake a study which explores the
modern challenges facing Jews.

Module Outcomes:

Subject Specific
1. identify and explain the interplay between tradition and contemporary
religious observance
2. give a clear account of a Jewish religious service
3. compare academic and popular presentations of religion

Key Skills
1. Communicate effectively: oral presentation

Lecture Programme

Session 1 - What is Judaism - issues of definition
Reading: Jacobs, L (1984) The Book of Jewish Belief ch 1.
Trepp, L (1980) The Complete Book of Jewish Observance p.1-12

Session 2 - Jewish Novels - insights into Jewish life
Reading: Mosco. M Almonds and Raisins
Potok, C The Chosen

Session 3 - Paradigms in Jewish History
Reading: Alexander, P (1984) Textual Sources for the Study of Judaism p.171
Englander, D (1992) The Jewish Enigma

Session 4 - Jewish self-definition Presentation Group A
Reading: Rayner, J (1978) Judaism for Today
Trepp, L (1973) History of the Jewish Experience

Session 5 - Talmud - Torah The Jewish Tradition Presentation Group B
Reading: Alexander, P (1984) Textual Sources ... p.57-68,78-94s
Epstein, I (1987) Judaism

Session 6 - Guides for the Perplexed - Philosophy and Mysticism
Presentation Group C
Reading: Jacobs,L (1984) A Book of Jewish belief ch9
Trepp, L (1973) History of Jewish Experience p.265-290,335-366

Session 7 -Worship and the Synagogue Presentation Group D
Reading: Raphael,C (1985) A Jewish Book of Common Prayer
Trepp, L (1980) The complete Book of Jewish Observance p.13-54,

Session 8 - The Festival Year Presentation Group E
Reading: Trepp, L (1980) The Complete Book of Jewish Observance

Session 9- Rites of Passage
Reading: Strassfeld J (1972) 2nd Jewish Catalogue Presentation Group F
Reading: Strassfeld J (1972) 2nd Jewish Catalogue
Trepp, L (1980) The Complete Book of Jewish Observance

Session 10 - Zionism and the State of Israel Presentation Group G
Reading : Alexander, P (1984) Textual sources...p.155-171
Trepp, L (1973) History of Jewish Experience p321-334

Session 11 - Reading Week

Session 12 - Belief in God After Auschwitz - Theology
Reading: Brenner, RR (1980) The Faith and Doubt of Holocaust Survivors
Rubenstein, R & Roth, J (1987) Approaches to Auschwitz
Indicative Reading

Short Loan List:
Alexander, P (1984).Textual Sources for the Study of Judaism Manchester:
M.U.P.
Cohn-Sherbok ,D (1989) Holocaust Theology London: Lampe Press
Cohn-Sherbok, D (1993) The Jewish Faith London: SPCK
Brook, S (1996) The Club London: Constable
Dorff, E.N. & Newman, L.E. (1999) Contemporary Jewish Theology: A Reader
Oxford: Oxford University Press
Eisen, A.M. (1998) Rethinking Modern Judaism London: University of Chicago
Press
Englander, D (1992) The Jewish Enigma London: Open University
Jacobs, L (1986) The Book of Jewish Belief New York: Behrman
Jacobs, L (1986).The Book of Jewish Practice New Jersey: Behrman
Kunin, S (ed) (2000) Themes and Issues in Judaism London: Cassell 0304337587
Maccoby, H (1993) Judaism on Trial London: Littman Library of Jewish
Civilisation
Mendes-Flohr ,P & Reinharz, J (eds) (1995) The Jew in the Modern World
Oxford: Oxford U.P.
Neusner, J (1993) The Way of Torah Belmont: Wadsworth Pub.
Raphael, C (1986) A Jewish Book of Common Prayer London: Wiedenfeld & Nicolson
Rayner, J (1995) Judaism for Today London: ULPS
Romain, J (1991) Faith and Practice London: RSGB
Rubenstein, R (1987) Approaches to Auschwitz London: SCM
Trepp, L (1962) History of the Jewish Experience New York: Behrman
Trepp, L (1980) The Complete Book of Jewish Observance New York: Behrman

Please check guidance for each Session

Essential weekly reading :
The Jewish Chronicle - weekly newspaper
The Encyclopedia Judaica - reference (check topics in the index)

Teaching and Learning Methods
Lecture input supplemented with seminar discussion around weekly
recommended readings. Seminars and lectures will also make use of video
material to illustrate and provide a stimulus for discussion. Visit to a
Progressive Synagogue.

Assessment Methods, Weighting and Deadlines
Component 1 Research Tasks Weighting Hand in Deadline
Element 1 Report on visit 25% 21st December 2000
Element 2 Presentation 25% Sessions 4-10

Component 2 Essay (2,500 words) 50% 11th January 2001

Assessment Tasks and Criteria

Component 1. Research tasks 50%
Element 1. Report on the Synagogue Visit (25%)- hand in 21st December 2000
Visits to a Progressive Synagogue will take place in November and December
- sign up for a visit on Friday or Saturday. From your visit to a
synagogue to observe worship and your research after the visit, provide a
report of 1500 words.

Your report needs to include:
i. The main architectural features and the setting for worship
You need to set your observations within the framework of your research,
showing features that are typical of all synagogues and explaining aspects
that were atypical.
ii. An account of one of the following:
- The Scriptural Readings
- The Rabbi's sermon
- Prayers in the service
- Hymns
You need to report on the content of your selection and to provide a
commentary which explains how decisions are made about your selection, and
an explanation of the content. You must draw upon recommended reading to
complete this task.

Element 2 Presentation - individual slot in Sessions 5-11 25%
Select a novel and theme from the list provided in session 2. and present
your findings in the specified session. The presentation should last for 10
minutes and should provide the following:

- an overview of the content of the novel on the theme
- focus on one point and bring in your research to show how far the novel's
presentation is:
- accurate
- comprehensive
- identify and state the case for the novel making one contribution to your
understanding of the theme.

You will be assessed on the Key Skill Communication Oral
The ability to present material in a variety of structured formats (e.g.
formal presentations, formal and informal explanations, instructions);
recognise different audiences and make use of appropriate styles, including
interactive responses.

Aspect Not Yet Ready Pass Good
Gains attention Does not get the group's attention Gets the group's
attention Actively gets the group's attention
Voice level Voice level inadequate Easy to hear Voice interesting and well
modulated
Eye contact No eye contact Established eye contact Good eye contact and
gestures to include all
Structure Structure unclear Structure clear Good structure with pauses/
emphases
Pace Pace uncomfortable
(too slow/ too fast) Comfortable pace Fluent and natural pace
Visuals Visuals unclear/ mixed up/ confusing/ none Clear visuals but not
used well Visuals clear, used well
Style Inappropriate formality/ informality
Vocabulary limited Appropriate formality/ vocabulary Relaxed but
appropriate with good vocabulary
Conveys meaning Very little meaning conveyed Able to convey core message
Conveys task successfully
Reponses to Questions Not able to go beyond presentation Able to provide
responses to questions Responses show a good understanding

Component 2
Essay 2,500 words 50%

How far can a novel reflect the tensions that exist in Jewish religious life?
Consider this question in relation to a Jewish novel, and assess the
strengths and weaknesses of the presentation.

In assessing your essay your tutor will pay particular attention to the
following criteria (please also consult your Religious Studies Subject
Guide for guidance on assessment)

a) the extent to which the work presents a clear, concise and
contextualised discussion of the topic, with well-developed, balanced and
logical arguments

b) the depth of research in the selected topic, with the use of an
appropriate range of sources

c) the degree to which arguments are supported with appropriate evidence
(which is clearly referenced) a. clear presentation of the aspect of
thought and/or practice to be covered

Referencing:
Please follow the guidance on the Harvard system of referencing in The
Study of Religion booklet for all Religious Studies assignments.

Submission
All work should be submitted to the Student Access Point and a receipt
obtained. These dates are final.

Extensions
In some circumstances an extension may be granted. Please ensure that you
obtain the appropriate Extension Form (AAO33) from a Campus Registry
Student Access Point and then follow the procedure for obtaining signatures
determined by your School.

Return
The normal expectation is that such returns will be within a three working
week period of the submission date. Any coursework not collected by a
student will be filed by Admin. Staff in the Reception Area. It may then be
collected by you on production of your I.D. card. It will not be given to
another student in your absence.

Retrieval:
Students gaining an E grade for the module will have the opportunity to
resit/resubmit the relevant failed elements(s) at the first appropriate
occasion. If successful, a grade of D5 will be recorded for the resubmitted
piece of work. Those students with validated extenuating circumstances who
have failed to complete part or all of the assessment will be offered the
chance to complete the outstanding work without penalty at the first
appropriate occasion. In both instances students will be notified of the
precise retrieval/first sit requirements. Any queries should be addressed
to the Dudley Student Access Point.

Retrieval of Component 1
Key Skill Oral Communication: Students will be required to redo the
presentation on a specified date.
Report: students will be required to rework and resubmit the original
failed element.

Retrieval of Component 2
Essay - Students will be required to rework and resubmit the same essay,
unless otherwise directed.

Registration:
Students need to ensure they are properly registered on this module.

Consequences of cheating/plagiarism.
Please see Subject Guide

Dr Deirdre Burke
July 2000
Valid 2000/ 2001