JUDS 1843: Intermediate Talmud

Abstract

¶Course Description This course will explore extensively two types of legal documents: The first, to terminate a marriage through a divorce and the second, to execute civil transactions. It will analyze similarities and differences between these two types of documents and what both documents need to contain in order to be legal and binding. ¶Prerequisites 1-2 years of formal Talmudic study in an educational setting. ¶Course Objectives I have several objectives: The student should acquire proficiency in reading and translating precisely, Talmud and Rishonim. The student should acquire proficiency in analyzing clearly and thoroughly Talmud and Rishonim. And if the student can master these skills then: The student will be able, independently, to study any text of Talmud and Rishonim with accuracy, depth, and understanding. ¶In order to accomplish this, I ask the students to prepare, with a chavrusa, the material in advance of each class. During the formal class I call on the students to read, translate, explain, and analyze. I constantly impress upon the students to be meticulous and precise in their reading and translations and that every word is important. I constantly ask probing questions to ascertain if they fully understand the conceptual ideas being expressed. I would administer vocabulary quizzes as needed. I also administer a midterm and final, written and sometimes oral, which include a vocabulary section and a section that tests their conceptual understanding of all the material. I believe that this methodology of learning has been successful and that students have grown and are constantly developing their skills.