JUDS 1507: Policy and Halacha

Abstract

COURSE OVERVIEW: In this course we will be exploring areas of Halacha in a serious and thorough manner and learn to apply the approach of Halacha to everyday life experiences. Whether or not you have yet experienced some of the topics personally, the goal of this course is to show that observance of Halacha is a way of life and the Halacha has much to say in every area of modern life; even when it is not so clear what that looks like. Often times there are situations that do not fit perfectly into any particular box of Halacha – but the principles that are derived from the Halacha inform our approach to these questions. This course will explore and utilize that process.¶ COURSE GOALS: This course aims to extend and enhance already sophisticated text skills. Improvement in reading and analyzing text is a significant component of the course objective. The second core objective is to use the material studied and derive principles to apply to the case scenarios we will look at. The skill of reading and interpreting text, marshaling sources, and building/supporting an argument are the key skills this course seeks to develop.