JPHI 4932 - FGM Topics: Redemption-Contempory Jewish Thought

Abstract

Course Description: This course will present and survey approaches to the concept of redemption through the prism of Jewish thought and Jewish observance. A main goal of the course is to develop an understanding of traditional and contemporary Jewish views on redemption and interpret these views with practical application to present day realities. The course will combine the learning of relevant historical Jewish episodes with the study of various Jewish approaches to redemption. Students will synthesize and interpret these views of Judaic thought on redemption while focusing on the Jewish historical occurrences of the past 80 years and relate the astonishing impact this has had and will continue to have on contemporary global society and Jewish society both in the diaspora and in Israel. This course will foster an urgent sense of developing a personal and/or national mission and as such students will be challenged to formulate and put into effect their own personal and/or national plan that will impact their role in the redemptive process both in their personal and professional lives. Objective component:  weekly reading assignments and analysis/ discussion of material Subjective component: Subjective component:  projects and/or presentations or papers that will interpret course material in relation to contemporary life  developing (and implementing where possible) a creative vision for a national/personal/ professional objective that is aimed at contributing toward the redemptive process