Course Description
Exploration of the boundaries between Scripture and tradition by examining stories in the Hebrew Bible and comparing them with their subsequent interpretation and re-tellings in later Jewish communities. We will also look at other legendary stories from within the 3000-year tradition of Jewish literature.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will have the opportunity to read texts in the original language (Hebrew) and write a research paper that more deeply explores the texts.
Athena Title
Jewish Myths and Legends
Prerequisite
Third- or fourth-year student standing or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
- By the end of this course, students will be able to read and interact with the major Jewish texts from various time periods, organizing and synthesizing evidence to reveal insightful patterns, similarities, and differences.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to consider the historical context within which the major Jewish texts were written and engage with the material in context.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to analyze interpretive texts and discuss the objectives and/or motives of the authors, communicating their conclusions based on textual evidence.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to develop an awareness, appreciation, and knowledge of the different traditions of Jewish interpretation.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to discuss how Jewish myths and legends relate to those of other traditions, such as the Christian traditions, and determine how differences may shape one's worldview and interactions.
Topical Outline
- 1. Introduction to the Bible, Midrash, and other Jewish Literary traditions
- 2. Creation Stories
- 3. The Patriarchal Narratives and the Exodus
- 4. The Judges and Monarchic Periods
- 5. Apocryphal Literature
- 6. Rabbinic Literature
- 7. Medieval Historiography
- 8. Medieval Legends
- 9. Hasidic Folklore
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
