Philosophy - Maalot Educational Network
Organization
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- Computer Science - Maalot Educational Network
- Cyber Security - Maalot Educational Network
- Education - Maalot Educational Network
- English - Faith Builders Educational Programs
- Hebrew - Maalot Educational Network
- History - Maalot Educational Network
- Judaic Studies/Religion - Maalot Educational Network
- Mathematics - Maalot Educational Network
- Philosophy - Maalot Educational Network
- Psychology and Sociology - Maalot Educational Network
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Descriptions and credit recommendations for all evaluated learning experiences
Classroom: 39 hours (13 weeks). Distance/Hybrid: Varies.
September 2020 - Present.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to evaluate and explain the fundamental substance of the Beis HaLevi’s formulation of essential concepts of Jewish philosophy, distinguish the Beis HaLevi’s distinctive methodology in exegesis of biblical and rabbinic sources, and recognize and analyze the theological and ethical ideas expressed in prior works of Jewish philosophy as they are addressed and developed in the Beis HaLevi’s writings. Students will be able to interpret classic and modern Jewish philosophical work with greater skill and knowledge of philosophical terms.
Major topics taught in this course include: Connection between the golden calf and the giving of the Torah, Moshe’s response to the golden calf, the power of Repentance, merits, demerits and consequences in the balance of human behavior, “E-he-ye-h asher E-he-ye-h” as a principle in accountability, Yitzchak, Rivka and Esav - the concept of the firstborn, the value of charity as a conduit to goodness and abundance, the dialogues of Rabbi Akiva and Tyranus Rufus, purposes of the ten plagues, connection between the ten plagues and the sin of the golden calf, understanding the sin of the golden calf, understanding the concept of mitzvos, red heifer in the repentance process, why remember Amalek, and the answer to the wicked son in the Haggadah. Topics and exegetists may vary. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and textual preparations. Prerequisite: Ability to read and comprehend Hebrew language, familiarity with courses in Biblical texts and exegesis, two courses in Jewish Philosophy, or permission from the instructor.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Philosophy, Judaic Studies, Hebrew Bible, or Religious Studies (3/21).
Classroom: 39 hours (13 weeks). Distance/Hybrid: Varies.
September 2020 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will analyze the historical and personal contexts of primary sources, discern the relationship of a teacher to his or her students through their letters, and evaluate Jewish philosophical approaches to selected concepts. Students will demonstrate proficiency in textual skills and modern Jewish history through researching original texts and the personal lives of their authors.
Bibliographical information about each letter writer and his/her influence on Jewish history, the importance of knowing an author’s historical context, major accomplishments, and the name by which he/she is known, the superiority of letters to published material in getting to know the author’s mind, value of prayer, dual nature of trials, G-d responds in kind, women’s role, spiritual aspirations and social life, fraternal love as the gateway to love of G-d, impact of Bais Yaakov on women of its generation and on ours, Purim as “letter” and personal message, G-dliness and Amalek, obligation to feel personal experience of the Exodus from Egypt, what Pesach celebrates, solitude and society, maintaining values even in hardship, modern idolatries, and growth-potential of milestones. Topics and sources may vary. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and textual preparations. Prerequisite: Ability to read and comprehend Hebrew language familiarity with courses in Biblical texts and exegesis. Pre or co-requisite: two courses in Jewish Philosophy, or permission from the instructor.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Hebrew Bible, or Religious Studies (3/21).
Classroom: 39 hours (13 weeks) / Distance/hybrid: Varies.
Major topics taught in this course include: Holiness, impact of the mitzvos of interpersonal relationships on individuals and on nation, employee/employer relationships, effects of anger, balancing physicality and spirituality, leaders and leadership, hierarchy and unity, thanking G-d for the bad, truth, forgiveness, potential destructiveness of speech. Topics may vary. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and textual preparation.
Upon successful completion of the course, exhibit perception of Rambam's formulation of the principles, and the influence of the principles on contemporary discussions, as well as appraise the theological and ethical ideas expressed in the principles, as discussed in other works of Jewish thought; correlate the discussion of Maimonides’s principles with other works of Jewish thought; appraise the original writings of other notable Jewish philosophers.
Classroom: 39 hours (13 weeks). Distance/hybrid: Varies.
September 2009 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: describe traditional Jewish outlook on major religious, ethical, and philosophical themes and issues; analyze pertinent source materials and compare them with parallel outlooks from a range of non-traditional or non-Jewish sources.
Major topics include: the closeness of Israel, equal opportunity, racial and religious tolerance, relationships with non-Jews, anti-Semitism, the seven Noahide laws, suffering, and Theodicy. Topics may vary. Methods of instruction include: lecture, classroom discussion, and textual preparation. Prerequisite: To be posted.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Religion, Ethics, or Hebraic/Judaic Studies (10/10) (8/15 revalidation) (3/21 revalidation).
