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National College Credit Recommendation Service

Board of Regents  |  University of the State of New York

Maalot Educational Network | Evaluated Learning Experience

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Studies in the Book of Ecclesiastes (REL357)

Formerly Ecclesiastes (REL357)
Course Category: 
Judaic Studies/Religion - Maalot Educational Network
Length: 

Classroom: 39 hours (13 weeks). Distance/Hybrid: Varies. 

Location: 
Traditional classroom-based offered at Maalot, Jerusalem, and other authorized locations. Distance learning and hybrid options available.
Dates: 

September 2009 - Present.

Instructional delivery format: 
Traditional classroom model
Online/distance learning
Hybrid course/exam
Learner Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: articulate and evaluate multiple viewpoints on the major religious, philosophical and moral questions raised in the Book of Ecclesiastes as expounded upon in the commentaries on the Book and in major works of Jewish thought; recognize moral dilemmas inherent in daily existence and apply the wisdom of Solomon to recognize, weigh and resolve those moral challenges; demonstrate skills of independent textual analysis.

Instruction: 

Major topics taught in this course include: The three Biblical works of King Solomon; King Solomon’s weltanschauung; “Vanity of vanities”; the purpose of human existence; fear of G-d; true joy; “Adam”; “under the sun”; “mazal”; nature and miracles; pain and pleasure; wisdom and its pitfalls, Torah wisdom, secular wisdom, Greek wisdom; philosophical and intellectual analyses of questions of faith; free will and destiny; serving G-d through joy; suffering of the righteous, benefits of earthly suffering; man as a blend of animal and intellect; futility of wealth; reward in World to Come; Divine justice and man’s limited understanding; poverty and the struggle for sustenance; evil inclination; prosperity of the wicked as a test of faith; love one’s fellow as oneself; Divine intervention; death; youth and old age; repentance; the resolution of Koheles. Topics may vary. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion, and textual preparation.

Credit recommendation: 

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Hebraic Scriptures, Judaic Studies, or Religious Studies (10/10) (8/15 revalidation) (3/21 revalidation).

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