We will consider a variety of Jewish philosophical responses to fundamental problems and concerns including human nature, faiths/reasons controversies, theories of revelation,  existential and feminist Jewish philosophies. Be willing to struggle with difficult philosophical texts and issues. Requirements include participation, attendance, successful completion of a presentation on at least one of the readings and a final project to be agreed upon with the instructor.  

Course Objectives:

(A) To examine a variety of Jewish philosophical tendencies as responses to fundamental crises and challenges. The course will focus on several paradigmatic philosophies of Judaism in terms of the following:

1. The human person (philosophical anthropology)
2. Revelation and obligation
3. Theology
4. Jewish Identity and Existence;

(B) encourage sensitivity to the influence and importance of gender and culture in the development of these philosophies;
(C) challenge students to closely and critically examine a Jewish philosophical work in depth, report on the results of that examination and respond to it in light of their own philosophical religious orientations.

Required Texts

• Bible
• Buber, Martin.  The Way of Man According to the Teachings of the Hasidim  (Citadel Press, 1994).
• Kamenetz, Rodger.  The Jew in the Lotus (HarperSanFrancisco, 1995).
• Maimonides, Moses: The Guide for the Perplexed, Friedlander translation. (Dover, 1956)
• Plaskow, Judith: Standing Again at Sinai: Judaism from a Feminist Perspective (Harper Collins, 1990).
• Strauss, Leo. Persecution and the Art of Writing (Chicago & London: University of Chicago Press, 1988).
• Wiesel, Elie.  The Night Trilogy: Night, Dawn, and The Accident (Hill and Wang, 1987).

There are also some other required readings on reserve in the library, as indicated in the syllabus and class discussions.

Other Texts (Final projects may be based on  any of the following)

• Altmann, Alexander (editor): Three Jewish Philosophers [selections from Philo, Saadia, Halevi] (New York: Atheneum, 1977)
• Buber, Martin: Between Man and Man (New York, Macmillan, 1985).
• Buber, Martin: I and Thou, translated by Walter Kaufmann (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1970).
• Buber, Martin.  I and Tao. See Herman, below.
• Buber, Martin: "The Way of Man According to the Teachings of the Hasidim." (in Kaufmann's Religion from Tolstoy to Camus, on reserve in the library.)
• Fackenheim, Emil: God's Presence in History: Jewish Affirmations and Philosophical Reflections (New York: Harper & Row, 1970).
• Glatzer, Nahum: Franz Rosenzweig: His Life and Thought (Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 1953).
• Goldstein, Lisa.  Travellers in Magic (Tor Books, 1994)
  
• Guttmann, Julius. The Philosophy of Judaism: The History of Jewish philosophy from Biblical times to Franz Rosenzweig by Julius Guttmann; translated by David W. Silverman. Northvale, N.J.: J. Aronson, 1988. [Also acceptable is the older edition:
• Guttmann, Julius. Philosophies of Judaism: The History of Jewish Philosophy from Biblical Times to Franz Rosenzweig, with an Introduction by R. J. Werblowsky; translated by David W. Silverman (New York: Schocken Books, 1973).]
• Herman,  Jonathan R.:  I and Tao : Martin Buber's Encounter With Chuang Tzu.  (SUNY, 1996)
• Hertzberg, Arthur (editor): The Zionist Idea: A Historical Analysis and Reader (New York: Atheneum, 1975).
• Heschel, Abraham: Between God and Man:  An Interpretation of Judaism [selected, edited and introduced by Fritz A. Rothschild] (New York: The Free Press, 1959).
• Heschel, Susannah (ed.): On Being a Jewish Feminist: A Reader (New York: Schocken Books, 1983).
• Husik, Isaac: A History of Mediaeval Jewish Philosophy (New York: Atheneum, 1974).
• Kaufmann, Walter Arnold, ed.: Religion from Tolstoy to Camus (New York:  Harper, 1961).
• Maimonides, Moses: The Guide of the Perplexed (in two volumes), translated with an introduction and notes by Shlomo Pines; introductory essay by Leo Strauss (University of Chicago Press, 1963).
• Milgram, Stanley: Obedience to Authority:  An Experimental View (New York: Harper & Row, 1974).
• Reines, Alvin: Polydoxy: Explorations in a Philosophy of Liberal Religion (Buffalo: Prometheus Books, 1987).
• Rivkin, Ellis: The Shaping of Jewish History: A Radical New Interpretation (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1971).
• Rosenbloom, Noah: Tradition in an age of Reform: The Religious Philosophy of Samson Raphael Hirsch (Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 1976).
• Samuelson, Norbert:  An Introduction to Modern Jewish Philosophy (Albany : SUNY, 1989).
• Scholem, Gershom: Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism (New York: Schocken, 1954).
• Schwarzschild, Steven: The Pursuit of the Ideal: Jewish Writings of Steven Schwarzschild, edited by Menachem Kellner (SUNY, 1990).

Method

The aims of this course are intended to be met through lectures, discussion, preparation and completion of examinations, and preparation and presentation of the final project.

Course requirements and grading

* Carefully read the assigned texts. Be prepared to discuss the readings in class. (participation counts for  25%; 4% will be deducted from this part of the  grade for each day in which you do not participate at all;  in class writing assignments will be figured into this part of the grade) 
* Do the short writings on the reading assignments (25%)
* Prepare and present on one of the readings for class. (25%)
* Complete and be prepared to present a final project (25%)
 
Grades are based on a 10 point scale as follows:
90-100 - 'A' range (97-100 = A+; 94-96=A; 90-93=A-).
80-89  - 'B' range (87-89 = B+; 84-86=B; 80-83=B-).
70-79  - 'C' range (77-79 = C+; 74-76=C; 70-73=C-).
60-69  - 'D' range (67-69 = D+; 64-66=D; 60-63=D-).
Below 60 - 'F'.

Failure to complete any of (1)-(4) can result in a failing grade. Plagiarism will result in a failing grade.

ABOUT SHORT WRITING ASSIGNMENTS:

Reading  question(s) are given for each assignment.  Unless otherwise indicated, please answer the reading question(s) in less than one TYPED page (all assignments except in class writings are to be typed).  Make sure you are working with the current version of this syllabus.

STUDENT PRESENTATIONS:  For reading and project presentations,  you will be required to turn in an outline or abstract of your presentation, complete with a list of all works used. Also, if you use any web pages, not only should these be listed on the outline with the rest of your bibliography, but you are also required to turn in a printout of all web pages used in preparing the presentation. If your group divides the work into separate parts, each member of the group will need to provide his or her own outline/abstract and printouts. Outlines/abstracts, and printouts are to be given to me BEFORE the presentation. Failure to do so BEFORE  the presentation will result in a 30% deduction from the relevant presenter's presentation grade. If the outline and printouts are not turned in by the next class, there will be an additional 30% deduction. You may use up to but not more than 5 minutes of videotaped material for your presentation. If the class is meeting in a room with a built-in VCR, make sure you know how to use it. If you need to bring in a VCR for the presentation, you may order one from AV by calling 445-4380 or on the web at http://www.lemoyne.edu/information_systems/audio_visual/class.html
In the event of a technical glitch or delivery problem make sure you can present without the videotaped material.

STUDENT PRESENTATIONS ON READINGS: All students are expected to do all readings and to share their understanding with one another in class discussions by leading their own and participating in other students' presentations on the various readings. Student presentations on readings begin the second week of class, and will be scheduled during the first week. The subtopics will be divided up into student groups whose size will be determined by the class size.
       Remember: You have less than an hour to present. Focus on the aspects your group finds most interesting and important. Do not try to cover everything. Your presentation will be improved if you make it easier for others to participate. (Please try to help others' presentations by participating!) Please feel free to meet with me to discuss your presentations. If you don't find me on campus, you are welcome to call me at home before 8:00 PM. YOU CAN ALWAYS LEAVE A VOICE MAIL MESSAGE AT 445-4489.

Final Project:  Written and Presented to Class

Students are to closely and critically examine a Jewish philosophical work (of their own choice) in depth, report on the results of that examination and respond to it in light of their own philosophical religious orientations. The first portion of this assignment is exegetic and expository, requiring the student to present and explain the work in question, making  sure to indicate philosophical strengths and weaknesses. The second part of the assignment invites the students to respond. The response may consist of an essay explaining your view and criticisms; you might write a dialogue or story addressing some of the central issues; you might do something else. Students who do this project as part of a group are required to write an additional brief individual essay on the project topic.

SPECIAL NEEDS
In coordination with the Academic Support Center (ASC), reasonable accommodations are provided for qualified students with disabilities. Please register with the ASC Office for disability verification and determination of reasonable accommodations. After receiving your accommodation form from the ASC, you will need to make an appointment with me to review the form and discuss your needs. Please make every attempt to meet with me within the first week of class so your accommodations can be provided in a timely manner. You can either stop by the ASC, Library, 1st floor, or call (445-4118-voice or 445-4104-TDD) to make an appointment.

IMPORTANT DATES
No classes on the following dates: Mon., Jan. 20 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day), Mar. 3-7 (Spring Break), Apr. 17 -21 (Easter Break).
PROJECT PROPOSALS DUE Mon., Mar. 10.   WRITTEN PROJECTS DUE:  Mon.,  Apr. 14.
LAST DAY OF CLASS - May 5.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE ('*'indicates dates on which students present)

Week #1 (of Jan. 13)  Introduce course, choose groups and schedule presentations on readings, IN CLASS WRITING#1: Write a brief (less than 3 pages handwritten) essay describing your knowledge of and experience(s) with Judaism(s).

Note: No class Mon., Jan. 20 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)

*Week #2 (of Jan.  27)  Introduction of  some biblical perspectives.  Read the book of Genesis.  Students present on issues suggested by the text. SHORT WRITING ASSIGNMENT  #1( ALL SHORT WRITING ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE THE DATE OF THE RESPECTIVE STUDENT PRESENTATION ): What is God's relationship to people in the book of Genesis?  How, at all, does it change throughout the book?

*Week #3 (of Feb. 3)  Read the books of Exodus and Esther.  SHORT WRITING ASSIGNMENT #2:  What is the difference between the way the descendants of Abraham and Sarah deal with persecution in the two books?  Students present on Esther.

*Week #4 (of Feb. 10)  Read Ecclesiastes. SHORT WRITING ASSIGNMENT #3:   What problem is bothering the author of Ecclesiastes?  Students present on Ecclesiastes. Instructor present's on views of the after-life in the development of Judaism..

Week #5 (of Feb. 17.)  Lecture on Philo.  Read Saadia selections in Arthur Hyman and James J. Walsh (eds.), Philosophy in the Middle Ages: The Christian, Islamic, and Jewish Traditions, Second Edition, Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company, 1983 [on reserve in the library) IN CLASS WRITING #2: In what ways, if any, are Saadia and Philo addressing the same problems?

*Week #6 (of Feb. 24)   Read Guide., pp. 1-37.   Read Strauss's introduction and title essay  SHORT WRITING ASSIGNMENT #4:  Who is Maimonides' audience?   Students present on Maimonides'  life and work.  Lecture on secret writing and Strauss.

Note :  No class Mar. 3-7 (Spring Break)

*Week #7 (of Mar. 10)  Read Guide., Pages 59-120; 212-250.  Read Strauss, Chs. 2 &3.    Read Guide, 307-397.   Students present on Guide, pp.  307-397.  SHORT WRITING ASSIGNMENT#5:   According to Maimonides, How do the best persons conduct their lives? Monday, Mar. 10:  PROJECT PROPOSALS DUE.  

Week #8 (of Mar. 17)  Read Maimonides on Evil  and Providence (264-306).     IN CLASS WRITING #3:   What do you take to be Maimonides' central thesis about evil and providence?  How does it square with your own views?  

*Week #9 (of Mar. 24)  Wiesel on Evil and Responsibility.  If you have not yet read Night, do so. Then read Dawn.  SHORT WRITING ASSIGNMENT #6: What problem faces the protagonist in Dawn?  How does this and related problems affect our lives today?   Note:  You are welcome to do this within one page if you can, but, for this assignment, the page limit is extended to 3 TYPED pages.  Mar. 26: Students present on Dawn, group work on Dawn.

*Week 10: (of Mar. 31)  Buber on responsibility. Read Buber's "The Way of Man."   students present on Buber's The Way of Man .  Instructor presents on Buber's philosophy.  SHORT WRITING ASSIGNMENT#7:   What does The Way of Man tell us about  the meaning of the question "Where are you?"

*Week 11 (of Apr. 7)   Wiesel and Schwarzschild on responsibility after the Holocaust.  Read Wiesel's The Accident.   Read Schwarzschild's Ch. 4, "On the Theology of Jewish Survival" (pp. 83-98, and pp. 278-284, and Ch 12,"Modern Jewish Philosophy" in Pursuit of the Ideal, pp.229-233 [on reserve in library]).  Students present on The Accident.  SHORT WRITING ASSIGNMENT #8:   How does Wiesel and/or how does Schwarzschild think we should live in a post-holocaust world?

*Week 12: (of April 14)  Read Standing Again at Sinai: Judaism from a Feminist Perspective. SHORT WRITING ASSIGNMENT #9 (3 page maximum):  What is the basic problem Plaskow addresses in this book?  What can we learn from the response?  Students present on Standing Again at Sinai, first half.  Students present on Standing Again at Sinai, second half.

Note:  No Class Apr. 21.  Apr. 17 -21 (Easter Break).

 *Week 13  (of Apr. 28).  Read The Jew in the Lotus.  SHORT WRITING ASSIGNMENT #10 (3 page maximum): What is the basic problem faced by the Jews in this book?  What is the basic problem faced by the Tibetans?  Of all the people you "met" reading this book, which two did you like the best?  Why?  What did they offer?  Course evaluations.   Students present on The Jew in the Lotus.  Final project presentations begin.  These reports are to be between 10 and 15 minutes in length; more time will be allotted to students working in groups. Students who are unable to do their individual presentations at the scheduled time will need to schedule a make-up presentation to be done at the regularly scheduled final exam time for this course.

*Week 14 (May 5, last day of class).  Students continue to report on their final projects .

Remember:   WRITTEN PROJECTS DUE: Thurs., April 16.
EVALUATIONS: Mon., Apr. 28. 

Links:

• This 2003 Philosophies of Judaism Syllabus is located at  http://webserver.lemoyne.edu/~kagan/POJ2003.html
• Back to M. Kagan's page (http://webserver.lemoyne.edu/~kagan/index.html)
• [Philosophies of Judaism: Useful and Interesting Links]