PHL 324-01/REL 383-01, Philosophies
of Judaism [as of 08/24/2022]
Fall 2022, MWF 9:30-10:20am
(GH 403)
Prof. Michael Kagan
Zoom Office Hours - TU
& TH - 1:10-1:55pm, and by appointment.
Email:kagan@lemoyne.edu
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. (Prerequisite course(s): PHL 110, HON 110, PHL 210, or HON 215.)
(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:
(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.
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)
The aims of this course are intended to be met through lectures, discussion, preparation and completion of short writings, and preparation and presentation of the final project.
(1) Carefully read the assigned
texts. Be prepared to discuss the readings in class. I recommend
that you always bring your Bible and the reading assignment to class.
Participation counts for 25%; in class writing assignments will
be figured into this part of the grade.
(2) Prepare short writings on the
reading assignments. The short writings count for 25% of your
grade.
(3) Prepare and present on one of the
readings for class. (25%)
(4) 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: You are to select and complete four of the twelve short writing assignments (the average of the top 3 will count for this part of your grade). A reading question is given along with each assignment. Unless otherwise indicated, please answer the reading question 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 2 minutes of videotaped
material for your presentation. If
the class is meeting in a room with a built-in VCR/DVD player, make
sure you know how to use it. In the event of a technical glitch, power
failure, or delivery problem, make sure you can present without the
computer/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/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 one or two page individual essay on the project topic.
SPECIAL NEEDS
In coordination with the Academic
Support Center (ASC) and Disability
Support Services,
reasonable accommodations are provided for qualified students with
disabilities. Please register for disability verification and
determination of reasonable accommodations. After receiving your
accommodation form, 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.
IMPORTANT DATES:
If you miss class for any obligation
or religious observance throughout the semester, please let me know (so
it gets recorded as an excused absence).
No classes or office hours on the
following dates:
Sep. 26, Mon., Rosh Hashana
Oct. 5, Wed., Yom Kippur
Oct. 10-11 Mon-Tues - Fall break
Nov. 23-27 Wed-Sun - Thanksgiving Break
Due dates:
Project proposals due Thurs., Oct. 13.
Optional (for those who present their
projects), written projects due Thurs, Nov. 17, and
student project presentations (optional
for those who wrote their final projects) begin Fri, Nov. 11.
Other
Sep.
7., Wed., Mass of the Holy Spirit, 10:45 a.m. in the Panasci
Family Chapel. Classes that run 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. or 10 a.m. to 10:50
a.m. will dismiss at 10:30 a.m. Classes scheduled for 11 a.m. and noon
will not be held.
Last day of classes, Fri., Dec. 9.
CLOSINGS/CANCELLATIONS AND ONLINE VERSIONS OF THIS
COURSE
This semester (Fall 2023) the plan is to
start meeting synchronously in person in the classroom [RH345].
When
campus/dorms are closed due to flu or other circumstances, my intent is
that the course continue. Assignments continue to be due
electronically (if Canvas is down, email to kagan@lemoyne.edu may still
work). Presentations will be replaced by papers, virtual presentations,
or extended descriptions of presentations. In addition to notes
and group work already available there on-line, I will post
updates, lecture notes, etc., to Canvas and to my Le Moyne College
website.
As at other
times, if your situation results in your needing an extension, please
let me know. Also, if internet service is down or there are other
infrastructure problems, please complete the assignments and turn them
in when services are restored.
(Mon., Aug. 29) Introduce course and readings. Choose groups and
schedule presentations on readings.
(Wed., Aug.
31) Continue to schedule presentations on readings.
IN
CLASS WRITING #1: Write
a brief (less than 1 page) essay or outline describing your
knowledge of and experience(s) with Judaism(s), and what you would like
to learn from your work in this course.
(Fri., Sep 2) Introduction of some biblical perspectives. Read Rivkin, pp. 1-48 ("Patriarchs and Prophets" and "The Revolution of the Aaronides"). Read the book of Genesis, Chs. 1 to 23, and chs. 37-50. Text and commentary. Read Rivkin, pp. 49-99 ("The Pharisaic Revolution" and ""Heirs of the Pharisees").
*(Mon., Sep. 5) Text and commentary. Read Rivkin, pp. 100-126. Students present on issues suggested by the texts from Genesis. SHORT WRITING ASSIGNMENT #1(ALL SHORT WRITING ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE THE DATE OF THE RESPECTIVE STUDENT PRESENTATION): Describe God's relationship(s) to people in the book of Genesis. How does this change? What does Rivkin's analysis suggest about this?
(Wed., Sep. 7) Read the books of
Exodus, chs. 1-15, 16-34, and Ch. 40. Read the book of
Esther, and read Plaskow, pp. 114-117 ("Dealing with the Hard Stuff),
pp. 128-133 ("Beyond Egalitarianism”) and pp. 152-156 ("Preaching
Against the Text").
*(Fri., Sep. 9) SHORT WRITING ASSIGNMENT #2: How, if at all, have the relationships between people and God changed in the book of Esther (from what we read in Genesis and Exodus) in the book of Esther? Students present on Esther.
(Mon., Sep. 12) Philosophical Theology and Medieval Jewish Philosophy. Read Plaskow, pp. 121-123 ("God: Some Feminist Questions" and pp. 124-127 ("'It is Not in Heaven' Feminism and Religious Authority"). Read Rivkin, pp. 126-167 ("Medieval Ways to Salvation"). Please bring texts and questions to class.
*(Wed.,
Sept. 14) Read the book of Ecclesiastes. SHORT
WRITING ASSIGNMENT #3: What problem is bothering
the author of Ecclesiastes? Students present on
Ecclesiastes.
(Fri., Sept. 16) Instructor presents on some views about the after-life in the development of Judaism.
(Mon., Sep. 19) Lecture on secret writing and Strauss. Read Strauss's Introduction (Ch. 1, pp. 7-21) and title essay (Ch. 2, pp. 22-38). Bring Strauss, Guide., and Bible to class.
(Wed., Sep. 21) Read Guide., pp. 1-37, 59-120. Read Strauss, Ch. 3. Bring Strauss, Guide., and Bible to class. IN CLASS WRITING #2: Find a text in Strauss or the Bible readings we have read that make sense to interpret as secret writing. Explain why, and how we might interpret them.
*(Fri.,
Sept. 23) Read Guide, 212-250.
SHORT WRITING ASSIGNMENT #4:
Who is Maimonides' audience? Students present on
Maimonides’ life, projects, and multiple careers. Read Guide,
307-397. Bring Strauss, Guide., and Bible to class.
(Mon., Sept. 26) No class or office hours, Monday, Sep. 26, Rosh Hashana
(Wed., Sept. 28) Guide, pp. 307-397 [Chs. XXV-LIV (25-54)]. SHORT WRITING ASSIGNMENT #5: According to Maimonides, how do the best persons conduct their lives? How does this square with his own biography?
(Fri., Sept. 30) Please bring texts
and questions to class. Read Rivkin, Ch. IX, "The Road
to Auschwitz” (pp. 244-251) Wiesel on hope and
responsibility. Read Day.
*(Mon., Oct. 3) SHORT WRITING ASSIGNMENT #6: What problem faces the protagonist in Day? 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. Students present on Day.
(Wed., Oct. 5) No class or office hours, Wednesday, Oct. 5, Yom Kippur
(Fri., Oct. 7) Read Martin Buber’s I and Thou, translated by Walter Kaufmann. Bring I and Thou to class.
(Oct. 10-11) No class or office hours, Monday & Tuesday, Fall break
*(Wed., Oct. 12) SHORT WRITING ASSIGNMENT #7: Using material from I and Thou to support your thesis, explain what you think to be the problem that is bothering Buber. Do you think this is an important problem? Why or why not? Students present on Buber’s life, projects, and multiple careers.
(Fri., Oct. 14). More on Buber’s philosophical religious context and sources.
(Mon., Oct., 17) Read two or more of the following five:
(1)"Split Light," from Goldstein's Travellers in Magic.
(2) Rivkin on responsibility after the Holocaust. Read Rivkin, Ch. X, "The Road from Auschwitz" (pp. 252-281) and
(3) Rivkin, Ch. XI, "Postlude: The Present and Beyond" (pp. 282-327)
(4) Read "Alfred," from Goldstein's Travellers in Magic.
(5)
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]). SHORT WRITING ASSIGNMENT #8: How does one of (1) - (5) suggest we should live in a post-holocaust world? Why?
(Wed., Oct. 19). Read Plaskow and Berman, pp. 1-19 (the foreword and the introduction, "Intersections"), pp. 35-55 ("The Jewish Feminist: Conflict in Identities" and "Male Theology and Women's Experience") and pp. 65-80 ("Jewish Theology in Feminist Perspective”) SHORT WRITING ASSIGNMENT #9 (3 page maximum): What are the basic problems Plaskow addresses in this book? How did she become aware of them?
*(Fri.,
Oct.21)
Students present on selections from Plaskow and Berman, Part II ("The
Complexity of Interlocking Oppressions," pp 89-117) Read Plaskow
and Berman, pp. 89-93 ("Christian Feminism and Anti-Judaism"), pp.
94-99 ("Anti-Semitism: The Unacknowledged Racism"), pp.
100-109 ("Feminist Anti-Judaism and the Christian God"), and pp.
110-113 ("Jewish Anti-Paganism."). Review "Dealing with the
Hard Stuff” (pp. 114-117)
SHORT WRITING ASSIGNMENT
#10: What kind of challenges does Plaskow address here, and how does she recommend we respond? (3 page maximum).
(Mon., Oct. 24) TBA / Read Kamenetz, The Jew in the Lotus.
*(Wed., Oct. 26) Read Kamenetz, The Jew in the Lotus. Students present on Kamenetz's life, projects, and multiple careers. SHORT WRITING ASSIGNMENT #11 (2 page maximum): What is the basic problem faced by the Jews in this book? What is the basic problem faced by the Tibetans?
(Fri., Oct. 28) Please bring questions about the Kamenetz book. As time permits, instructor will lecture on Jews, Judaisms, and other religions. Project presentations scheduled.
(Mon., Oct. 31) Read Kushner's Kabbalah. SHORT WRITING ASSIGNMENT #12: Write 3 questions about this book. Would you like them answered? Why or why not? Project presentations scheduled.
(Wed., Nov. 2) IN CLASS WRITING #3: Write a brief (less than 1 page) essay discussing your knowledge of and experience(s) with Judaism(s), and any changes since your first essay in what you would like to learn from your work in this course.
(Fri, Nov. 4) Lecture on philosophies of kinds of Judaisms and/or group work based on students’ in class writing work on Nov 1.
(Mon., Nov. 7 TBA /Philosophies of Judaism(s), continued.
(Wed., Nov. 9) TBA
Optional (for those who present their projects), written projects due Thurs, Nov. 17
Student project presentations (optional for those who wrote their final projects) begin Fri, Nov. 11.
*(Fri., Nov. 11 through Wednesday, Dec. 7) Student Project presentations. These presentations are to be between 10 and 15 minutes in length; more time will be allotted to students working in groups.
*(Fri., Dec. 9) TBA/Make-up presentations.
Course Links:
Other information about Covid
policies follows the student support statements.
Some Student Support Statements (from the Syllabus checklist of April, 2021)
Student Support Statements
Students are encouraged to speak up, be engaged, and participate in class. Classes will represent a diversity of individual beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences. We may not share the same views on some topics, but we converse in a respectful manner. Le College is a zero-tolerance campus.
Students who believe they have experienced bias or discrimination are encouraged to report the incident. Please refer to Le Moyne’s Bias-Related Incident Reporting webpage to submit a report and for further information.
Le Moyne faculty are concerned about the well-being and development of our students and we are available to discuss your concerns. As faculty, we are obligated to share information with the College’s Title IX coordinator to help ensure that the student’s safety and welfare are being addressed, consistent with the requirements of the law. These disclosures include, but are not limited to, reports of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.
Please refer to Le Moyne's Sexual Misconduct Resources webpage for contact information and further details.
Le Moyne College Face Covering Policy and Protocols
Updated August 8, 2022
Effective Monday August 15th, 2022 the College face covering policy will be updated as follows.
Throughout
the pandemic, the College has been
closely monitoring transmission
levels and disease activity on campus,
in Onondaga County and across
the state, and has been adjusting health
and safety protocols
accordingly. With transmission levels
and hospitalizations stabilizing
at a low level in our local community
and on campus, the following
adjustments, which are subject to
change1, have been made to the College’s face covering policy.
Regardless
of the following changes, individuals
may choose and are encouraged to
wear a face covering at any time based
on personal preference and as
informed by one’s personal risk level.
Individuals are encouraged to
follow CDC guidelines and consult with
their healthcare provider,
particularly if they are
immunocompromised or at increased risk for
severe disease from COVID-19, or if they
have someone in their
household who is immunocompromised, at
increased risk of severe disease
or not fully vaccinated. Wearing a face
covering based on personal
preference is fully supported by the
College.
As
a caring community, the College respects
and supports both an
individual’s choice to wear a face
covering as well as the request of
any College office, recreational, and
residential spaces that request
face coverings be worn. Individuals can print
and display the sign available at this link to express your
preference.
Within
the context presented above, the
following adjustments have been made
to the face covering requirement. With
the exception of the following
spaces
and circumstances, face coverings are no longer required to be worn in
most areas of the campus. However, appropriate2 face coverings are
required to be properly worn (i.e., covering both mouth and nose) by
all persons, regardless of vaccination status, until further notice,
In the following spaces:
Therefore,
instructors may require that face
coverings be worn properly by all
persons in their classrooms or labs. At
this time, face coverings are
optional in classes and labs if not
explicitly required by the
instructor.
In the following circumstances:
Despite
these changes, members of the campus
community should continue to carry
their face covering with them should
they need to put it on.
The
College will continue to monitor
transmission levels in the local
community. If campus, county, or state
public health conditions
warrant, we will adjust our face
covering policy accordingly. We offer
our thanks to all members of the College
who take the necessary steps
to ensure that ours is a safe and
healthy community.
_______________________________________________________________
For example, should the CDC determine that Onondaga County’s COVID-19 community level is medium, and the medium community level is sustained, then the College at a minimum may require face coverings in all academic and event spaces. Additionally, should the CDC determine that Onondaga County’s COVID-19 community level is high, and the high community level is sustained, then the College at a minimum may require face coverings in all public indoor settings.
2 Appropriate
and recommended face coverings include
N95, KN95 or KF94 respirators,
surgical masks, and face coverings made
of at least two layers of
cloth. Above all else, a snug fit (no
gaps, wired nose bridge,
adjustable ear loops), offers the best
protection to the user and the
community. Most importantly, face
coverings with an exhalation/release
valve, single-layer gaiter-style neck
fleeces, and bandanas should NOT
be worn on campus.
Le Moyne College
COVID-19 Syllabus Statement
Fall 2022
Overview. The following information
describes the health and safety guidelines for in-person classes and
classrooms, which are subject to change1. The College may adjust health
and safety protocols pending prevalence
of the COVID-19 virus and its
transmissibility on campus, in Onondaga County, and/or the State of New
York. Please
note, given the dynamic nature of
the
coronavirus, all students,
faculty, and staff are expected to
monitor campus email announcements for
policy updates.
Summary of Key Classroom Health and Safety Protocols:
Viral Transmission Levels. The NYS
Department of Health has adopted and implemented guidelines
provided by the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC). The
CDC monitors levels of community viral
transmission of the coronavirus
by tracking case numbers for each county
and state as well as measures
the impact of COVID-19 illness on health
and healthcare systems.
Community levels are classified as low,
medium, or high. The CDC
provides guidance for the implementation
of COVID-19 prevention
strategies for each community level and
within the context of each
community’s
vaccination coverage. For example, when the COVID-19 community level is
low, members of the Le Moyne community may not be required to wear a
face covering indoors. However, when the COVID-19 community level is
high,
the CDC indicates that individuals wear
a face covering in public
indoor settings regardless of
vaccination status. Additionally, the CDC
recommends that fully vaccinated
individuals may choose to wear a face
covering regardless of the level of
transmission, particularly if they
are immunocompromised or at increased
risk for severe disease from
COVID-19, or if they have someone in
their household who is
immunocompromised, at increased risk of
severe disease or not fully
vaccinated. As a caring community, the
College respects and supports
individuals who choose to wear face
coverings.
College Face Covering Requirement. As
fall approaches, transmission levels and hospitalizations are
relatively stable in our local community and on campus. And vaccination
rates are high among members of the campus community. Within
the aforementioned context presented
above, the following adjustments
have been made to the face covering
requirement. At this time, with the
exception
of the following spaces and circumstances, face coverings are no longer
required to be worn in most areas of the campus. However, appropriate2
face coverings are required to be properly worn (i.e., covering both
mouth and nose) by all persons, regardless of vaccination status, until
further notice,
In the following spaces:
Therefore,
instructors may require that face
coverings be worn properly by all
persons in their classrooms or labs. At
this time, face coverings are
optional in classes and labs if not
explicitly required by the
instructor.
In the following circumstances:
Despite
these changes, members of the campus
community should continue to carry
their face covering with them should
they need to put it on.
Covid-19 Vaccine and Boosters. All
undergraduate and graduate students (together with faculty, staff,
and administrators) are required to have
the COVID-19 vaccine by the
start of fall semester classes. As part
of the College’s strategy to
reduce the risk of transmission and
serious illness, Le Moyne
highly
recommends that all eligible undergraduate and graduate students remain
up to date on their COVID-19 booster vaccinations as well.
Medical or Religious Exemption. Students may request a medical or religious exemption from vaccination. Please contact the Office of Student Development at studentdevelopment@lemoyne.edu for an application.
Approved Student Absences from Class.
Students
are expected to attend classes in-person
as scheduled and require
appropriate approval to be excused from
in-person classes. Students may
be excused from attending in-person
classes for short-term absences due
to illness such as colds or the flu,
accidents,
or quarantine/isolation from a
confirmed COVID infection. Students who must miss class for illness
should follow the Policy
on Student Absenteeism in the Event of Illness of Accident, which
stipulates that, “It
is the student’s responsibility to
contact his or her instructors, as
soon as possible, to explain the absence
and make arrangements for the
completion of missed work or tests.” If
illness or injury requires more than
three consecutive days of hospital
or
home care, Health Services needs to be informed [(315) 445-4440]. If
the student has been treated by a doctor off campus, some documentation
from that office will be expected. Health Services will then notify the
Registrar who will inform the student’s instructors, advisor, and the
appropriate academic dean.
COVID-19 Symptoms. Regardless of
vaccination status, students who are experiencing COVID-19-related
symptoms must not attend class and are encouraged to contact the
Student Health Center [healthservices@lemoyne.edu,
(315) 445-4440] or their primary medical
provider. COVID-19-related
symptoms may include one or some
combination of the following:
Finally,
in keeping with our values as a Jesuit
college, each member of the
community is expected to act honestly
and ethically regarding both
their vaccination status and any
experienced COVID-19-related symptoms.
Further,
each member of the community is expected
to take care of not only their
own health, but to be mindful of the
health of others and to avoid
actions that may jeopardize the health
and welfare of those we learn,
work and live with at the College. A
well-vaccinated and attentive
community better protects the vulnerable
amongst us and loved ones
at home.
_______________________________________________________________
For example, should the CDC
determine that Onondaga County’s COVID-19 community level is medium,
and the medium community level is sustained, then the College at a
minimum may require face coverings in all academic and event spaces.
Additionally, should the CDC determine that Onondaga County’s COVID-19
community level is high, and the high community level is sustained,
then the College at a minimum may require face coverings in all public
indoor settings. Additionally,
the College’s policies remain subject to
public health orders issued by
the Onondaga County Health Department
and New York State Department of
Health, and will be adjusted if directed
by public health authorities.
2 Appropriate
and recommended face coverings include
N95, KN95 or KF94 respirators,
surgical masks, and face coverings made
of at least two layers of
cloth. Above all else, a snug fit (no
gaps, wired nose bridge,
adjustable ear loops), offers the best
protection to the user and the
community. Most importantly, face
coverings with an exhalation/release
valve, single-layer gaiter-style neck
fleeces, and bandanas should NOT
be worn on campus.