Jewish Studies – (M.Litt.)

Contents

The programme is divided into two half-sessions: during the first half-session, students are introduced to methodological questions, to Rabbinics and Jewish Philosophy, and to contemporary issues in the study of the Hebrew Bible, embark on the study of Modern Hebrew, and have their dissertation colloquium.
In the second half-session, they take a course on Jewish history and culture, continue their study of Modern Hebrew and complete their dissertation on a topic of their choice (in consultation with their allocated supervisor).
The following are the constitutive components of the degree programme:
Research Methodology (10 credit points)
Students are introduced to research methodology in the areas relevant to Jewish Studies.
Dissertation Colloquium (10 credit points)
The Colloquium introduces and prepares students for the writing of the 20,000 word supervised dissertation to be produced on a topic related to the degree.
The Study of the Hebrew Bible (DR4053) (20 credit points)
By being introduced to recent developments in the study of the Hebrew Bible, namely the history of ancient Israel, Pentateuch Studies and exegetical methodology, anthropology and its use in Hebrew Bible research, and the history and theology of the Septuagint (in as much as it pertains to Hebrew Bible Studies), students will understand and learn how to evaluate research methodology in the study of the Hebrew Bible. They will be enabled to acquire a substantial knowledge of key areas and of some of the most important current debates, and will thus be in a position to participate more fully in the exploration of biblical literature and history.
Rabbinics and Jewish Philosophy (20 credit points)
This course provides a foundation of knowledge in the areas of rabbinics and Jewish philosophy and explores the interaction between the two. It centres on the origins of rabbinic literature and its further development (with a special accent on the mediaeval period) and of Jewish philosophy, with a special accent on Hellenism (especially Philo) and on the twentieth century.
Jewish History and Culture (20 credit points)
The course provides a survey of Jewish history (from the Persian and Hellenistic periods to the present day) and of Jewish culture (including aspects of religious life) through the ages, in order to provide students, in conjunction with the other courses in the programme, with a full overview of Judaism from its inception to the present.
Modern Hebrew I and II (2 x 20 credit points)
The goal is to bring the students to a functional knowledge of modern Hebrew in two terms of study. This goal requires two semesters of study. The first term of study will cover the basic structure of the language, expressed through speaking, reading and writing. The second term will enhance and deepen the knowledge gained in the first term, increasing both the vocabulary and the understanding of the grammar of the language. This will be done through speaking exercises, reading short texts, and writing short compositions.
Dissertation (20,000 words) (60 credit points)
On a topic chosen by the student and agreed with the supervisor.