Seek the Truth From Whoever Says It
-- Moses Maimonides (1138-1204)
This course in an introduction to Judaism from both analytical and historical perspectives. The term "Judaism," like every "ism," refers to something abstract and conceptual. In modern parlance it is the term used often to refer to the Jewish religion, but then again, some Jewish secularists would claim that there is a secular, i.e., non-religious, Judaism. In fact, there are those who wish to do away with the term altogether, preferring to spell out "Jewish literature", "Jewish culture", "Jewish literature", etc, or, using traditional terminology, "Torah and commandments" or just "Torah." In our class we shall focus on different ways of understanding the classical concepts of Judaism, bearing in mind that this is a highly contentious topic.
To understand that the rationalist tradition is old and variegated in Judaism, and, indeed, that it is a constant throughout Jewish history
We are going to read around a book a week. The books are below.
1. Two 3-5 page book reviews (together, 30 % of grade):
- Moshe Halbertal, Concealment and Revelation: Esotericism in Jewish Thought and Its Philosophical Implications, due March 3.
- Lasker, Daniel J. Jewish Philosophical Polemics against Christianity in the Middle Ages, due April 5.
2. Weekly participation
- Substantive Research Paper (40%) on a topic relevant to the course subject matter. This will, hopefully, include a class presentation. The paper is due May 1.
- A final take-home assignment (30%), due the day of the exam.
I take attendance; regular attendance is very important and will figure in the final grade in some manner
Contact Information and Office Hours
Charles H. Manekin 301-405-4253 manekinc@umd.edu
Monday 10-11 or by appointment