JS Course Descriptions | Michigan Jewish Institute

BIBLE

(Students must complete at least 6 credits of the following courses)

JST 101 The Narrative of the Chumash (3 credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course explores the narrative themes of the Pentateuch. It aims to establish a basic grasp of the founding narrative of Judaism and an understanding of how it serves as an underpinning for the legal/political structure of the Jewish people

JST 102 The Passion of the Prophets (3 credits)

Prerequisites: None

The literary prophets - the Nevi\'im acharonim - bestowed a body of writing that is unique in its expression of G-d\'s passionate involvement in His creation. Through looking first-hand at the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and the twelve Minor Prophets, we will explore the moral and philosophic significance of their vision of a G-d who cares what His name means to his people and to his world.

JST 201 Medieval Biblical Exegesis (3 credits)

Prerequisite: None

Study and methodology of the exegetes of the Northern French School (10th to 14th centuries). Commentators include Rashi, Rashbam, Radak and Ramban.

JST 202 Post - Medieval Biblical Exegesis (3 credits)

Prerequisite: None

Study and methodology of the exegetes of the European and Sefardic Schools (15th to 20th centuries). Commentaries studied include the drush of Klei Yakar and the Ohr Hachayim, as well as the 19th century classics, Malbim, Netziv, and Hirsch.

RABBINIC LITERATURE

(Students must complete at least 9 credits of the following courses)

EPH 432 Maimonides - The Man and His Thought (3 credits)

Prerequisite: Junior/Senior standing , knowledge of Hebrew

The life and thought of Maimonides. Selections of his work are compared with the works of other great Jewish philosophers. The impact of Maimonides on Jewish thought and practice is discussed.

JST 301 From Sinai to Cyberspace (3 credits)

Prerequisite: Any Jewish history course

Jewish law is a coherent system meant to direct the mutable details of a finite worldly life to correspond to the infinite wisdom and immutable goodness of the Deity. We will investigate the fundamental principles of this system, and see how it proposes that the human mind grasp God\'s intelligence and purpose, making it a program for practical action in government of the community and of the self.

YJST 2250 Rambam I (4 credits)

YJST 2260 Rambam II (4 credits)

In these courses the students undertake to study and complete in its entirety Maimonides\' magnum opus the Mishneh Torah. They will gain a complete overview of the whole spectrum of the Oral Law with a basic understanding of the sources. These courses fit well with YJST 1251 & YJST 1261.

JST 300 Talmud I (3-6 credits)

Prerequisite: Permission from Dean based on previous familiarity with Talmud study

Intensive study of the Talmud for at least three to nine hours weekly (dependent on credits taken). Students will attend course lectures and other available seminars and cover material as determined by the instructor.

JST 350 Talmud II (3-6 credits)

Prerequisite: Permission from Dean based on previous familiarity with Talmud study or JST 300

JST 400 Talmud III (3-6 credits)

Prerequisite: Permission from Dean based on previous familiarity with Talmud study or JST 350

JEWISH PHILOSOPHY & THOUGHT

(Students must complete at least 6 credits of the following courses)

EPH 160 Ethics and Society (3 credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course discusses the major ethical issues confronting society today, focusing on how government can tackle these problems. The instructor will choose from topics such as public health care, welfare, abortion, doctor assisted suicide, etc.

EPH 310 Ethical Tradition of Judaism (3 credits)

Prerequisite: Junior/Senior standing or permission from the Dean

The primacy of ethical conduct in the process of shaping the ethical personality in Judaism as viewed through th prism of various personalities and schools of the Chassidic and Mussar movements.

EPH 320 The Ethical Environment of Business (3 credits)

Prerequisite: Junior/Senior standing

Course content is substantive law and practical issues as they relate to business. Topics studied are the ethics of business and Halacha as they interface with practical business decisions and law.

EPH 330 Bioethics (3 credits)

Prerequisites: Junior/Senior standing

Topical content of this course includes: physiological, ecological and epidemiological bases of decision-making in the field of Bioethics; definition of death; recombinant DNA; pesticide use; demographic concerns; abortion; hazardous surgery; human experimentation; organ transplants; social obligation of the scientist; genetics and euthanasia.

EPH 421 Topics in the Philosophy of Judaism (3 credits)

Prerequisite: Junior/Senior standing or permission from the Dean

A seminar on various philosophical problems. Students will read and discuss classical views of the major Jewish philosophers.

JST 104 Introduction to Jewish Liturgy and Written Hebrew (3 credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course is designed to introduce the student to the Jewish prayer book (Siddur). Students will develop knowledge of the key elements of the Jewish liturgical cycle including daily, Sabbath and holiday prayers. Although basic ability to read Hebrew is desirable, the course will introduce the Hebrew letters and vocalization.

JST 231 Structure and Development of the Liturgy (3 credits)

Prerequisite: None

Using primary sources, the student traces the development and structure of the presently-used liturgical service.

JST 331 Essential Concepts of Jewish Prayer (3 credits)

Prerequisite: JST 231 or instructor\'s permission

The Rabbis understood that serving G-d with the heart was accomplished through prayer. The liturgy of Judaism binds the Jewish people to G-d and to each other as members of community at prayer. Through examining its structure and concepts, we will acquaint ourselves with Judaism\'s understanding of G-d and with what it means to serve G-d.

JST 441 The History and Philosophy of Chassidut - I Foundations (3 credits)

Prerequisites: Junior/Senior standing or permission from the Dean

Study of the historical and social background leading to the advent of the Chassidic movement. topics include the Baal Shem Tov as an innovator and leader, the Mezeritcher Maggid and his students, and the initial opposition to the movement.

JST 442 The History and Philosophy of Chassidut - II Development & Growth (3 credits)

Prerequisite: Junior/Senior standing, JST 441 or permission from the Dean

A continuation of JST 441, this course deals with the expansion of the Chassidic movement, drawing on selections from the major works of Chassidic philosophy.

JST 443 The History and Philosophy of Chassidut - III Modern Era (3 credits)

Prerequisite: Junior/Senior standing or permission from the Dean

Highlights the struggle of the Chassidim to survive in the 20th century. Topics include the destruction of the movement during the Holocaust, and its subsequent rebirth and growth in the USA and Israel.

JEWISH LAW & LIFE CYCLES

(Students must complete at least 6 credits of the following courses)

JST 232 Foundations of the Halacha (3 credits)

Prerequisite: None

Course content is the development and the philosophy of the Oral Law: Mishnah, Gemarra and the subsequent codes of Rif, Rambam, Tur and Shulchan Oruch.

JST 251 Sanctifying Time: The Life Cycle and the Calendar in Halacha (3 credits)

Prerequisite: None

Jewish law specifies times and places as having special significance and holiness. And even when through much of Jewish history, the holy places were reachable only in memory or imagination; holiness in time was available to everyone. This course explores the sanctification of time shared by the public through the calendar\'s cycles and the private time of each individual through life-cycle milestones.

JST 313 Topics in Halacha - Sabbath and the Festivals (3 credits)

Prerequisite: Junior/Senior standing or permission from the Dean

Various legal issues are discussed and analyzed, with an emphasis on modern applications

JST 353 Topics in Halacha - The Family (3 credits)

Prerequisite: Junior/Senior standing or permission from the Dean

Specific highlighted issues are discussed and analyzed, including the family unit, parental rights and duties, children\'s rights and other topics (at the instructor\'s discretion).

JST 383 Topics in Halacha - Contemporary Problems (3 credits)

Prerequisite: Junior/Senior standing

Legal issues relating to the current technological and political situation are discussed and analyzed.

YJST 2210 The Codes I (2 credits)

YJST 2220 The Codes II (2 credits)

YJST 2230 The Codes III (2 credits)

YJST 2240 The Codes IV (2 credits)

The courses listed above are connected with the tractate of Talmud studied that semester, as study of the codes goes hand in hand with the study of Talmud. Students research the outcomes of Talmudic disputes and discussions. The responsa literature is examined to trace precedents and principles derived from the text, through their practical application in the writings of the Rif, Rambam, Tur and Shulchan Oruch, as well as the later codifiers. This process is often complicated and laborious, raising the student\'s understanding to a level where he can now analyze and become familiar with the principles of jurisprudence.

JEWISH HISTORY

(Students must complete at least 6 credits of the following courses)

HIS 140 Encountering Jewish Civilization I (2 credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course presents a chronological survey of the development of major components of Jewish life and identity from antiquity through the times of the Crusades. Students will trace the origins and founding of the Jewish community, its emergence into a national identity and its survival and development as a people in exile in juxtaposition to and through interaction with other cultures and civilizations.

HIS 142 Encountering Jewish Civilization II (2 credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course presents a chronological survey of Jewish history from the period of the Crusades to contemporary times. The course will focus on the events that shaped Jewish communal life and how Judaism developed both in juxtaposition to and through interaction with other cultures and civilizations throughout world history.

HIS 150 History of the Jews (3 credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course is a survey course that covers the gamut of Jewish history from Abraham and Sarah to Ariel Sharon. The course will focus on the historical, political, sociological and psychological issues that have faced the Jewish people in the various locations and time periods throughout history. The course will discuss hoe the Jews have interacted with cultures and civilizations in which they have lived. The course will also analyze those individuals, both Jewish and Gentile, that have defined Judaism and the Jewish people throughout the centuries.

HIS 151 Overview of Jewish History until the Modern Era (3 credits)

Prerequisite: None

With broad strokes, we will sketch the outlines of Jewish history from creation until the time of Napoleon. Biblical accounts will set the theme of God\'s manifestation within history; we will follow that theme through the history of the people through the Second Temple period and the Talmudic Age, and finally through the Middle Ages and up until the watershed of the Napoleonic epoch.

HIS 152 Overview of Modern Jewish History (3 credits)

Prerequisite: None

Napoleon\'s reordering of Europe let loose the forces of political emancipation and cultural and religious assimilation in the Jewish community. With the old order threatened or shattered, anti-Semitism reappeared in new and more virulent forms; and within the Jewish community, the new realities were met both with new ideologies and a reinvigorated tradition. The emergence of American Jewry, the destruction of Europe and the rise of Israel will round out this survey.

HIS 255 The American Jewish Experience (3 credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course introduces students to the historical development and interaction of the Jewish community in the United States. Themes examined include immigration, assimilation, integration, involvement in politics and social causes, cultural continuity and collective survival. We will also examine historic attitudes and acceptance of Jewish minority and Israel their historic homeland. Finally, we will explore the American Jewish community\'s response to important events of recent history.

HIS 261 Exploring the Holocaust I (2/3 credits)

Perquisite: None

This course will survey Holocaust history and implications. We will begin with examining the historical, political and sociological causes of the German anti-Jewish campaign and the subsequent creation of the institutions of organized mass murder. We will learn about the Jewish civilization that perished and study the evolution of the idea of the Final Solution and it implementation throughout the communities of Europe, and the reaction of the world. Finally, we will be introduced to resistance and rescue efforts, liberation and the Nuremberg trials.

HIS 262 Exploring the Holocaust II (2/3 credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course examines the Holocaust in its aftermath, assessing the political and moral climate of the world, from the immediate reactions to the magnitude of this tragedy and addressing the plight of the refugees through modern-day anti-Semitism. Evidence implicating communal, corporate, financial, governmental and church involvement in abetting the genocide will be presented. We will confront the lasting impact of the Holocaust in the creation of the modern State of Israel, upon the lives of the survivors and their families and on present-day politics and theological/philosophical thought. The Holocaust will be compared with other attempts of racial genocide. We will also confront Holocaust denial, historic revisionism, applications of Holocaust imagery and terminology, trivialization, commemorative and educational efforts.

HIS 263 Directed Study in Holocaust Research (1-3 credits)

Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor

The student will engage in independent and original research in Holocaust history and implications. Topics could include those covered in HIS 261 or HIS 262 (consult course syllabi) or other topical areas. Topic(s) and research methods to be approved by the Instructor in consultation with the Dean of Academic Administration.

HIS 275 Jewish History - Biblical Period (3 credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course covers the period from creation to the establishment of the Second Temple; it elaborates on the Five Books of Moses, the prophets of Judaism and its chronicles. A collection of later historical commentaries on these earliest precursors to the nation of Israel and the Jewish people will also be surveyed.

HIS 280 Jewish History - Second Commonwealth (3 credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course covers the period from the establishment of the Second Temple to the completion of the Talmud; it elaborates on Jewish life in Judea and in the Diaspora and on development of the Talmud and Midrash.

HIS 290 Jewish History - Middle Ages (3 credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course covers the history of the Jewish people in the Near East and Europe from the fall of Rome to the expulsion from Spain. Topics include great Jewish personalities and literature; the Jew\'s relationships with populations in the countries they inhabited; and their role in the medieval economy.

HIS 300 Jews of Eastern Europe (3 credits)

Prerequisites: Junior/Senior standing

Early history of the Jews in Poland. Topics include the Council of the Four Lands; the Chemielnitsky massacres and their aftermath; the growth of Chassidism; the Yeshivos of Eastern Europe; emancipation, Zionism and Communism as movements in Eastern European Jewry.

HIS 340 Modern Israel (3 credits)

Prerequisite: Junior/Senior standing or permission from the Dean

Topics include aliyah to Eretz Israel in the last century and the history of the modern State of Israel. Emphasis is on political and social issues and foreign relations.

HEBREW LANGUAGE & LITERATURE

(Students must complete at least 6 credits of the following courses)

HUM 110 Elementary Modern Hebrew I (2 credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course introduces Modern Hebrew language beginning with a review of the letters and vowels of the alphabet in block and script forms, laying strong foundations for reading and writing skills. The focus of instruction is on developing strong communicative skills. At first, students will practice Hebrew speech using vocabulary and phrases composed only of familiar letters and vowels. Through active listening, reading, writing and speaking, students will learn how to introduce themselves, describe their background and living environment. The course will introduce basic grammar forms such as noun-adjective agreement in gender and number, use of question words, prepositions, the definite article and various verb conjugation patterns in the present tense.

HUM 120 Elementary Modern Hebrew II (2 credits)

Prerequisite: HUM 110 or equivalent

In this intermediate elementary-level course, students will continue developing strong communicative skills in standard Modern Hebrew. Listening, reading, writing and speaking are introduced through active use of the language in its appropriate cultural context. Through active class work, dialogues, readings, writing, media and computer-based exercises, students learn how to express wishes, explain causality, tell time and age and use slang.

HUM 130 Elementary Modern Hebrew III (2 credits)

Prerequisite: HUM 120 or equivalent

In this course, students will further develop their communicative skills in standard Modern Hebrew and transition to the intermediate level. The focus of teaching is on expanding student\'s grammatical skills and active vocabulary when speaking, writing, reading and listening. The language is taught in its appropriate cultural context: a variety of texts, movies and audio materials introduce Israeli sights and communities, customs, history and everyday life. After covering all active verb forms in the present tense, students are introduced to the past tense. They use time phrases, describe daily schedules, express needs and abilities as well as their health and looks.

HUM 241 Intermediate Modern Hebrew I (2 credits)

Prerequisite: HUM 130 or equivalent

This course raises a student\'s basic skills in Modern Hebrew to an intermediate level of speaking, writing, reading and listening. It places strong emphasis on developing more complex syntax and speech patterns than before as well as a richer active vocabulary. This class is suitable for most graduates of Hebrew day schools. The class will complete the survey of past-tense active verb, and will introduce advanced syntax including indirect speech, impersonal phrases, as well as causative and consequential and mutual actions. Readings, writing exercises, classroom discussion and dialogue will be supplemented with movies, video, audio and computer-based exercises.

HUM 242 Intermediate Modern Hebrew II (2/3 credits)

Prerequisite: HUM 241 or equivalent

This mid intermediate-level course builds on the student\'s previous knowledge it expands and raises the level of all four communicative skills to a new level of versatility and self-assuredness.

HUM 243 Intermediate Modern Hebrew III (2/3 credits)

Prerequisite: HUM 242 or equivalent

In this advanced intermediate-level course, students will expand and strengthen their speaking, reading, listening and writing skills in standard Modern Hebrew.

HUM 250 Advanced Topics in Modern Hebrew I (2/3 credits)

Prerequisite: HUM 243 or equivalent

This course presents a topical encounter with central issues of contemporary Israeli culture through various genres of \'texts\', from academic and literary to film and poetry. Students will read, listen, watch, discuss and write about topics ranging from the Jewish identity of Israelis to the globalization of Israeli society. Linguistically, students will learn the use of advanced syntax, mainly structures that necessitate future forms and will start using passive forms of the verb system. With this foundation, students waking the 3-credit version will read, discuss and report on assigned materials, online work and/or a full-text play/novel/movie.

HUM 260 Advanced Topics in Modern Hebrew II (2/3 credits)

Prerequisite: HUM 250 or equivalent

This course is geared for an intensive interaction with Hebrew of the communication media. Students will explore in depth a few central aspects of contemporary Israel using diverse sources. Emphasis is on sophisticated articulation of both verbal and written Hebrew. Grammatically, this class will emphasize the passive voice structure that is prevalent in media reporting and advanced conditional phrases. With this foundation, students taking the 3-credit version will read, discuss and report on assigned materials, online work and/or full-text play/novel/movie.

HUM 300 Seminar in Advanced Hebrew Language (2/3 credits)

Prerequisite: HUM 260 or equivalent

This course provides a transition to advanced-level conversational, comprehensive and compositional skills. Students will consistently and confidently perform narration and debate across a variety of current topics, while creating an active understanding of formal text and various media.

*JST 450, 460, 470 Seminar/Directed Study in Judaic Studies (1-3 credits)

These seminars may be taken as Bible, Rabbinic Literature, Jewish Philosophy & Thought, Jewish Law & Life Cycles, Jewish History and Hebrew Language & Literature courses dependent on subject matter provided