Bible Courses

 

Introduction to Genesis (BIB 210) 

Learner Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: identify and describe key concepts and themes expressed in the Book of Genesis and selected Rashi commentaries; identify the Midrashic and Talmudic sources of Rashi; elucidate the inconsistency and textual problems that Rashi attempts to solve based on his use of hermeneutics; identify where Rashi’s interpretation is imbedded in the text; and explain the significance of Rashi’s solutions in terms of ethical and religious behavior. 

Instruction: 

This course is offered as an on-line proficiency examination with an extensive study guide and required reading administered by the Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies. Topics include: the purpose of Creation, the exile from Eden, the generations until the recognition of Abraham, the ten trials, binding of Isaac, and sibling rivalry. 

Credit recommendation: 

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (3/12) (3/17 revalidation) (7/22 revalidation). 

 

Comprehensive Genesis (BIB 215) 

Learner Outcomes: 

Version 1 and 2: Students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge of the text and commentary of Rashi; analyze and explain selections of text and Rashi’s commentary; elucidate the inconsistency or textual problem that Rashi is attempting to solve based on his use of hermeneutics; identify where Rashi saw his interpretation imbedded in the text; explain the significance of Rashi’s solutions in terms of ethical and religious behavior; and assess how a particular section of the Torah, along with Rashi’s commentary, fit into greater contextual themes found throughout the Chumash. 

Instruction: 

Version 1 and 2: Includes an extensive study guide and required reading with a final exam administered by the Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies. NOTE: This may not be taken with Introduction to Genesis (Bible 210). 

Credit recommendation: 

Version 1: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 6 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (6/13). Version 2: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (6/18 revalidation) (7/23 revalidation). 

 

Introduction to Exodus (BIB 220) 

Learner Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: 

Identify and describe key concepts and themes in Exodus and selections of the text and Rashi’s commentary; identify the Midrashic and Talmudic sources of Rashi; elucidate the inconsistency and textual problems that Rashi attempts to solve based on his use of hermeneutics; identify where Rashi’s interpretation is embedded in the text; and explain the significance of Rashi’s solutions in terms of ethical and religious behavior. 

Instruction: 

Includes an extensive study guide and required reading with a final exam administered by the Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies. Topics include: enslavement in Egypt, Moses’ upbringing and leadership, Pharaoh, the Ten Plagues, Exodus, the splitting of the Red Sea, Israel in the wilderness, giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai, the ten commandments and other laws, the Golden Calf, and Moses’ intervention. 

Credit recommendation: 

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (3/12) (3/17 revalidation) (7/22 revalidation). 

 

Comprehensive Exodus (BIB 225) 

Learner Outcomes: 

Version 1 and 2: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: 

Demonstrate knowledge of the text and commentary of Rashi; analyze and explain selections of text and Rashi’s commentary; elucidate the inconsistency or textual problem that Rashi is attempting to solve based on his use of hermeneutics; identify where Rashi saw his interpretation imbedded in the text; explain the significance of Rashi’s solutions in terms of ethical and religious behavior; and assess how a particular section of the Torah, along with Rashi’s commentary, fit into greater contextual themes found throughout the Chumash. 

Instruction: 

Version 1 and 2: Includes an extensive study guide and required reading with a final exam administered by the Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies. NOTE: This may not be taken with Introduction to Exodus (Bible 220). 

Credit recommendation: 

Version 1: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 6 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (6/13). Version 2: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (6/18 revalidation) (7/23 revalidation). 

 

Introduction to Leviticus (BIB 230) 

Learner Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: identify and describe key concepts and themes in the Book of Leviticus and selected Rashi commentary; identify the Midrashic and Talmudic sources of Rashi; elucidate the inconsistency and textual problems that Rashi attempts to solve based on his use of hermeneutics; identify where Rashi’s interpretation is imbedded in the text; and explain the significance of Rashi’s solutions in terms of ethical and religious behavior. 

Instruction: 

Includes an extensive study guide and required reading with a final exam administered by the Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies.  Topics include: Korbonos, Divine Service, Nadav and Avihu, Yom Kippur service, the Cohen Gadol, the laws of tzoras, forbidden sexual relationships, kosher and non-kosher animals, agricultural gifts for the poor, the sabbatical year, the jubilee year, ancestral inheritance, and laws of lending money. 

Credit recommendation: 

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (3/12) (3/17 revalidation) (7/22 revalidation). 

 

Comprehensive Leviticus (BIB 235) 

Learner Outcomes: 

Version 1 and 2: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: 

Demonstrate knowledge of the text and commentary of Rashi; analyze and explain selections of text and Rashi’s commentary; elucidate the inconsistency or textual problem that Rashi is attempting to solve based on his use of hermeneutics; identify where Rashi saw his interpretation imbedded in the text; explain the significance of Rashi’s solutions in terms of ethical and religious behavior; and assess how a particular section of the Torah, along with Rashi’s commentary, fit into greater contextual themes found throughout the Chumash. 

Instruction: 

Version 1 and 2: Includes an extensive study guide and required reading with a final exam administered by the Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies. NOTE: This may not be taken with Introduction to Leviticus (Bible 230). 

Credit recommendation: 

Version 1: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 6 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (6/13). Version 2: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (6/18 revalidation) (7/23 revalidation). 

 

Advanced Genesis (BIB 310) 

Learner Outcomes: 

Versions 1 and 2: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: 

Analyze key concepts and themes found in the book of Genesis and its classic medieval and modern commentaries; expand on Talmudic and Midrashic exegesis of the text of the Bible; solve apparent contradictions in and between verses; explain the hermeneutic principles which are applied to verses to gain new insights; interpret the ethical issues being discussed; explain lawful rulings derived from the verses as determined in the major law books; and understand commentaries from the last generation of Torah Scholars that are included in the anthology. 

Instruction: 

Version 1 and 2: Advanced Genesis (Bible 370) includes an extensive study guide and required reading with a final exam administered by the Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies. Topics include: the purpose of Creation; the exile from Eden; the generation until the recognition of Abraham; the ten trials; binding of Isaac; sibling rivalry; and the beginning of exile. 

Credit recommendation: 

Version 1: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (2/11) (3/16 revalidation). Version 2: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 4 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (8/21 revalidation). 

 

Genesis: An In-Depth Study (BIB 315) 

Learner Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: 

Demonstrate knowledge of the concepts and themes found in the Book of Genesis and its classic medieval and modern commentaries including Rashi, Ramban, Sforno, Ohr Hachaim, Cli Yakar, and Siphtei Chachamim; assess how particular sections of the Torah and its commentary fit into the greater context of the Chumash and how they relate to broader themes found throughout the Torah; expand on exegesis of the text of the Bible; solve apparent contradictions in and between verses; explain the hermeneutic principles which are applied to verses to gain new insights; interpret the ethical issues being discussed; explain lawful rulings derived from the verses as determined in the major law books; read and understand commentaries from the last generation of Torah scholars who are included in the anthology of the commentary. 

Instruction: 

Includes an extensive study guide and required reading with a final exam administered by the Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies. NOTE: This may not be taken with Advanced Genesis (Bible 310). 

Credit recommendation: 

In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (6/13) (6/18 revalidation) (7/23 revalidation). 

 

Advanced Exodus (BIB 320) 

Learner Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: 

Analyze key concepts and themes found in the book of Exodus and its classic medieval and modern commentaries; expand on Talmudic and Midrashic exegesis of the text of the Bible; solve apparent contradictions in and between verses; explain the hermeneutic principles which are applied to verses to gain new insights; interpret the ethical issues being discussed; explain lawful rulings derived from the verses as determined in the major law books; and understand significant commentaries from the last generation of Torah Scholars that are included in the anthology.

Instruction: 

Includes an extensive study guide and required reading with a final exam administered by the Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies. Topics include: the exile; Egyptian subjugation; the rise of Moses to leadership; the ten plagues; splitting of the sea; receiving of the Torah; and building of the Tabernacle. 

Credit recommendation: 

In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (2/11) (3/16 revalidation) (8/21 revalidation). 

 

Exodus: An In-Depth Study (BIB 325) 

Learner Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: 

Demonstrate knowledge of the concepts and themes found in the Book of Genesis and its classic medieval and modern commentaries including Rashi, Ramban, Sforno, Ohr Hachaim, Cli Yakar, and Siphtei Chachamim; assess how particular sections of the Torah and its commentary fit into the greater context of the Chumash and how they relate to broader themes found throughout the Torah; expand on exegesis of the text of the Bible; solve apparent contradictions in and between verses; explain the hermeneutic principles which are applied to verses to gain new insights; interpret the ethical issues being discussed; explain lawful rulings derived from the verses as determined in the major law books; and read and understand commentaries from the last generation of Torah scholars who are included in the anthology of the commentary. 

Instruction: 

Includes an extensive study guide and required reading with a final exam administered by the Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies. NOTE: This may not be taken with Advanced Exodus (Bible 320).

Credit recommendation: 

In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (6/13) (6/18 revalidation) (7/23 revalidation). 

 

Advanced Leviticus (BIB 330) 

Learner Outcomes: 

Version 1 and 2: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: 

Analyze key concepts and themes found in the book of Leviticus and its classic medieval and modern commentaries; expand on Talmudic and Midrashic exegesis of the text of the Bible; solve apparent contradictions in and between verses; explain the hermeneutic principles which are applied to verses to gain new insights; interpret the ethical issues being discussed; explain lawful rulings derived from the verses as determined in the major law books; understand commentaries from the last generation of Torah Scholars that are included in the anthology. 

Instruction

Version 1 and 2: Includes an extensive study guide and required reading with a final exam administered by the Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies. Topics include: sacrifices; holiness; service of the priests; priestly blessings; kosher and non-kosher food; spiritual contamination; childbirth; leprosy; and other topics. 

Credit recommendation: 

Version 1: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours  in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (2/11). Version 2: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 4 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (3/16 revalidation) (8/21 revalidation). 

 

Leviticus: An In-Depth Study (BIB 335) 

Learner Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: 

Demonstrate knowledge of the concepts and themes found in the Book of Genesis and its classic medieval and modern commentaries including Rashi, Ramban, Sforno, Ohr Hachaim, Cli Yakar, and Siphtei Chachamim; assess how particular sections of the Torah and its commentary fit into the greater context of the Chumash and how they relate to broader themes found throughout the Torah; expand on exegesis of the text of the Bible; solve apparent contradictions in and between verses; explain the hermeneutic principles which are applied to verses to gain new insights; interpret the ethical issues being discussed; explain lawful rulings derived from the verses as determined in the major law books; and read and understand commentaries from the last generation of Torah scholars who are included in the anthology of the commentary. 

Instruction: 

Includes an extensive study guide and required reading with a final exam administered by the Rechtschaffen/ Institute of Judaic Studies. NOTE: This may not be taken with Advanced Leviticus (Bible 330). 

Credit recommendation: 

In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (6/13) (6/18 revalidation) (7/23 revalidation).

 

Advanced Numbers (BIB 340) 

Learner Outcomes: 

Version 1 and 2: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: 

Analyze key concepts and themes found in the book of Numbers and its classic medieval and modern commentaries; expand on Talmudic and Midrashic exegesis of the text of the Bible; solve apparent contradictions in and between verses; explain the hermeneutic principles which are applied to verses to gain new insights; interpret the ethical issues being discussed; explain lawful rulings derived from the verses as determined in the major law books; and understand commentaries from the last generation of Torah Scholars that are included in the anthology. 

Instruction: 

Version 1 and 2: Includes an extensive study guide and required reading with a final exam administered by the Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies. Topics include: the censuses; formation of encampments; sacrifices; nazarism; inheritance; priestly blessings; the spies; rebellions; red cow; Aaron’s death, and other topics. 

Credit recommendation: 

Version 1: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (2/11). Version 2: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 4 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (3/16 revalidation) (8/21 revalidation). 

 

Numbers: An In-Depth Study (BIB 345) 

Learner Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: demonstrate knowledge of the concepts and themes found in the Book of Genesis and its classic medieval and modern commentaries including Rashi, Ramban, Sforno, Ohr Hachaim, Cli Yakar, and Siphtei Chachamim; assess how particular sections of the Torah and its commentary fit into the greater context of the Chumash and how they relate to broader themes found throughout the Torah; expand on exegesis of the text of the Bible; solve apparent contradictions in and between verses; explain the hermeneutic principles which are applied to verses to gain new insights; interpret the ethical issues being discussed; explain lawful rulings derived from the verses as determined in the major law books; and read and understand commentaries from the last generation of Torah scholars who are included in the anthology of the commentary. 

Instruction: 

Includes an extensive study guide and required reading with a final exam administered by the Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies. NOTE: This may not be taken with Advanced Numbers (BIB 340). 

 

Credit recommendation: 

In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (6/13) (6/18 revalidation) (7/23 revalidation). 

 

Advanced Deuteronomy (BIB 350) 

Learner Outcomes: 

Version 1 and 2: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: 

Analyze key concepts and themes found in the book of Deuteronomy and its classic medieval and modern commentaries; expand on Talmudic and Midrashic exegesis of the text of the Bible; solve apparent contradictions in and between verses; explain the hermeneutic principles which are applied to verses to gain new insights; interpret the ethical issues being discussed; explain lawful rulings derived from the verses as determined in the major law books; understand commentaries from the last generation of Torah Scholars that are included in the anthology. 

Instruction: 

Version 1 and 2: Includes an extensive study guide and required readings with a final exam administered by the Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies. Topics include: the purpose of repeating the Torah; the mission of the spies; Moses’ prayer to enter the land; the Ten Commandments; Shema; Moses’ blessing and admonition; and other topics. 

Credit recommendation: 

Version 1: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (2/11). Version 2: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 4 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (3/16 revalidation) (8/21 revalidation). 

 

Deuteronomy: An In-Depth Study (BIB 355) 

Learner Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: 

Demonstrate knowledge of the concepts and themes found in the Book of Genesis and its classic medieval and modern commentaries including Rashi, Ramban, Sforno, Ohr Hachaim, Cli Yakar, and Siphtei Chachamim; assess how particular sections of the Torah and its commentary fit into the greater context of the Chumash and how they relate to broader themes found throughout the Torah; expand on exegesis of the text of the Bible; solve apparent contradictions in and between verses; explain the hermeneutic principles which are applied to verses to gain new insights; interpret the ethical issues being discussed; explain lawful rulings derived from the verses as determined in the major law books; and read and understand commentaries from the last generation of Torah scholars who are included in the anthology of the commentary. 

Instruction: 

Includes an extensive study guide and required reading with a final exam administered by the Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies. NOTE: This may not be taken with Advanced Deuteronomy (Bible 350). 

Credit recommendation: 

In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (6/13) (6/18 revalidation) (7/23 revalidation). 

 

The Book of Joshua (BIB 360) 

Learner Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: 

Identify and describe key concepts and themes in the Book of Joshua and selected readings from major medieval commentaries; explain hermeneutic principles; solve contradictions in and between verses; interpret ethical issues being discussed and apply them to practical situations. 

Instruction:

Includes an extensive study guide and required reading with a final exam administered by the Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies. Topics include: the episode of the spies in Jericho, the crossing of the Jordan, the conquering of Jericho and the rest of the Land, the battles at Ai, and the sin of Achan. 

Credit recommendation: 

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (3/12) (3/17 revalidation) (7/22 revalidation). 

 

The Book of Judges (BIB 370) 

Learner Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: identify and describe key concepts and themes in the Book of Judges and selected readings from major classical medieval commentaries; explain hermeneutic principles; solve contradictions in and between verses; explain lawful rulings derived from the verses as determined in the major law books; and interpret ethical issues being discussed and apply them to practical situations. 

Instruction: 

Includes an extensive study guide and required reading with a final exam administered by the Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies.

Credit recommendation: 

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (3/12) (3/17 revalidation) (7/22 revalidation).

 

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