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 embedded 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.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: demonstrate proficient knowledge about historical events and personalities involving or affecting the Jewish people in medieval Central Europe; demonstrate understanding of how historical figures (Avner, Shlomo HaLevi, Yehoshua Lorki, R' Nissim b. Reuven, R' Chisdai b. Crescas, R'Yitzchok Abrabanel, Torquemada, Ferdinand and Isabelle) impacted Jewish life through their major works and communal interactions; discuss how the Jews who lived in Europe during the Middle Ages interacted with surrounding cultures and their influences by their host countries; and express an understanding of the significance of major political and cultural events and their impact on the Jewish communities and individuals.