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    Overview

    An introduction to Judaism in the modern world, with emphasis on contemporary issues and debates.

    Although there are only 14 million Jews worldwide, Judaism is the precursor of both Christianity and Islam and has played a significant role in the cultures of Europe, the Middle East and the US. This paper focuses on modern Judaism, as it developed over the last two centuries, so as to understand the beliefs and practices of contemporary Jews.

    We will consider questions such as: why are there disagreements between different Jewish sects or movements, including Reform, Conservative and Orthodox Judaisms? What is the Ultra-Orthodox movement, and are they 'fundamentalists'? What do Jews mean when they claim to be the Chosen People? What are Jewish beliefs about a coming Messiah in the end times? How does Judaism treat women? What is Jewish mysticism - Hasidism and Kabbalah? Why has antisemitism arisen in Europe and in Christianity, and how did it result in persecutions and the Holocaust? How did Zionism - the movement to establish a modern state of Israel - arise, and what are the religious dimensions of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine? Can we say that Israel is a secular state, as it sometimes claims? This paper provides an introduction to the academic study of a social group that challenges the boundaries of religion, politics and culture. No background in religion is required.

    About this paper

    Paper title Special Topic
    Subject Religious Studies
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Not offered in 2024 (Distance learning)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $981.75
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music, Theology
    Contact

    Dr Deane Galbraith: deane.galbraith@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Lecturer: Dr Deane Galbraith

    Paper Structure

    Reading comprehension tests (2 x 5%) 10%
    Critical commentary essays (2 x 10%) 20%
    Critical response to news article 10%
    Final examination 60%

    Teaching Arrangements

    To be advised.
    All lectures will be recorded and made available to distance students.

    Textbooks

    To be advised when paper next offered.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    To be advised when paper next offered.

    Timetable

    Not offered in 2024

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught through Distance Learning
    Learning management system
    None
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