About This Course
The Talmud is one of the richest and most complicated works of literature the world has ever known. Since being composed around 1500 years ago it has inspired not only religious reverence but significant intellectual engagement. In this course learners will be introduced to the unique characteristics of this text and the challenges that inhere in studying it while studying a chapter of the Talmud. Students of the course can expect to develop an appreciation for how the Talmud works and why it continues to inspire religious and intellectual devotion. They will be challenged to employ critical reading skills and to analyze legal and historical concepts.
This course is provided through Coursera and Northwestern University.
This course is .5 credits towards smicha
How to receive credit
After completing both courses, you can receive credit by uploading either
- Your official certificate of completion
- A compilation of the work you did or quizzes you passed (depending on what the course requires)
Combine all documentation into 1 pdf and upload
Syllabus
Unit 1 – Week 1 – Introducing the Talmud
Unit 2 – Week 2 – False Testimony From Bible to Rabbis
Unit 3 – Week 3 – Reading the Bible & Rabbinic Logic
Unit 4 – Week 4 – Redaction & Textual Witnesses
Unit 5 – Week 5 – The Stam as Reader and Writer
Unit 6 – Week 6 – Tosefta, Tannaitic Midrash and Palestinian Talmud
Unit 7 – Week 7 – Narrative and History
Unit 8 – Week 8 – Conclusion
About your instructor
Northwestern University is a private research and teaching university with campuses in Evanston and Chicago, Illinois, and Doha, Qatar. Northwestern combines innovative teaching and pioneering research in a highly collaborative environment that transcends traditional academic boundaries.
Disclaimer
This course is provided by a third party and is unaffiliated with Pluralistic Rabbinical Seminary. There may be a cost associated with this course. Pluralistic Rabbinical Seminary does not receive any kind of fees by recommending this course to students.
This is one of the best electives I've taken -- but why is it only half-credit, it is more thorough and demanding than most of the full-credit electives. It is a wonderful introduction to the history and methods of Talmud. Clear and analytical even when the source material is complex. I highly recommend this course.