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National College Credit Recommendation Service

Board of Regents  |  University of the State of New York

Bible - Coopersmith Career Consulting

Descriptions and credit recommendations for all evaluated learning experiences

Length:

Varies (self-study, self-paced). 

Dates:

November 2020 - Present. 

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the learning experience, students will be able to demonstrate measurable higher-level thinking skill of the text and selected commentary of Rashi on the first half of the Book of Exodus (chapters 1-17).  Included in this is the ability to identify the correct English interpretation of Hebrew words and phrases in the Book of Exodus. Students will also be able to 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 from where in the text Rashi derived his interpretation, and explain the significance of Rashi’s solutions in terms of ethical and religious behavior.  Students will conduct this analysis even on comments of Rashi that are not given on the list of selections. 

Instruction:

This distance learning course covers the first half of the Book of Exodus (Chapter 1-17, consisting of Parshiyot Shemos through Beshalach) and selected commentaries of Rashi.  Topics include the birth and development of Moshe, Egyptian slavery, the ten plagues, the Exodus, the korban pesach (the sacrifice slaughtered and eaten on the first eve of Passover) and other commandments given to remember the exodus, the splitting of the Red Sea, and the mann (food from heaven) and the quail which Bnei Yisrael (the Israelites) ate in the desert.

Credit recommendation:

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (11/20).

Length:

Varies (self-study, self-paced). 

Dates:

November 2020 - Present. 

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the learning experience, students will be able to use higher-level thinking skill of the text and selected commentary of Rashi on the second half of the Book of Exodus (chapters 18-40).  Included in this is the ability to identify the correct English interpretation of Hebrew words and phrases in the Book of Exodus.  Students will also 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 from where in the text Rashi derived his interpretation, and explain the significance of Rashi’s solutions in terms of ethical and religious behavior. Students will conduct this analysis even on comments of Rashi that are not given on the list of selections. 

Instruction:

This is a distance learning course that covers the second half of the Book of Exodus (chapters 18-40, consisting of Parshiot - Yisro through Pekudei) and selected commentaries of Rashi. Topics include the visit of Yisro, the giving of the Torah, the civil laws of Mishpatim, the construction of the mishkan (tabernacle), the sin of the golden calf, and the subsequent forgiveness.

Credit recommendation:

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (11/20).

Length:

Varies (self-study; self-paced).

Dates:

March 2021 - Present. 

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: to identify the main references to women in the Pentateuch; explain interpretations of the midrash, rishonim, and ba’alei musar of incidents involving women in the Torah, and identify the textual sources of these interpretations; recognize laws of the Torah that apply specifically to women; discuss how contemporary female traditional Orthodox Torah teachers interpret laws of the Torah that apply to women in a manner relevant and understandable to contemporary women; explain how learning about the women of the Torah reveals universal truths about women, Jewish women, male/female relationships, and marriage; and apply the lessons learned from women of the Torah to contemporary situations.

Instruction:

This learning experience seeks to bring deeper understanding of the main female characters of the Pentateuch and of numerous Torah laws pertaining specifically to women. The course examines relevance of the female characters as interpreted by Rabbis from the composers of the midrash through current times, as well as the lessons gleaned by contemporary female Torah teachers. A major focus is on the lessons learned from the women of the Torah as they apply to Jewish women today in daily life and spiritual growth. Some of the specific topics include analysis of Chava, the Matriarchs, and Miriam and laws related to family, purity, and divorce.

Credit recommendation:

In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Bible Studies, Judaic Studies, Religion, Sociology, or Women’s Studies (5/21).

Length:

Varies (self-study; self-paced). 

Dates:

March 2022 - Present.

Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the concepts and themes found throughout the entire Book of Deuteronomy along with its medieval and modern commentaries; solve apparent contradictions in the verses and explain the hermeneutic principles which are applied to verses to gain new insight; explain legal rulings derived from the text found in major law books as well as interpret ethical issues which emerge from the text; write five-one hundred-word essays connecting sources to a variety of themes using source material from the Chumash and selected commentaries; One essay requires students to translate from Hebrew to English. 

Instruction:

Advanced Deuteronomy (BIB-440) assesses students’ knowledge of the Book of Deuteronomy on an advanced level. Students are required to have a broad knowledge of classical commentaries on the Book of Deuteronomy including: The Talmud, Midrash, Rashi, Ramban, Sforno, and R’ Samson R. Hirsch among others. Students need a deep understanding of how the commentators analyze the Bible, with a focus on philosophical and ethical principles derived from the verses. Topics include: the purpose of repeating the Torah, Moses' prayer to enter the land, the Ten Commandments, Shema, the court system, Moses' blessings and more.

Credit recommendation:

In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (2/22).

Length:

Varies (self-study; self-paced). 

Dates:

March 2022 - Present. 

Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, students will discuss the text and commentary on the entire Book of Exodus. Mastery of the material includes the ability to analyze and explain select sections of the text along with Rashi’s commentary. This analysis focuses on  identifying the textual problem Rashi is trying to resolve and how he resolves it. When relevant, students should also be able to explain Rashi’s solution in terms of ethical and religious behavior. Students are required to write five-one hundred-word essays on various themes drawing from the Biblical text and Rashi’s comments; One essay requires students to translate from Hebrew to English.

Instruction:

Advanced Exodus I (BIB-310) will challenge the student’s knowledge of the entire Book of Exodus. It will include the Biblical text in Hebrew as well as Rashi’s commentary. Topics include Enslavement in Egypt, early life of Moses and his leadership role, Pharoah, the Ten Plagues, the Exodus, the splitting of the Red Sea, Children of Israel in the wilderness, the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai and the Ten Commandments, the Golden Calf and the Tabernacle. While most of the exam will be in English, students must be able to read and understand the Hebrew texts.

Credit recommendation:

In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (2/22).

Length:

Varies (self-study; self-paced).

Dates:

March 2022 - Present. 

Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to discuss concepts and themes found throughout the entire book of Exodus along with its medieval and modern commentaries; solve apparent contradictions in the verses and explain the hermeneutic principles which are applied to verses to gain new insight; explain legal rulings derived from the text found in major law books as well as interpret ethical issues which emerge from the text. Students are required to write five-one hundred-word essays connecting sources to a variety of themes using source material from the Chumash and selected commentaries; One essay requires students to translate from Hebrew to English. 

Instruction:

Advanced Exodus II (BIB-410) will assess the students’ knowledge of the Book of Exodus on an advanced level. Students will be required to have a broad knowledge of classical commentaries on the Book of Exodus including: The Talmud, Midrash, Rashi, Ramban, Sforno, and R’ Samson R. Hirsch among others. Students will have a deep understanding of how the commentators analyze the Bible, with a focus on philosophical and ethical principles derived from the verses. Topics include: the exile to Egypt, servitude in Egypt, the rise of Moses to leadership, the ten plagues, the splitting of the sea, the giving of the Torah and Ten Commandments, the building of the Tabernacle and more.

Credit recommendation:

In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (2/22).

Length:

Varies (self-study; self-paced). 

Dates:

March 2022 - Present.

Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, students will discuss the text and commentary on the entire Book of Exodus. Mastery of the material focuses on the ability to  analyze and explain select sections of the text along with Rashi’s commentary. This analysis includes identifying the textual problem Rashi is trying to resolve and how he resolves it. When relevant, students should also be able to explain Rashi’s solution in terms of ethical and religious behavior. Students are required to write five-one hundred-word essays on various themes drawing from the Biblical text and Rashi’s comments. One essay requires students to translate from Hebrew to English. 

Instruction:

Advanced Genesis I (BIB-300) will challenge the student’s knowledge of the entire Book of Exodus. It will include the Biblical text in Hebrew as well as Rashi’s commentary. Topics include Enslavement in Egypt, early life of Moses and his leadership role, Pharoah, the Ten Plagues, the Exodus, the splitting of the Red Sea, Children of Israel in the wilderness, the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai and the Ten Commandments, the Golden Calf and the Tabernacle. While most of the exam will be in English, students must be able to read and understand the Hebrew texts. 

Credit recommendation:

In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (2/22).

Length:

Varies (self-study; self-paced). 

Dates:

March 2022 - Present. 

Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to possess an in-depth knowledge of the concepts and themes found throughout the entire Book of Genesis along with its medieval and modern commentaries; solve apparent contradictions in the verses and explain the hermeneutic principles that are applied to verses to gain new insight; explain legal rulings derived from the text found in major law books as well as interpret ethical issues which emerge from the text. Students are required to write five-one hundred-word essays connecting sources to a variety of themes using source material from the Chumash and selected commentaries. One essay requires students to translate from Hebrew to English. 

Instruction:

Advanced Genesis II (BIB-400) will assess the students’ knowledge of the Book of Genesis on an advanced level. Students will be required to have a broad knowledge of classical commentaries on the Book of Genesis including: The Talmud, Midrash, Rashi, Ramban, Sforno, and R’ Samson R. Hirsch among others. Students will have a deep understanding of how the commentators analyze the Bible, with a focus on philosophical and ethical principles derived from the verses. Topics include: The purpose of Creation, the exile from Eden, Noah and the Ark, Abraham and the ten tests, the binding of Isaac, the selling of Josef, the exile to Egypt and more.

Credit recommendation:

In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (2/22).

Length:

Varies (self-study; self-paced). 

Dates:

March 2022 - Present. 

Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, students will discuss the text and commentary on the entire Book of Leviticus. Mastery of the material includes the ability to analyze and explain select sections of the text along with Rashi’s commentary; identify and analyze the textual problem Rashi is trying to resolve and how he resolves it. When relevant, students should also be able to explain Rashi’s solution in terms of ethical and religious behavior. Students are required to write a five-one hundred-word essays on various themes drawing from the Biblical text and Rashi’s comments. One essay requires students to translate from Hebrew to English.

Instruction:

Advanced Leviticas I (BIB-320) will challenge the student’s knowledge of the entire Book of Leviticus. It will include the Biblical text in Hebrew as well as Rashi’s commentary. Topics include: Korbanos (Sacrifices), the death of Nadav and Avihu, Yom Kippur service in the Temple, laws of tzoras, laws of sexual relationships, kosher and non kosher animals, agricultural gifts to the poor, the Sabbatical year and Jubilee year, and laws of lending money. While most of the exam will be in English, students must be able to read and understand the Hebrew texts.

Credit recommendation:

In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (2/22).

Length:

Varies (self-study; self-paced).

Dates:

March 2022 - Present.

Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to possess an in-depth knowledge of the concepts and themes found throughout the entire book of Leviticus along with its medieval and modern commentaries; solve apparent contradictions in the verses and explain the hermeneutic principles that are applied to verses to gain new insight; explain legal rulings derived from the text found in major law books as well as interpret ethical issues which emerge from the text. Students are required to write five-one hundred-word essays connecting sources to a variety of themes using source material from the Chumash and selected commentaries; One essay requires students to translate from Hebrew to English. 

Instruction:

Advanced Leviticas II (BIB-420) will assess the students’ knowledge of the Book of Leviticus on an advanced level. Students will be required to have a broad knowledge of classical commentaries on the Book of Leviticus including: The Talmud, Midrash, Rashi, Ramban, Sforno, and R’ Samson R. Hirsch among others. Students will have a deep understanding of how the commentators analyze the Bible, with a focus on philosophical and ethical principles derived from the verses. Topics include Sacrifices, Priestly Service, Priestly blessings, and laws relating to Priests, kosher and non-kosher species, spiritual contamination, tzoras, and more. Suggestions for review: Students may rely on background knowledge and review any resources they wish to prepare for the exam. 

Credit recommendation:

In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (2/22).

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