Theological Research Institute, Ltd. (TRI)
Overview
The Theological Research Institute, Ltd. (TRI), an NCCRS member since 2010, was founded in 2009 to offer students and professionals a comprehensive and robust learning experience focused on the History, Philosophy, Biblical law, and Hermeneutics of the Jewish religion. Utilizing the classical methods of Rabbinic scholarship, combined with special emphasis on religious humanism, TRI strives to bring a new and innovative twist to Jewish learning that emphasizes evolving issues, both past and present. Humanistic ideals of morals, ethics, and tolerance, based on the writings of the Pentateuch, Talmud, the academies of the Geonim and Maimonides, are underlying themes that form the basis of the curriculum and are integrated into lesson plans, and course work, highlighting the continuity of these cherished characteristics throughout Jewish traditions and to the present day.
The goal of TRI is to provide college-level coursework focused on Judaic Studies to a wide and all-encompassing audience, regardless of religion, race or creed. Courses in Jewish Humanities, Thought and Philosophy, Talmudic, Jurisprudential, and Biblical Studies form the cornerstone of course work. Instructors highlight the theoretical and practical applications of the traditions and contemporary concepts in modern society through classroom and online lectures. This program ensures that the students of TRI will have extensive knowledge of these principles and their daily applications.
Source of Official Student Records
Titles of all evaluated learning experiences
Descriptions and credit recommendations for all evaluated learning experiences
Jewish Studies-Theological Research Institute
- Formerly Ancient Jewish Ideas in the Modern Era
Various; distance learning format
45 hours (10 weeks).
December 2011 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: discuss the concepts and application of traditional Jewish teachings and mystical practices within the context of modern society; learn the general structure and order of the Torah belief system and how this defines the essential character of the "Jewish perspective”; analyze and assess what happens when the Jewish perspective is at odds with modern opinions and bias; evaluate a wide range of topics, including: the cyclical nature of time; core concepts in Jewish philosophy; ritual practice as related to prayer and the festivals; stringencies in dietary law and animal slaughter; sexual limitations and freedoms; an explanation of the Torah's written and oral transmissions; and define the concept of "Chosen People," and anti-Semitism.
This course is delivered in a distance learning format with a proctored proficiency exam. It includes a study of Faith versus knowledge, Monotheism, the Jewish calendar as a tool for growth, the Jewish view of love, relationships, and prayer, Kosher Laws, Understanding the Shabbat, and History of Oral Law.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Jewish Philosophy (6/15).
Various; distance learning format
124.5 hours (12 weeks).
June 2015 - Present.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: demonstrate a mastery of the Hebrew alphabet, and basic pronunciations of letters and words; gain a deeper insight into the structure of the Hebrew letters and how they relate to mathematics, science, and philosophy; and clearly articulate how the Hebrew words are essentially defined based on the nature of the letters they are composed of.
This course is delivered in a distance learning format with a proctored proficiency exam. It includes a study of the Hebrew Alphabet and Language including speech and pronounciations and the meaning behind the letters. Methods of instruction include: required readings, essays, quizzes, required interaction with the course instructor, and final exam.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Hebrew Language or Jewish Thought (6/15).
Various; distance learning format
117.5 hours (10 weeks).
June 2015 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: improve their knowledge of Judaism, Jewish philosophy and social justice; employ these concepts in an effort to apply it to the development and design their own social entrepreneurship; and collaborate with peers and professionals sharing their entrepreneurial spirit and desire to better the world.
This course is delivered in a distance learning format with a proctored proficiency exam. It includes a study of Judaism, Jewish Philosophy and social justice and social entrepreneurship. Students interpret and compare various case studies and lectures and have the opportunity to examine and discuss real life scenarios and formulate their own direction.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Applied Economics, Management, Jewish Thought or Business/Entrepreneurship (6/15).
Various; distance learning format
120 hours (10 weeks).
June 2015 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to review the writings of Jewish codifiers throughout the ages (Maimonidies, Tur, Shulchan Aruch, Mishna Brura) to build their knowledge of pertinent Jewish laws and apply research skills to develop a thorough understanding of many day-to-day laws and traditions.
This course is delivered in a distance learning format with a proctored proficiency exam. It includes a study of Jewish Laws (Halacha) of some of the following topics: Mezuzah, Charity, Tefillin, Blessings, Sukkot, Signs of Kosher animals, Wayfarer's prayer, and immersing new utensils.
In the associate degree/certificate degree category OR in the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Jewish Law, Near Eastern Studies, Talmudic Law, or Religion (6/15).
Various; distance learning format
120 hours (10 weeks).
June 2015 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: analyze Jewish sources about leadership and character development and discuss traits such as responsibility, resilience, humility, genuineness, commitment to personal growth, positivity, and methods for overcoming anger and jealousy. The course places a strong focus on applying this knowledge to actual life situations.
The course is taught through a variety of instructional sources: reading classic and contemporary texts, watching online videos, and writing essays. A strong emphasis is placed on applying the material to students' lives.
In the associate degree/certificate category, 3 semester hours in Jewish Law, Jewish Thought, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (6/15).
Various; distance learning format
177 hours (10 weeks).
June 2015 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: discuss the multiple facets of leadership and what it means to be a leader; identify and discuss their own patterns of behavior and whether it is an asset or hindrance to leadership; and apply and evaluate leadership skills with projects that they must implement in their communities
The course will take place over a two-week trip to Israel, followed by a year-long implementation project based on skills and knowledge gained during the two-week immersion learning experience. Methods of instruction include: lectures, experiential learning through historical visits and readings, student projects, and required reading and writing assignments.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Jewish Thought or Religion (6/15).
Various; distance learning format
130 hours (10 weeks).
June 2015 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: discuss core concepts of Jewish philosophy and analyze and discuss modern day situations from the perspective of Jewish ethics. Students are introduced to the concepts of Tikkun Olam and personal character development, and the practical applications of these missions to their personal lives and community involvement. As part of this course, students will learn from Torah experts and personalities from the business and professional world, who demonstrate from experience how to bridge Judaism’s ancient wisdom with modern life. Additionally, students are matched with optional internship opportunities in North America and Israel.
The course covers an introduction to the study of Biblical, Rabbinic, and modern Jewish teachings, with focus on inspiring and giving; students the necessary tools to continue with self-study of Judaism. Major subjects include: monotheism, free will, the purpose of life, and the Jewish values that relate to the relationships between man and his fellow, man and God, and man and himself. Core texts include the Torah, Talmud, Mishnah “Pirkei Avot”(Major work on Jewish Ethics), and various works and teachings of Rabbinic scholars circa 2000 years ago until the present day. Students will conduct a close reading of the text, applying research skills to analyze and uncover the meaning and message of the narrative.
In the associate degree/certificate category OR in the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Jewish Philosophy, Jewish Thought, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (6/15).
Various; distance learning format
130 hours (10 weeks).
June 2011 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:analyze and discuss the multiple facets of Judaism, Jewish philosophy and social justice; identify and;discuss different Jewish concepts acquired in this course and apply it to the development and design their own social entrepreneurship enterprise; and collaborate with peers and professionals developing an entrepreneurial spirit and desire to better the world.
This course takes place in a classroom setting in Israel. Studies focus on a hybrid of lecture series and experiential learning that include texts spanning previous generations of Jewish literature, video documentaries, and guest lectures. Trips create hands-on learning experiences that help instill classroom lessons into lifetime memories.
In the associate degree/certificate degree category OR in the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Jewish Studies, Near Eastern Studies, Religion, or Jewish Thought (6/15).
Talmud Courses-Theological Research Institute
- Formerly Advanced Talmud: Tractate Kiddushin II (Talmud 404)
- Formerly Advanced Talmud: Tractate Kiddushin (Talmud 402)
Theological Research Institute-Inactive Courses
- Formerly European Jewish Philosophy in the 16th Century
- Formerly Psychology of Human Interaction (Psych 202)
