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National College Credit Recommendation Service

Board of Regents  |  University of the State of New York

History - Torah Accreditation Liaison

Descriptions and credit recommendations for all evaluated learning experiences

Length:

Varies; offered as a proficiency examination or self-study format.

Dates:
October 2006 - Present.
Objectives:
Students are required to display a broad knowledge of the history of the Jewish people from the destruction of the second temple until the establishment of the State of Israel; post- destruction existence in Israel, settlement in Babylon, development of the Talmud, influences of Rome, Christianity and Islam, transition to Spain and Europe, Pale of Settlement, Chassidic movement, reformation, Zionism, etc .
Instruction:

Proficiency exam: The examination is intended to measure a body of knowledge that candidates have acquired through prior learning experiences.  Self-Study Format: Students are expected to master recommended readings and study guide materials. The course focuses on major population movements, economic and religious survival, influences of the host nations, chronology and basic geography, development of the Talmud and it commentaries and major figures during these eras.

Credit recommendation:

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 6 semester hours in History, Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (12/06) (3/12 revalidation) (3/17 revalidation) (3/22 revalidation).

Length:

Varies; offered as a proficiency examination or self-study format.

Dates:
January 2008 - Present.
Objectives:
Students are required to display an in-depth knowledge of the history of the Jewish people from the establishment of the Sanhedrin in Yavna until the era of the Babylonian community. In addition to knowledge mastered for the Elementary Jewish History II exam (major Jewish leaders, the Sanhedrin, diaspora Jewry and the community in Israel, Roman emperors and subjugation, the Bar Kochba revolt, compilation of the Mishnah, the community of Babylon), students need to understand the continuation of the development of the Talmud, the periods of the Amoraim and Savoraim, their major figures and works, the development of the Gemara and the early period of the Gaonim, etc. post-destruction existence in Israel, Bar Kochba revolt, influence of Rome and its emperors, settlement in Babylon, development of the Talmud, influences of surrounding religions, etc.
Instruction:

Proficiency exam: The examination is intended to measure a body of knowledge that candidates have acquired through prior learning experiences.  Self-Study Format: Students are expected to master recommended readings and study guide materials. The course focuses on historical themes and patterns of the diaspora, influences of the host nations and their religions, economic and religious survival, development of the Talmud (Mishna, Gemara and Gaonim). Beyond the expectation to have a thorough and sophisticated knowledge of this period, students must display an ability to present ideas in an organized, creative and well supported fashion and to deal with a variety of issues in a relatively mature and sophisticated manner through ten one paragraph responses and an extensive essay.

Credit recommendation:

In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in History, Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (2/08) (9/16 revalidation) (7/21 revalidation). NOTE: Students cannot receive credit for both Advanced Jewish History: (History 201) and Advanced Jewish History (History 202).

Length:

Varies; offered as a proficiency examination or self-study format.

Dates:

September 2016 - Present.

Objectives:

Students are required to display an in-depth knowledge of the history of the Jewish people from the establishment of the Sanhedrin in Yavna until the era of the Babylonian community. In addition to knowledge mastered for the Elementary Jewish History II exam (major Jewish leaders, the Sanhedrin, diaspora Jewry and the community in Israel, Roman emperors and subjugation, the Bar Kochba revolt, compilation of the Mishnah, the community of Babylon), students need to understand the continuation of the development of the Talmud, the periods of the Amoraim and Savoraim, their major figures and works, the development of the Gemara and the early period of the Gaonim, etc. post-destruction existence in Israel, Bar Kochba revolt, influence of Rome and its emperors, settlement in Babylon, development of the Talmud, influences of surrounding religions, etc.  Students must identify themes and patterns in concerning the survival after the Churban, Roman subjugation and national rebellion, the dynamics and background behind the compilation of the Mishna, the unique nature of the nation, the Yeshivas of Bavel and the Reish Galusa, Muslim Rule and dispute and dissidents sects.

Instruction:

Proficiency exam: The examination is intended to measure a body of knowledge that candidates have acquired through prior learning experiences.  Self-Study Format: Students are expected to master recommended readings and study guide materials. The course focuses on historical themes and patterns of the diaspora, influences of the host nations and their religions, economic and religious survival, development of the Talmud (Mishna, Gemara and Gaonim). Beyond the expectation to have a thorough and sophisticated knowledge of this period, students must display an ability to present ideas in an organized, creative and well supported fashion and to deal with a variety of issues in a relatively mature and sophisticated manner through ten short essay responses and two extensive essays; essay criteria include thoroughness, support for ideas, organization and relevance of answers.

Credit recommendation:

In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6 semester hours in History, Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (9/16) (7/21 revalidation). NOTE: Students cannot receive credit for both Advanced Jewish History: (History 201) and Advanced Jewish History (History 202).

Length:

Varies; offered as a proficiency examination or self-study format.

Dates:
September 2008 - Present.
Objectives:
Students are required to display a broad knowledge of the history of the Jewish people from the establishment of the Sanhedrin in Yavna until the beginning of the Babylonian community; major Jewish leaders, the Sanhedrin, diaspora Jewry and the community in Israel, Roman emperors and subjugation, the Bar Kochba revolt, compilation of the Mishnah, the community of Babylon, among other related topics.
Instruction:

Proficiency exam: The examination is intended to measure a body of knowledge that candidates have acquired through prior learning experiences.  Self-Study Format: Students are expected to master recommended readings and study guide materials. The course focuses on post-temple chronology, the beginnings of the diaspora, major figures of the Jewish people and their host nations, influences of the host nations and their religions, economic and religious survival and the development of the Mishnah.

Credit recommendation:

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in History, Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (8/08) (3/17 revalidation) (3/22 revalidation).

Length:
Proficiency examination program administered through the Torah Accreditation Liaison.
Dates:
January 2008 - Present.
Objectives:

Students are required to display a broad knowledge of the historical background of the 24 Books of the Bible and the Oral Torah, the authors and their lives, basic content of each book, major historical events contained within each book, and the development of the Talmud and its commentaries and post-Talmudic literature.

Instruction:

The examination is intended to measure a body of knowledge that candidates have acquired through prior learning experiences. The exam focuses on the Bible in terms of its basic content and historical context, the Talmud (Mishna, Gemara, Gaonim, Rishonim and Achronim), essential books of law and Jewish thought and the major rabbinical figures behind these works.

Credit recommendation:

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 5 semester hours in Jewish History, Judaic Studies, Literature, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (2/08) (3/12 revalidation) (3/17 revalidation) (3/22 revalidation). 

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