Talmud 154b: The second half of the eighth chapter of Bava Basra, dealing primarily with the various means available to bequeath an inheritance to potential heirs, is addressed. Students prepare the applicable talmudic texts as well as the major halakhic opinions of various rishonim and acharonim, including Rashi, Tosafos, and the other commentaries as assigned by the instructor. The instructor guides students in understanding the issues raised, and assists them in deducing and elucidating the crux of these issues. Instruction includes, but is not limited to, discussion of the major relevant halakhic topics. Talmud 254b or 354b: In addition to the above, students are introduced to techniques in advanced conceptualization of talmudic text and commentaries. Talmud 454b: In addition to the above, students are expected to achieve proficiency in techniques of advanced conceptualization of talmudic text and commentaries. Topics include: a general picture of inheritance issues; the types of property from which the first born takes a double portion of inheritance, relinquishing rights to inheritance before the death of the father; disinheritance of potential heir; issues regarding indeterminate gender; credibility of father in determining first born; use of oaths in determining truth in a court; and  the inability to effect a subsequent possession following an inheritance. NOTE: Students in all four courses study the same course materials. While the scope of instruction is the same, the depth of study and nature of analysis depends upon which course the student is enrolled in.