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National College Credit Recommendation Service

Board of Regents  |  University of the State of New York

Yeshivas Toras Moshe | Evaluated Learning Experience

Talmud Bava Metzia VI (Talmud 160b, 260b, 360b, 460b)

Length: 
81 hours (26 weeks); in addition, 312 hours of supervised peer study.
Location: 
Toras Moshe, Jerusalem, Israel.
Dates: 

August 2002 - December 2015.

Instructional delivery format: 
Traditional classroom model
Learner Outcomes: 

Talmud 160b: Students will be able to: discuss the substance and essence of the talmudic text of the fourth chapter of Bava Metzia; apply analytical skills in talmudic explication; follow the dynamics of talmudic argumentation leading to halakhic conclusions and resolutions, focusing primarily on the commentaries of Rashi and Tosafos, utilize the major medieval, modern, and contemporary commentaries to comprehend the underlying assumptions and consequences of the legal principles implicit in the text. Talmud 260b or 360b: In addition to the above outcomes,  students are introduced to the full range of commentary in the understanding of the text. In addition, students are introduced to techniques in advanced conceptualization of talmudic text and commentaries. The difference between the two levels is in the focus on conceptual development. As students become more adept at textual mastery, the focus changes more to conceptual development. Talmud 460b: In addition to the above outcomes, students analyze the abstract legal concepts implicit in the talmudic text and its commentaries and formulate abstract legal categories based on the talmudic text.

Instruction: 

Talmud 160b: Major topics include: the fourth chapter of Bava Metzia, dealing primarily with the laws pertaining to money and acquisition and the related issues of ono'oh and pidyon, 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 260b or 360b: In addition to the above, students are ntroduced to techniques in advanced conceptualization of talmudic text and commentaries. The difference between the two levels is in the focus on conceptual development. As students become more adept at textual mastery, the focus changes to more conceptual development. Talmud 460b: In addition to the above, students are expected to achieve proficiency in techniques of advanced conceptualization of talmudic text and commentaries. Topics include: various issues of kinyan kesef, including definition of money versus goods and the elements involved in acquisition; issues of kinyan chalifin and ono'oh, related issues of pidyon maaser shaini and hekdesh. 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.

Credit recommendation: 
Talmud 160b: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 5 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Jurisprudence, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion. Talmud 260b or 360b: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 5 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Jurisprudence, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion. Talmud 460b: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 5 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Jurisprudence, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion or in the graduate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Jurisprudence, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (2/04) (2/09 Administrative Review). NOTE: Credit should only be awarded once for Talmud 160b, 260b, 360b, or 460b at the undergraduate degree level; however, credit can be awarded for Talmud 160b, 260b, or 360b at the undergraduate degree level and Talmud 460b at the graduate degree level.

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