Maalot Educational Network | Evaluated Learning Experience
Talmud Survey: Makkos (TAL219)
Classroom: 78 hours (13 weeks); Distance/Hybrid: Varies.
September 2020 - Present.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: dissect and explain classic Gemara structure; define concepts of Tractate Makkos; identify the nature of a text, e.g., legal or supra-legal, identify primary and supplemental material through analysis of the Talmudic discussion; find the axiological concepts around which the discussion revolves through analysis of its structure; define and apply the concepts of Talmudic research; decipher Talmudic texts and their cryptic dialog; reconstruct the give-and-take that is the backbone of independent Talmud study. In contradistinction to study-in-depth courses, the focus of the Talmudic survey courses is broad, comprehensive study, which enables Talmudic students to access the concepts necessary to be conversant in a variety of areas of Talmudic discipline.
Major topics include Kares, malkos, proof texts, extra words in a text, prohibitions of the tamei, the negative of a positive commandment, prohibition with a positive commandment that undoes it, hasraas safek, transgressing a prohibition that does not require an action, taking the mother with the chick and similar prohibitions, punishments for ingesting various prohibited substances, prohibitions that make one liable for malkos, the order of the bikkurim sacrifice, maaser sheini, tumah and tahara, maaser sheini outside of Yerushalayim, and the prohibition of tearing out hair in grief. The course allows for a cross-section of different kinds of texts, giving the student a broad range of topics to which to apply numerous research techniques. Methods of instruction include lecture, discussion and textual preparations. Prerequisite: Introductory courses in Talmud, fundamental familiarity with the main topics of the tractate.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6 semester hours in Talmud, Judaic Studies, Religious Studies or Theology (3/21).