Theological Research Institute - Inactive Courses

Organization

Theological Research Institute, Ltd. (TRI)

Credit Course Categories:

Descriptions and credit recommendations for all evaluated learning experiences

A Jewish Approach to Environmental Sustainability

Length:

12 weeks.

Dates:

January 2011- March 2017.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: discuss Jewish tradition in the context of environmental sustainability; explain ecological perspectives as they relate to Jewish teachings; and develop and apply biblical research skills and techniques.

Instruction:

This course is delivered in a distance learning format consisting of eleven units with written assignments, required readings, and a proctored proficiency exam. It offers a study of Biblical, Rabbinic, and Modern Jewish teachings with relevance for modern environmental issues. Major topics include: the Garden of Eden and a stewardship paradigm, Bible sources on agriculture and globalize food production today, and the Bible's injunction not to waste in tandem with issue of food and energy waste in contemporary society.

Credit recommendation:

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Jewish Thought, Jewish Ethics, or Jewish Law (4/11).

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Advanced Talmud (422-441)

Length:

120 hours (12 weeks); in addition, 270 hours of supervised study.

Dates:

May 2012 - August 2019.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: analyze the legal, philosophical and homiletic content of the Tractate with a focus on commentators ranging from the Geonic period to modern day scholars; apply research skills to uncover the meaning and understand the laws at hand; and connect the source of the laws to modern day customs and traditions.

Instruction:

This course is delivered in a mentored distance learning format with assignments, a learning log, extensive peer-to-peer study and a proctored proficiency exam. Instruction focuses on an extensive study and analysis of selected texts in the Tractate and commentaries in the original Hebrew and Aramaic from various scholars including Isaac Alfasi, 11th century commentary of Rabbi Solomon Yitzhaki (Rashi), Moses ben Maimon (Maimonedes), Moshe ben Nahman Girondi (Nachmanides), Rabenu Asher ben Jehil (Rosh), Nissim ben Reuven (Ran) and other traditional Talmudic commentators. Topics vary based on the texts selected.

Credit recommendation:

In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Juris Prudence, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (1/12).

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Advanced Talmud: Tractate Kiddushin (Talmud 422)

Formerly Advanced Talmud: Tractate Kiddushin (Talmud 402)

Formerly:

Length:

120 hours (12 weeks); in addition, 270 hours of supervised study.

Dates:

October 2011- August 2019.

Objectives:

Upon succesful completion of the course, students will be able to: analyze the laws of betrothal and lineages, focusing on commentators ranging from the Geonic period to modern day scholars; apply research skills to uncover the meaning and understand the laws at hand; and connect the source of the laws to modern day customs and traditions.

Instruction:

This course is delivered in a mentored distance learning format that includes assignments, a learning log, extensive peer-to-peer study and a proctored proficiency exam. It includes an extensive study on of tractate Kiddushin and commentaries in the original Hebrew and Aramaic from various scholars including Isaac Alfasi, 11th century commentary of Rabbi Solomon Yitzhaki (Rashi), Moses ben Maimon,"Maimonedes", Moshe ben Nahman Girondi, "Nachmanides", Rabenu Asher ben Jehiel "Rosh", Nissim ben Reuven, "Ran" and many other traditional Talmudic commentators.

Credit recommendation:

In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Juris Prudence, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (1/12).

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Advanced Talmud: Tractate Kiddushin II (Talmud 423)

Formerly Advanced Talmud: Tractate Kiddushin II (Talmud 404)

Formerly:

Length:

120 hours (12 weeks); in addition, 270 hours of supervised study.

Dates:

May 2012 - August 2019.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: analyze the laws of betrothal and lineages, focusing on commentators ranging from the Geonic period to modern day scholars; apply research skills to uncover the meaning and understand the laws at hand; and connect the source of the laws to modern day customs and traditions.

Instruction:

This course is delivered in a mentored distance learning format with assignments, a learning log, extensive peer-to-peer study and a proctored proficiency exam. It includes an extensive study on of Tractate Kiddushin and commentaries in the original Hebrew and Aramaic from various scholars including Isaac Alfasi, 11th century commentary of Rabbi Solomon Yitzhaki ("Rashi), Moses ben Maimon,"Maimonedes", Moshe ben Nahman Girondi, "Nachmanides", Rabenu Asher ben Jehiel "Rosh", Nissim ben Reuven, "Ran" and many other traditional Talmudic commentators.

Credit recommendation:

In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Juris Prudence, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (6/12).

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Book of Genesis I (BIB 201)

Length:

12 weeks.

Dates:

May 2010 - February 2015.

Objectives:

Students will discuss the theological elements of the first chapters of the Book of Genesis concerning the creation of the universe until the flood of Noah; explore major religious and mystical elements of the book; examine and analyze the text using a variety of classical commentaries; develop and apply biblical research skills and techniques.

Instruction:

This course is delivered in a distance learning format with a proctored proficiency exam. It includes a study of the Book of Genesis with the 11th century commentary of Rabbi Solomon Yitzhaki, Nachmanides, Babylonian Talmud, Prophets, Writings, and other classical commentaries focusing on understanding the major religious and historical elements.

Credit recommendation:

In the lower division associate/baccalaureate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Near Eastern Studies, Classics, and Bible Studies (8/10).

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Book of Genesis II (BIB 202)

Length:

12 weeks.

Dates:

May 2010 - February 2015.

Objectives:

Students will discuss the theological elements of the early chapters of the Book of Genesis concerning the progeny of Noah until the ascendance of Abraham; explore major religious and mystical elements of the book; examine and analyze the text using a variety of classical commentaries; develop and apply biblical research skills and techniques.

Instruction:

This course is delivered in a distance learning format with a proctored proficiency exam. It includes a study of the Book of Genesis with the 11th century commentary of Rabbi Solomon Yitzhaki, Nachmanides, Babylonian Talmud, Prophets, and other classical commentaries focusing on understanding the major religious and historical elements.

Credit recommendation:

the lower division associate/baccalaureate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Near Eastern Studies, Classics, and Bible Studies (8/10).

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Ethics and Material Consumption in Hasidic Thought

Length:

12 weeks.

Dates:

May 2011 - August 2017.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to discuss what the Jewish tradition teaches about material consumption; apply historical and sociological perspectives on consumption in modern American society; and develop biblical research skills and techniques.

Instruction:

This course is delivered in a distance learning format with a proctored proficiency exam. It entails a study of Jewish teachings that relate to material consumption with readings from sociologist and historians. Major topics include how rabbinic authorities have approached material consumption, how modern American consumption has differed from that in past centuries, and what Jewish teachings can offer as guidance for contemporary society.

Credit recommendation:

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, Classics, and Bible Studies (8/11).

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European Jewish Philosophy in the 16th to18th Century

Formerly European Jewish Philosophy in the 16th Century

Length:

12 weeks.

Dates:

May 2011 - March 2017.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: discuss the purpose of life from the lenses of the Torah; identify the contributions of the post-inquisition European philosophers; realize the purpose of the human story reflected in the actual Biblical Hebrew word for mankind; and uncover the meaning and message of the narratives through a close reading of the texts and commentaries.

Instruction:

This course is delivered in a distance learning format with a proctored proficiency exam. It entails a study of Biblical, Rabbinic, and modern Jewish teachings with a focus on the purpose of the individual and the connection to the purpose of the universe through the scope of ancient and modern Jewish teachings. Topics include the centrality of the intellect, the nature of humility and correlation to the purpose of life. Texts and commentary include Maharal from Prague, Ramchal, and the Meor Eynayim.

Credit recommendation:

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Introduction to Denominations in Judaism

Length:

12 weeks.

Dates:

January 2010 - April 2017.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to analyze the writings of Jewish thinkers to compare and contrast the various major and minor movements in American Judaism (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Humanistic, Renewal and n'turei karta).

Instruction:

This distance-learning course consists of eight modules monitored by a mentor. In addition to a proctored final examination, the course requires extensive reading of primary and secondary sources and written assignments.

Credit recommendation:

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Sociology, Modern Jewish History, Jewish Philosophy, or Jewish Law (4/11).

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Maimonides Commentary on the Mishna: Ethics of the Fathers (303)

Length:

12 weeks (48 hours).

Dates:

June 2012 - June 2017.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to discuss and apply the ethical teachings of the mishnaic tractate through an analysis of the narrative and commentary of Rabbi Moses Maimonides.

Instruction:

This distance-learning course consists of sixteen units. In addition to a proctored final examination, the course requires extensive reading of primary and secondary sources and written assignments.

Credit recommendation:

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies (6/12).

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