Bible - Torah Accreditation Liaison

Organization

Torah Accreditation Liaison (TAL)

Credit Course Categories:

Descriptions and credit recommendations for all evaluated learning experiences

Advanced Deuteronomy: Intensive Analysis (Bible 215)

Formerly Advanced Deuteronomy: Intensive Analysis (Bible 205)

Length:

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

Dates:

Version 1: March 2006 - February 2012. Version 2: March 2012 - Present.

Objectives:

Version 1 and 2: Students are required to display knowledge of the entire text of The Book of Deuteronomy with a range of midrashic, medieval and modern commentaries. Based on these commentaries, students should be able to articulate on underlying meanings found in the text, expound on vague or obscure passages, solve apparent moral inconsistencies, elaborate on motivations in the various episodes throughout the text, and analyze various ethical, symbolic and spiritual issues based on the classical commentaries, explain various metaphysical allusions. The Advanced Bible exams focus on conceptual, philosophical and ethical issues and their textual cues and the ability to express concepts and critical thinking in a clear, organized manner based on a range of classical commentaries.

Instruction:

Version 1 and 2: Proficiency exam: The examination is intended to measure a body of knowledge that the candidate has acquired through prior learning experiences. Classroom-based instruction: Students are expected to master recommended readings and study guide materials. Students are expected to identify and describe key issues of the Book of Deuteronomy (rebuke, judges, wars with Sihon and Og, Ten Commandments, Shema, fear of G-d, Eretz Yisrael, tithes, kings, prophesy, ben sorer and morer, forbidden marriages, gifts to the poor, first fruits, repentance and consolation, Moshe's blessings) with a range of well known Midrashim, sections from the Talmud, medieval and modern commentaries; and articulate a variety of issues in a relatively mature and sophisticated manner through their responses to the examination questions.

Credit recommendation:

Version 1: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (5/06) (3/12 revalidation). Version 2: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 5 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (3/12) (3/17 revalidation) (3/22 revalidation).

View on page as single course>>

[ Back to top ]

Advanced Exodus: Intensive Analysis (Bible 212)

Formerly Advanced Exodus: Intensive Analysis (Bible 202)

Length:

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

Dates:

Version 1: January 2006 - February 2012. Version 2: March 2012 - Present.

Objectives:

Version 1 and 2: Students are required to display knowledge of the entire text of The Book of Exodus with a range of midrashic, medieval and modern commentaries. Based on these commentaries, students should be able to articulate underlying meanings found in the text, expound on vague or obscure passages, solve apparent moral inconsistencies, describe motivations in the various episodes throughout the text, and analyze various ethical, symbolic and spiritual issues based on the classical commentaries, explain various metaphysical allusions. The Advanced Bible exams focus on conceptual, philosophical and ethical issues and their textual cues and the ability to express concepts and critical thinking in a clear, organized manner based on a range of classical commentaries.

Instruction:

Version 1 and 2: 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. Students are expected to identify and describe key issues in the Book of Exodus (Pharaoh's decrees, Moshe, Ten Plagues, Song of the Sea, Midbar, Manna, Sinai Experience, Ten Commandments, Civil Law, Golden Calf, Mishkan) with a range of well known Midrashim, sections from the Talmud, medieval and modern commentaries; and to deal with a variety of issues in a relatively mature and sophisticated manner through their responses to the examination questions.

Credit recommendation:

Version 1: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (5/06). Version 2: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 5 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (3/12) (3/17 revalidation) (3/22 revalidation).

View on page as single course>>

[ Back to top ]

Advanced Genesis: Intensive Analysis (Bible 211)

Formerly Advanced Genesis: Intensive Analysis (Bible 201)

Length:

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

Dates:

Version 1: January 2006 - February 2012. Version 2: March 2012 - Present.

Objectives:

Version 1 and 2: Students are required to display knowledge of the entire text of The Book of Genesis with a range of midrashic, medieval and modern commentaries. Based on these commentaries, students should be able to articulate underlying meanings found in the text, expound on vague or obscure passages, solve apparent moral inconsistencies, describe motivations in the various episodes throughout the text, and analyze various ethical, symbolic and spiritual issues based on the classical commentaries, explain various metaphysical allusions. The Advanced Bible exams focus on conceptual, philosophical and ethical issues and their textual cues and the ability to express concepts and critical thinking in a clear, organized manner.

Instruction:

Version 1 and 2: 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. Students are expected to be very familiar with the entire text of the Book of Genesis (Creation, Man in the Garden, Genealogy of Mankind, Tower of Babel, Ten Trials of Avraham, Covenant, Sodom, Eliezer and Rivka, Laban, Avraham vs Isaac, Jacob's deception, Leah and Rachel, Laban, Eisav, Shechem, Yosef and the brothers, Yosef in Egypt, persecution of brothers, Jacob's blessing) with a range of well known Midrashim, sections from the Talmud, medieval and modern commentaries; and articulate a variety of issues in a relatively mature and sophisticated manner through their responses to the examination questions.

Credit recommendation:

Version 1: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (12/05). Version 2: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 5 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (3/12) (3/17 revalidation) (3/22 revalidation).

View on page as single course>>

[ Back to top ]

Advanced Joshua: Intensive Analysis (Bible 216)

Formerly Advanced Joshua: Intensive Analysis (Bible 206)

Formerly:

Length:

Varies: Offered as a proficiency examination or self-study format.

Dates:

Version 1: March 2006 - February 2012. Version 2: March 2012 - Present.

Objectives:

Version 1 and 2: Students are required to display knowledge of the entire text of The Book of Joshua with a range of midrashic, medieval and modern commentaries. Based on these commentaries, students should be able to present underlying meanings found in the text, expound on vague or obscure passages, solve apparent moral inconsistencies, describe motivations in the various episodes throughout the text, and analyze various ethical, symbolic and spiritual issues based on the classical commentaries, explain various metaphysical allusions. The Advanced Bible exams focus on conceptual, philosophical and ethical issues and their textual cues and the ability to express concepts and critical thinking in a clear, organized manner based on a range of classical commentaries.

Instruction:

Version 1 and 2: 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. Students are expected to identify and describe key issues of the Book of Joshua (Conquest of Eretz Yisrael, spying mission, crossing the River Yarden, circumcision and Korban Pesach, conquest of Yericho, defeat at Ai, Canaanite kings, conquest of Yerushalaim, division of the Land, cities of refuge, covenant) with a range of well known Midrashim, sections from the Talmud, medieval and modern commentaries; and articulate a variety of issues in a relatively mature and sophisticated manner through their responses to the examination questions.

Credit recommendation:

View on page as single course>>

[ Back to top ]

Advanced Judges: Intensive Analysis (Bible 217)

Formerly Advanced Judges: Intensive Analysis (Bible 207)

Formerly:

Length:

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

Dates:

Version 1: August 2006 - February 2012. Version 2: March 2012 - Present.

Objectives:

Version 1 and 2: Students are required to display knowledge of the entire text of The Book of Judges with a range of midrashic, medieval and modern commentaries. Based on these commentaries, students should be able to articulate underlying meanings found in the text, describe vague or obscure passages, solve apparent moral inconsistencies, describe motivations in the various episodes throughout the text, and analyze various ethical, symbolic and spiritual issues based on the classical commentaries, explain various metaphysical allusions. The Advanced Bible exams focus on conceptual, philosophical and ethical issues and their textual cues and the ability to express concepts and critical thinking in a clear, organized manner based on a range of classical commentaries.

Instruction:

Version 1 and 2: 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. Students are expected to identify and describe key issues of the Book of Judges (Conquest of Eretz Yisrael, Devora, Shimshon, wars of the early nation, further wars and conquest of the land, etc.) with a range of well known Midrashim, sections from the Talmud, medieval and modern commentaries; and articulate a variety of issues in a relatively mature and sophisticated manner through their responses to the examination questions.

Credit recommendation:

Version 1: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 5 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (12/06). Version 2: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 5 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (3/12) (3/17 revalidation) (3/22 revalidation).

View on page as single course>>

[ Back to top ]

Advanced Leviticus: Intensive Analysis (Bible 213)

Formerly Advanced Leviticus: Intensive Analysis (Bible 203)

Length:

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

Dates:

Version 1: March 2006 - February 2012. Version 2: March 2012 - Present.

Objectives:

Version 1 and 2: Students are required to display knowledge of the entire text of The Book of Leviticus with a range of midrashic, medieval and modern commentaries. Based on these commentaries, students should be able to articulate underlying meanings found in the text, expound on vague or obscure passages, solve apparent moral inconsistencies, elaborate on motivations in the various episodes throughout the text, and analyze various ethical, symbolic and spiritual issues based on the classical commentaries, explain various metaphysical allusions. The Advanced Bible exams focus on conceptual, philosophical and ethical issues and their textual cues and the ability to express concepts and critical thinking in a clear, organized manner based on a range of classical commentaries.

Instruction:

Version 1 and 2: 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. Students are expected to be very familiar with the entire text of the Book of Leviticus (Laws of kohanim, korbanos, kashrus, tzaraas, Yom Kippur service, Festivals, Shmittah year, the blessings and curses) with a range of well known Midrashim, sections from the Talmud, medieval and modern commentaries; and to deal with a variety of issues in a relatively mature and sophisticated manner through their responses to the examination questions.

Credit recommendation:

View on page as single course>>

[ Back to top ]

Advanced Numbers: Intensive Analysis (Bible 214)

Formerly Advanced Numbers: Intensive Analysis (Bible 204)

Length:

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

Dates:

Version 1: March 2006 - February 2012. Version 2: March 2012 - Present.

Objectives:

Version 1 and 2: Students are required to display knowledge of the entire text of The Book of Numbers with a range of midrashic, medieval and modern commentaries. Based on these commentaries, students should be able to articulate underlying meanings found in the text, expound on vague or obscure passages, solve apparent moral inconsistencies, elaborate on motivations in the various episodes throughout the text, and analyze various ethical, symbolic and spiritual issues based on the classical commentaries, explain various metaphysical allusions. The Advanced Bible exams focus on conceptual, philosophical and ethical issues and their textual cues and the ability to express concepts and critical thinking in a clear, organized manner based on a range of classical commentaries.

Instruction:

Version 1 and 2: 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. Students are expected to identify and describe key issues of the Book of Numbers (Census, Sotah, Nazir, Kohanic blessings, Menorah, Pesach Sheni, Yisrael's journeys in the Midbar, Miriam, Sending Spies, Korach, Wars, Bilaam, Pinchas, Refuge cities) with a range of well known Midrashim, sections from the Talmud, medieval and modern commentaries; and articulate a variety of issues in a relatively mature and sophisticated manner through their responses to the examination questions.

Credit recommendation:

View on page as single course>>

[ Back to top ]

Textual Analysis of Deuteronomy (Bible 115)

Formerly Textual Analysis of Deuteronomy (Bible 105)

Length:

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

Dates:

Version 1: August 2005 - February 2012. Version 2: March 2012 - Present.

Objectives:

Version 1 and 2: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: display knowledge of the entire text of The Book of Deuteronomy with a range of midrashic, medieval and modern commentaries. Based on these commentaries, students should be able to articulate underlying meanings found in the text, expound on vague or obscure passages, solve apparent moral inconsistencies, elaborate on motivations in the various episodes throughout the text, and analyze various ethical, symbolic and spiritual issues based on the classical commentaries, explain various metaphysical allusions. The Advanced Bible exams focus on conceptual, philosophical and ethical issues and their textual cues and the ability to express concepts and critical thinking in a clear, organized manner based on a range of classical commentaries.

Instruction:

Version 1 and 2: 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 expeted to master recommended readings or study guide materials. Students are expected to describe and identify key issues from the Book of Deuteronomy (rebukes of Moses; Moses' plea; loyalty to God; cities of refuge; the 10 Commandments; reward for obedience; non-sacrificial meat; idolatrous prophet and city; kosher and non-kosher animals; tithes; sabbatical year; establishing judges and police; kings; laws of witnesses; laws of inheritance; ben sorer umoreh; rape; divorce; laws of employees; first fruits; covenant; Song of Moses; Blessings of Moses) with the commentary of Rashi.

Credit recommendation:

Version 1: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (12/05). Version 2: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 5 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (3/12) (3/17 revalidation) (3/22 revalidation).

View on page as single course>>

[ Back to top ]

Textual Analysis of Esther (Bible 120)

Length:

Varies, self-study.

Dates:

August 2023 - Present.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the learning experience, students will be able to: describe the entire text of the Book of Esther with the commentary of Rashi; identify difficulties in the text, expound on vague or obscure passages according to the midrashic traditions; solve apparent moral inconsistencies based on the commentary of Rashi; explain the significance of unusual terminology and phrases found in the Hebrew text; evaluate motivations in the various episodes throughout the text, and analyze various ethical, symbolic and spiritual issues based on the commentary of Rashi.

Instruction:

Major topics include: the basic storyline in the book of Esther, along with selected comments from Rashi. Students will study the entire text of Esther along with a fundamental commentary and will analyze the text by identifying themes and characters within the text. Assessment is based on a final exam containing multiple choice and short answer questions.

Credit recommendation:

In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, Religion, or Bible Studies (8/23).

View on page as single course>>

[ Back to top ]

Textual Analysis of Esther and Ruth (Bible 118)

Formerly Textual Analysis of Esther and Ruth (Bible 108)

Length:

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

Dates:

Version 1: August 2006 - February 2012. Version 2: March 2012 - Present.

Objectives:

Version 1 and 2: Students are required to display knowledge of the entire text of The Book of Esther and The Book of Ruth with the commentary of Rashi; answer difficulties in the text, expound on vague or obscure passages according to the midrashic traditions, solve apparent moral inconsistencies based on the commentary of Rashi, explain the significance of unusual terminology and phrases found in the Hebrew text, elaborate on motivations in the various episodes throughout the text, and analyze various ethical, symbolic and spiritual issues based on the commentary of Rashi.

Instruction:

Credit recommendation:

Version 1: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (12/06). Version 2: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 5 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (3/12) (3/17 revalidation) (3/22 revalidation).

View on page as single course>>

[ Back to top ]