Outline

Overview

This unit explores the development of Judaism's foundational beliefs, rituals and traditions through its core texts - classical, medieval and modern. Tracing the evolution of Judaism from its roots in the ancient Near East to the diversity of its modern incarnations, it provides a window into the intellectual, ethical and cultural traditions that have shaped the oldest of the three monotheistic religions.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Michael Abrahams-Sprod, michael.abrahams-sprod@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Aviva Winton, a.winton@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Participation	Class participation Participation	10%	Ongoing Due date: 30 May 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 30 May 2025	Ongoing
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Early feedback task (EFT) #earlyfeedbacktask Early feedback task	0%	Week 03 Due date: 15 Mar 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 15 Mar 2025	00 wds (one of the 250wd DB posts)
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Critical assessment of reading Short answer	10%	Week 06 Due date: 01 Apr 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 15 Apr 2025	500 wds
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Discussion board activity Small continuous assessment	25%	Week 13 Due date: 27 May 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 27 May 2025	1000 wds (4 X 250-word discussion posts)
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Research essay Long answer	55%	Week 13 Due date: 27 May 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 10 Jun 2025	3000 wds
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found in the Canvas site for this unit.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Work demonstrates an excellent analytical framework discussed in depth and knowledgeable engagement with the topic; uses a wide range of primary and secondary sources to excellent effect; provides a thoughtful and original discussion of well-chosen examples/case studies; makes skilled use of writing style appropriate to the task; shows a high level of creativity and critical thinking.
Distinction	75 - 84	Work demonstrates a sound analytical framework discussed to some depth and knowledgeable engagement with the topic; uses a wide range of primary and secondary sources to good effect; provides a coherent and in-depth discussion of well-chosen examples/case studies; makes skilled use of writing style appropriate to the task; shows originality and depth of reflection.
Credit	65 - 74	Work demonstrates a sound analytical framework and knowledgeable engagement with the topic; uses a good range of primary and secondary sources to good effect; discusses well-chosen examples/case studies in some detail; employs a clear and mostly correct writing style appropriate to the task; shows original and critical thinking.
Pass	50 - 64	Work demonstrates at least a minimal analytical framework and engagement with the topic; a clear and coherent discussion in a writing style appropriate to the task; uses a limited but well-chosen range of primary and secondary sources and demonstrates a reasonable understanding of them; uses appropriate examples.
Fail	0 - 49	Work has no analytical framework and demonstrates insufficient engagement with the topic and primary and secondary sources; responses do not reflect the subject, are unclear or confused, and do not reveal an adequate understanding of the topic or sources.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Please refer to 'Late Submission' on this document for such guidance and advice.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	God, Torah Israel - A Framework for Exploration	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	The Jewish God - A History	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Jewish Belief in the Modern Age	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	1. Jewish Belief in a Post Holocaust Age	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Torah - History and Memory	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Torah: Text and Law	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Torah as Way of Life	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Torah Today	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	The Bible in Modern Hebrew: Text, Language, Land	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Israel in the Jewish Imaginary - Theologies of the Land	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Israel - Modern Realities	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	God, Torah, Israel Reconsidered	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: students are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board which will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
Lecture Recording: Most lectures (in recording-equipped venues) will be recorded and may be made available to students on Canvas. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience.
Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed in the Reading List menu available on the Canvas site for this unit.

Recommended textbook: The Tanach: Jewish Publication Society or you can access a scholarly version of the Hebrew Bible online. We will discuss appropriate online texts in the first week.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. demonstrate a foundational knowledge of Jewish religion and practice
LO2. demonstrate a preliminary understanding of the enduring themes of Jewish history such as the Diasporic experiences of acculturation, assimilation and integration
LO3. demonstrate through the use of appropriate conceptual vocabulary, an understanding of the historical, cultural and sociopolitical complexities involved in the study of Jewish civilisation, thought and culture
LO4. demonstrate familiarity with inter-disciplinary approaches to the study of Jewish civilisation, thought and culture, and the ability to apply them in the effective and ethical communication of their knowledge
LO5. demonstrate a capacity to use online resources, including library resources, databases and web searches, to obtain and assess information, and to demonstrate an understanding of the difference between primary and secondary sources, and scholarly and non-scholarly sources
LO6. demonstrate basic skills in critical analysis of scholarly literature, essay writing and appropriate scholarly referencing style.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Changes to this unit are made in each iteration of this unit, based on the USS, informal and formal feedback from students and colleagues and other pedagogical matters.

Additional information

Please see the JCTC1004 Canvas site for a week by week breakdown of readings in the Modules and Reading List menus.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

JCTC1004: Judaism: A History

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links