Gratz Online Summer 2006 Courses Summer 2006 Session I: May 31-July 11  Bible 30103 The Rise of Biblical Civilization: Social and Political Thought in the Bible and the Ancient Near East, Josh Berman, Ph.D. Students in this course will study the origins and development of Israelite society and its institutions, from the Patriarchal period to Ezra - Nehemiah. Sources used include the Bible, literary texts, and archaeological findings from surrounding nations. Rabbinics 40619 Pirkei Avot: Jewish Ethics and Theology Ruth Sandberg, Ph.D. This course is an intensive study of Mishnah Avot (also called Pirkei Avot.) Pirkei Avot is the only tractate of the Mishnah which deals exclusively with issues of Jewish ethics, theology and philosophy. It is an ancient work created by early sages, yet it is a timeless classic with enduring significance for Jews in the modern age. Selected commentaries to Avot will also be studied, including: the earliest commentary to Avot known as Avot de Rabbi Nathan; later medieval commentaries; and modern scholarly studies. All sources will be available in English translation. History 30514 Dilemmas in Jewish History from Abraham to Shabbetai Zevi Katherine Aron Beller, Ph.D. Jews present all the inescapable dilemmas of man in a heightened and clarified form. They were the quintessential strangers and sojourners, the emblem of homeless and vulnerable humanity. They wanted to obey G-d’s laws but they wanted to stay alive too. The societies in which the Jews lived forced life choices upon them, which were rarely straightforward options of “right and wrong.” Through historical enquiry, the course reveals the complexities of some of the societies in which their choices were made and decisions taken. Education 40207 Teaching the Holocaust History 30512 Edith Shaked, M.A. Lessons of the Holocaust reflect current concerns with violence, racism and propaganda, and ethical aspects of science and government. This unique course will provide educators with significant background for discussing the questions and introducing them to classroom-tested teaching strategies, curricula, and resources. Education 30225 Mitzvot, Moral Development and Classroom Management in Jewish Early Childhood Education Lyndall Miller, M.A.Ed., M.A.J.Ed., M.S.Ed. The focus of this course is creating a classroom based on Interactive Jewish values. An understanding of the structure of interpersonal Mitzvot is integrated with current theories about the moral development of young children. Classroom practices that encourage this development as well as teaching specific Mitzvot are also explored. Conflict resolution and the positive guidance of behavior are included as part of a values-based classroom context. Education 40231 Power of Narrative in the Jewish Early Childhood Classroom: Torah and Aggadah Avital Plan, M.A.Ed. Studies show that children are better able to absorb information that is transmitted in a context. In this course, theories about the role of narrative in culture as well as self-expression will be examined. The relationship of parents will be covered in this course s well s methods of providing inclusive Jewish learning experiences. Communal, Service 40917 Strategic Planning for Non-Profit Managers in the Jewish Community Ronni Ticker, M.B.A., M.A.J.S. Thinking and planning strategically is essential for anyone in a leadership position and for those who aspire to assume that role in the future. This course covers the entire strategic planning process from gathering data, formulating your vision and mission, defining your objectives and goals to writing and communicating your plan. The course will incorporate case studies from the Jewish communal world. Summer 2006 Session II: July 11-August 22 Jewish Thought 30721/Bible 30120 Women in the Hebrew Bible Anna Urowitz-Freudenstein, Ph.D. This course examines a number of important Jewish women in the Hebrew Bible. Utilizing modern biblical scholarship and in-depth textual analysis skills, we will study the biblical texts in which they are found within their historical context. While the major focus of this course will be on the biblical text, it will conclude with a study of some classical rabbinic interpretations of biblical women. Political Science 40919 The Political System of Israel Yaakov Lattes, Ph.D. This course will analyze the adaptation of the Israeli political system to the changing demands of the 1990s and beyond. Special emphasis will be given to the transition from a Socialist-oriented economy to a high-tech market economy and to the conduct of foreign policy in the post Cold War period, including the Middle East peace process. Thought 30717, Education 40217 Teaching Theology through Bible, Poetry and Art Ofra Backenroth, Ed.D., M.F.A. Imagery and metaphors are at the root of theology. The course will rely on traditional texts, biblical text, poetry, and art to provide a frame work for a pluralistic understanding of the major issues of theology. The emphasis will be on promoting a variety of points of view and voices in the classroom honoring diversity of opinions and the nurturing of individual theological journeys. Communal, Service 40913 Leadership in Jewish Communal Organizations Sydney Engelberg, Ph.D. This seminar will explore the nature and role of leadership. Through selected readings, case studies and discussion, the seminar will address such topics as: What is leadership? What do leaders do? How do leaders perform their role? What determines a leader's success or failure? Is there a difference between managing and leading? Are leaders born or made? Is there a difference between leadership in general and Jewish leadership? Readings will attempt to draw on multi-disciplinary explorations of this topic. Close this article