99920 - Introduction to the Talmud (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, students understand the historical-critical methods and socio-anthropological perspectives to analyze Talmudic texts. They are able to research and critically examine bibliographic and documentary sources of different types, in order to conduct historical-religious investigations. They are familiar with the socio-political implications of the interaction among groups in complex societies linked to the formation of the Talmuds. They apply research methods to address relevant issues of the research field. They are able to give form to the results of their own research on the history of the Talmuds, documenting in an accurate and complete way the information on which they base their conclusions and giving an account of the methodologies and research tools used. They know how to apply the tools of communication and use of data, including digital data, in the field of editing and publishing.

Course contents

This course will guide you through the fundamentals of one of the most important and influential texts in the Jewish tradition. The Talmud, a vast collection of rabbinic discussions on Jewish law, ethics, and philosophy, has been at the center of Jewish study and practice for centuries.

During this course, we will explore:

• The structure and history of rabbinic literature: from the Mishnah to the Talmud
• The formation of the Jerusalem Talmud and the Babylonian Talmud
•  Methods of Talmudic reasoning and debate
•  The main themes addressed in the text: the case of gender issues in the Talmud
•  The impact of the Talmud on Jewish law and thought

A part of the course will examine some passages from the Talmudic tractate Chagigah and related gender issues.

This course offers an in-depth look at gender concepts in the Talmud. Through an interdisciplinary analysis combining theological, historical, and anthropological perspectives, we will explore how these religious traditions have elaborated and codified gender differences and address crucial themes such as:

• Representations of male and female figures in sacred texts
• Gender roles and hierarchies in religious and social structures
• Historical evolution of gender conceptions in different traditions
• Impact of gender constructions on daily life and religious practices
• Contemporary debates and reform movements on gender

Course objectives:

• Gain a deep understanding of gender narratives in the Jewish tradition
• Develop skills in critical analysis of sacred texts and religious sources
• Learn interdisciplinary research methodologies on gender and religion
• Engage with different interpretive perspectives and current debates

By the end of the course, students will have the tools to critically analyze gender constructions in Judaism and understand their historical, theological, and cultural impact.

Readings/Bibliography

Talmud babilonese. Trattato Chaghigà (Firenze, La Giuntina, 2020)

Daniel Boyarin, Leggere il Midrash (Brescia, Paideia, 2021)

 Mordechai Z. Cohen, The Rule of Peshat (Baltimore, University of Pennsylvania Press, 2020)

 Mordechai Z. Cohen, Opening the Gates of Interpretation (Leiden, Brill, 2011)

 Susan A. Handelman, The Slayers of Moses (Albany, SUNY, 2012)

 Günter Stemberger, Introduzione al Talmud e al Midrash (Bologna, EDB, 1995)

 Günter Stemberger, Il Midrash. Uso rabbinico della Bibbia (Bologna, EDB, 2006)

 David Weiss Halivni, Peshat and Derash (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1991)

Teaching methods

Frontal lesson and text analysis

Assessment methods

During lectures and class discussions, students will be asked to actively participate through interventions, questions and reflections on the topics covered. This participation will demonstrate their engagement and understanding of key concepts. Indeed, a significant portion of the final assessment (20%) will be based on the quality and consistency of their involvement during the course sessions.

In addition, in order to assess the students' capacity for critical analysis, they will be asked to produce a written paper (20% of the final grade) focusing on an in-depth analysis of a sacred text or primary religious source related to the issues of gender and sexuality addressed during the course. This assignment will enable them to apply the knowledge and methodologies acquired to the examination of fundamental texts.

The assessment will culminate in a final research project (60% of the grade), in which each student will have the opportunity to explore in depth a specific gender issue within one of the monotheistic traditions studied. This research paper will demonstrate their ability to conduct an interdisciplinary investigation, integrating theoretical, religious and cultural perspectives into an original and well-argued analysis.

The outcome of the examination will be returned to students within 7-10 days.

Teaching tools

Handouts and text material

Students who require specific services and adaptations to teaching activities due to a disability or specific learning disorders (SLD), must first contact the appropriate office: https://site.unibo.it/ studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/ en/for-students [https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students].

Office hours

See the website of Federico Dal Bo