BIB 350 Advanced Topics in Devarim
Final Exam and Transcript Provided by Davar Academy
BIB 350 is a self-study course whose grade is based solely on the final examination. The course of study that is necessary to be prepared for the final examination consists of lessons based on the readings noted in this syllabus. Students should read the entire text of all the reading assignments. There are no formal assignments, but students are encouraged to take the practice quizzes associated with the readings to ensure that they have gleaned the appropriate knowledge to fulfill the course objectives and are well prepared for the final exam.
Bible 350 is designed to assess the student’s knowledge of the book of Devarim. Students must have a broad knowledge of medieval and modern commentaries on the Bible including the Midrash, the Talmud, the Sforno, Rashi, Ramban, Maimonides, R’ Samson Hirsch, and others. Students will also have an in-depth knowledge of how the Bible is analyzed and understood by the commentaries, focusing on philosophical and ethical principles derived from the verses. Topics include the censuses, formation of encampments, sacrifices, nazarism, inheritance, priestly blessings, the spies, rebellions, red cow, Aaron’s death, and more.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a broad and in-depth knowledge of the concepts and themes found in the book of Devarim and its classic medieval and modern commentaries.
- Expand on Talmudic and Midrashic exegesis of the text of the Bible.
- Solve apparent contradictions in and between verses.
- Interpret the ethical issues being discussed.
- Explain lawful rulings derived from the verses as determined in the major law books.
- Demonstrate knowledge of commentaries from the last generation of Torah Scholars.
- Explain the hermeneutic principles which are applied to verses to gain new insights.
The Chumash. The Artscroll Series /Stone Edition by Rabbi Nosson Scherman. New York: Mesorah Publications. Book of Devarim/Deuteronomy Chapters 1 -36.
Mikraot Gedolot. Any edition including commentaries of Rashi, Ramban, Seforno, Ohr HaChaim, Ibn Ezra, Kli Yakar, Sifsei Chochomim and the Ba’al Haturim.
The student’s final grade will be based on a final examination. Examination questions will cover all topics covered in the readings. Students will have two hours to complete the final examination. Students will be assigned a number grade from 0-100. A letter grade will also be issued in accordance with the following scale:
90-100 – A
80-89 – B
70-79 – C
0-69 – non passing
