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PHI 220 Hilchos Rechilus

Final Exam and Transcript Provided by Davar Academy

PHI 220 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.

This course explores the ethical and moral issues involved in communication. Students are expected to know the sources, conceptual underpinnings, and conclusions that dictate ethical communication in interpersonal relationships. Topics include gossip, white lies, libel, slander, rebuke, deprecating speech for a positive purpose, quitting a job and other common scenarios and present-day situations.

Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • Express knowledge of the ethical, philosophical, and practical issues involved in interpersonal communications.
  • Describe the conceptual underpinnings, and conclusions that dictate ethical communication in interpersonal relationships.
  • Assess various types of communication, language, and situations and determine the appropriate ethical response for all parties involved.
  • Discuss the theory and reasoning underlying the practical ethics of speaking ethically and avoiding lashon hara.
  • Identify and assess the necessary conditions for speaking about other people in theory and application.
  • Identify the sources and reasoning which at the foundation of ethical communication.

Sefer Chafetz Chaim: The Laws of Esurei Lashon Hara and Rechilus English translation by Mazal Elul. New York: Feldheim, 2008. Vol 1-4

The Concises Chafetz Chaim by Rabbi Asher Wasserman. New York: Feldheim Publishers, 2008.

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