Englilsh Bet

Duration

1 Year/ 2 Semesters

About the Course

Topics: Techniques of literary analysis, including exploring themes, character development, and narrative structure.
Torah Integration: Understanding Torah narratives and the ethical dilemmas they present, analyzing character growth and moral choices in Torah stories.
Activities: Comparative analysis of a secular narrative and a Torah narrative, focusing on character development and ethical lessons.

Topics: Study of classic fairy tales and their moral lessons.
Torah Integration: Comparing the values found in fairy tales to Torah commandments and Jewish ethical teachings.
Activities: Analytical essays discussing similarities and differences between the moral lessons in fairy tales and Jewish teachings. Students will also rewrite a classic fairy tale, embedding Torah values.

Topics: Exploration of key works from global authors, focusing on universal themes such as justice, loyalty, and truth.
Torah Integration: Comparative study of ethical and philosophical themes in world literature and Jewish teachings.
Activities: Group discussions and presentations on the moral dilemmas presented in world literature and how they align with or differ from Jewish perspectives.

Topics: Analysis of works by modern Jewish authors, exploring how they integrate Jewish themes into their writing.
Suggested Authors: Chaim Potok, Elie Wiesel, S.Y. Agnon.
Activities: Students will write essays exploring the influence of Jewish thought in the selected works, and create their own short stories inspired by the style and themes of the Jewish authors studied.

Content: Covers material from Weeks 1-16.
Format: Multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions that incorporate Torah insights and comparisons.

Topics: Review of key concepts and texts studied throughout the first semester.
Assignments: Complete end-of-semester projects and reflective essays, focusing on how Torah values have influenced the understanding of the literature studied.

Topics: Study of diverse poetry styles and their emotional and thematic expressions.
Torah Integration: Exploration of Jewish poetic forms, such as Psalms (Tehillim), and their thematic content, including expressions of faith, gratitude, and reflection.
Activities: Writing original poems that combine secular poetic styles with Jewish themes. Students will reflect on how Torah values can inspire their creative writing.

Topics: Study of significant plays, with a focus on understanding character development, moral dilemmas, and the resolution of conflicts.
Torah Integration: Discussion on moral and ethical themes present in the plays, analyzed through the lens of Torah values.
Activities: Acting out scenes from both plays and Torah narratives, focusing on moral dilemmas and the choices characters make. Discussion on how Jewish ethical teachings would approach these dilemmas.

Topics: Study of non-fiction texts and biographies, focusing on real-life accounts of struggle, perseverance, and leadership.
Torah Integration: Exploration of Jewish biographical narratives (e.g., biographies of Jewish leaders such as the Rambam or contemporary figures like Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks).
Activities: Reflective essays on the impact of notable Jewish figures and how their lives exemplify Torah values.

Topics: Developing advanced persuasive writing skills, with an emphasis on argumentation, rhetoric, and influence.
Torah Integration: Study of how rhetorical techniques are used in Jewish texts, such as the arguments of the Prophets (Nevi’im) and rabbinical discussions in the Talmud.
Activities: Students will craft persuasive essays on contemporary issues, incorporating Jewish ethical perspectives. They will deliver speeches that use both rhetorical and Torah-based arguments.

Topics: Synthesis of key concepts and texts studied throughout the course.
Assignments: Develop a comprehensive capstone project that integrates literary analysis, ethical considerations, and Jewish perspectives. The project should demonstrate a strong understanding of literature while reflecting Torah values.

Topics: Analysis of how film and literature shape societal values and influence behavior.
Torah Integration: Discussion of Jewish perspectives on the influence of media, focusing on the spiritual and moral impact of films and literature. Students will explore how Torah values can provide a framework for analyzing media.
Activities: Students will analyze a documentary or film, focusing on ethical portrayals and societal implications. They will then create a documentary project proposal aimed at promoting positive societal change, integrating Jewish teachings and moral values.

Content: Covers material from Weeks 20-37.
Format: Combination of multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions that integrate Torah insights into the analysis of literature and media.