English Dalet

Duration

1 Year/2 Semesters

About the Course

Topics:
- Study of different literary genres (poetry, prose, drama).
- Exploration of how Jewish ethical teachings can be applied across these genres.
Torah Integration: Analyze how Jewish teachings, such as those found in Ketuvim (Writings), enrich and deepen the understanding of literature.
Activities:
- Comparative essay on various literary genres, incorporating Jewish ethical perspectives.
- Group discussions on how Jewish literature and values shape each genre’s approach to storytelling.
- Analyze exemplary works from each genre to extract Torah-based moral lessons.

Topics:
- In-depth study of Holocaust literature, including memoirs, novels, and historical accounts.
- Examination of the ethical and moral questions raised by Holocaust literature, such as faith, survival, and justice.
Torah Integration: Discussion of "Kiddush Hashem" and the role of faith and moral endurance during the Holocaust.
Activities:
- Analyze a Holocaust memoir or novel and discuss its impact on ethical issues.
- Multimedia presentation on the significance of Holocaust literature in preserving Jewish history and moral lessons.
- Comparative analysis of different Holocaust literary works, emphasizing faith and resilience.

Content: Covers material from Weeks 1-8.
Format: Combination of multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions integrating Torah insights.

Topics:
- Exploration of prominent Jewish historians and their contributions to historical literature.
- Examination of writing styles used by Jewish historians to preserve Jewish history.
Torah Integration: Analyze how Jewish historians incorporate Torah values and Jewish identity into their works.
Activities:
- Research and present on a Jewish historian, focusing on their writing style and historical contributions.
- Write an analytical essay comparing the writing styles of two Jewish historians, discussing how Torah perspectives shape their narratives.

Topics:
- Study of world philosophers and writers such as Tolstoy, Chekhov, Stefan Zweig, and Pushkin, focusing on their search for truth and meaning.
- Exploration of their philosophical struggles and the ethical dilemmas they encountered.
Torah Integration: Speculative analysis of what these philosophers might have written about had they had access to Torah teachings, and how Torah values could have influenced their quest for truth.
Activities:
- Write a comparative essay on one of these philosophers and a Torah scholar, analyzing the philosophical differences and similarities in their search for truth.
- Group discussions on how Torah principles could have shifted their philosophical outlooks, with specific examples from their works.

Content: Covers material from Weeks 10-17.
Format: Combination of multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions that incorporate both Torah perspectives and philosophical analysis.

Assignment: A comprehensive project synthesizing themes from the first semester, including a reflective essay on how access to Torah teachings might have influenced the writings of world philosophers such as Tolstoy and Chekhov.

Topics:
- Study of literature reflecting the experiences of the Jewish diaspora across different regions and time periods.
- Analysis of how diaspora experiences influence literary themes and styles.
Torah Integration: Explore the concept of “Galut” (exile) and how it parallels themes of resilience and identity in diaspora literature.
Activities:
- Write a research paper on a specific aspect of the Jewish diaspora as depicted in literature.
- Group project on the influence of diaspora experiences on Jewish literary themes, with presentations on key historical moments.

Topics:
- Principles of effective business communication and the role of cultural sensitivity in international communication.
- Study of case studies and real-world examples of business communication from Jewish and global perspectives.
Torah Integration: Analyze the ethics of business communication from a Torah perspective, focusing on honesty and transparency.
Activities:
- Draft various business documents such as business proposals and international communications, integrating Torah ethics into professional writing.
- Role-playing exercises to practice ethical negotiations based on Torah values.

Content: Covers material from Weeks 20-27.
Format: Multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions focused on business communication and Torah ethics.

Topics:
- Examination of works by contemporary Jewish writers, focusing on Jewish themes and addressing modern Jewish identity.
Torah Integration: Explore how contemporary writers incorporate Torah values and Jewish teachings into their works, reflecting on modern challenges.
Activities:
- Critical essay evaluating how contemporary Jewish writers address issues of faith, identity, and morality.
- Author study presentations focusing on a contemporary Jewish writer, exploring how Torah values influence their work.

Topics: Study of contemporary Torah-based writings and their relevance to modern societal issues.
Torah Integration: Discuss how Torah insights are applied to contemporary challenges, such as ethics in technology or social justice.
Activities:
- Analyze and discuss selected contemporary Torah-based writings.
- Write a reflective essay on the application of Torah values to modern challenges.

Topics:
- Examination of self-help and personal spiritual growth books written by rabbis, focusing on themes of character development and spiritual refinement.
Torah Integration: Study Torah-based principles of personal growth, with a focus on Mussar literature (e.g., "Chovot HaLevavot").
Activities:
- Select and analyze a self-help book by a rabbi, reflecting on how Torah values guide personal growth.
- Group discussions on practical applications of Torah teachings in self-help literature.

Content: Covers material from Weeks 29-36.
Format: Multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions integrating Torah perspectives.

Assignment: A comprehensive project synthesizing themes from the second semester, including a reflective essay on how Torah values influence contemporary Jewish literature and personal development.