Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Course

The Master of Judaic Studies offers specialised units in Jewish theology, philosophy, history and literature. Spanning the biblical, rabbinic, medieval and modern periods, this course offers students the opportunity to pursue advanced Jewish studies and pursue independent research. Diverse course units expose students to an array of different methodologies and foci in Jewish scholarship.

Taught by the research professors and lecturers from the Centre for Jewish Studies, this course draws specifically on the research expertise of the centre's staff and presents students with access to some of the key issues and themes in Jewish scholarship today. Graduates will be fully prepared to undertake PhDs and/or may go on to work in Jewish education or other community organisations.

Students completing this course will demonstrate:

• broad and deep familiarity with Jewish history, philosophy, theology and literature
• specialised skills in reading classical and modern Jewish texts
• an understanding of the historical and cultural significance of key Jewish texts and be able to situate these texts in their broader intellectual milieu
• a familiarity with key debates and central issues in Jewish scholarship today
• strong skills in critical oral and written assessment of the academic scholarship
• the skills to pursue high level independent research
• the ability to design and carry out a significant piece of independent research.

This course consists of one core unit and elective units. Students must complete a maximum of 48 points at level four and minimum of 24 points at level five. All units except where indicated are worth 12 points.

Students who achieve a distinction average in their level four units have the option of undertaking a 24-point research dissertation at level five.

Students complete:

• JWM4030 Jewish history, Jewish memory

plus a further 36 points of elective units at level four and 24 points at level five from:

• HYM4165 Final journey: The life and death of European Jews, 1900-1945
• HYM4175/HYM5175 Interpreting the Bible: Jewish and Christian perspectives
• HYM4260/HYM5260 Medieval dialogues: Reason, mysticism and society
• JWM4020/JWM5020 Zionism: The argument
• JWM4040/JWM5040 Jewish literature of subversion
• JWM4260 Jewish literature of destruction
• RLM4160/RLM5160 Sexuality and religion: Monotheist traditions
• SHM5000(A) Research project part 1 and SHM5000(B) Research project part 2
• one other approved 12 point unit

Students who undertake the 24 point research project option and achieve at least a distinction in the masters are eligible to apply for a higher degree by research.

Students may apply to exit after successful completion of:

• 24 points with course 4024 Graduate Certificate in Judaic Studies.
• 48 points with course 4025 Graduate Diploma in Judaic Studies.

Master of Judaic Studies