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Translation from the German
Study and Examination Regulations
for the Bachelor’s Degree in Jewish Theology
at the University of Potsdam
of23January2013
On 23 January 2013 the faculty council of the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Potsdam adopted the following study and examination regulations as statutes[1]based on §18 par.12 and §21 par.12 in connection with §69 par.2 sent.2 and §70 par.2 no.2 of the Brandenburg Higher Education Act (BbgHG), as amended by Art.16 of the law of 3April2009 (GVBl.Ip.59) in connection with Art.21 par.2 no.2 of the Basic Regulations of the University of Potsdam of 17December 2009 (AmBek. UP4/2010 p.60) and the General Regulations of 24September2009 (AmBek. UP p.160)for the courses of study at the University of Potsdam that lead to a bachelor’s or master’s degree that does not qualify its holder to teach at secondary schools (BAMAO).
Contents
§ 1Area of Application
§ 2Type of Studies
§ 3Objectives of the Course of Studies
§ 4 Degree
§ 5 Part Time Studies
§ 6Modules and Course of Studies
§ 7Repetitions of Examinations
§ 8Studies in Another Country
§ 9Entry Into Force
Annexes:
Annex 1: Modules
Annex 2: Courses of Study
§ 1 Area of Application
(1)These regulations apply to the bachelor’s studies in Jewish theology at the University of Potsdam. They constitute a faculty specific supplement to the general study and examination regulations of 24September2009 for the courses of study at the University of Potsdam that lead to a bachelor’s or master’s degree that does not qualify its holder to teach at secondary schools (BAMAO).
(2)Contradictions between the regulations of BAMAO and these regulations shall be resolved by giving precedence to those of BAMAO.
§ 2 Type of Studies
The bachelor’s programme for Jewish Theology is offered at the University of Potsdam as a single subject course of studies with 180CP(credit points) and a regular duration of 6semesters. It can be pursued without a major subject or with the major subject of liberal rabbinate, conservative (Masoretic) rabbinate or cantorate.
Each student, male or female, selects one of these majors upon being matriculated. This decision may be changed once at any time provided that at most 150 CP have been earned, whereby any credit points that have been earned but cannot be applied to the new selection are forfeited.
§ 3 Objectives of the Courses of Study
(1)The subject matter of the bachelor course of studies of Jewish theology, when pursued without a major field, is the Jewish religion. By pursuing this course of studies, the students develop the ability to understand theological and ethical questions in the context of current scientific and social discourse and to analyse and process them independently. For this purpose, the students acquire basic knowledge in a variety of disciplines (see §4). They know the general scientific methods and those specific to the subject at hand and are able to apply them. In addition, they acquire a sound foundation in the source languages of Hebrew and Aramaic as well as in other religions, especially Christianity and Islam, and the relationships of these religions to Judaism.
(2)In addition, the course of studies imparts key qualifications in the area of basic academic competencies and gives the students leeway in which to link the acquired theological knowledge and competencies with requirements at a practical professional level or with scientific foundations of other disciplines through elective courses.
(3)By studying Jewish theology, students acquire competencies which qualify them both for an academic career and for professional activities in areas related to Jewish religious practice and imparting the Jewish religion. These include activities in Jewish institutions, in journalism, in the area of culture, in the field of education and in political consulting.
(4)With the major field rabbinate (liberal or conservative / Masoretic): the subject matter of the bachelor course of studies of Jewish theology, when pursued with the major field rabbinate, is the Jewish religion. By pursuing this course of studies, the students develop the ability to understand theological and ethical questions in the context of current scientific and social discourse and to analyse and process them independently. For this purpose, the students acquire basic knowledge in a variety of disciplines (see §4). They know the general scientific methods and those specific to the subject at hand and are able to apply them. In addition, they acquire a sound foundation in the source languages of Hebrew and Aramaic as well as in other religions, especially Christianity and Islam, and the relationships of these religions to Judaism.
(5)Students with the major field rabbinate (conservative / Masoretic) increase their knowledge and competencies in the area of rabbinical literal through the module “Textual Studies of Rabbinical Literature”.
(6)In addition, the course of studies imparts key qualifications in the area of basic academic competencies and professional competencies for rabbinical training. This includes pastoral care, synagogal competencies and knowledge of the structures of congregations. The students also complete practical training in a congregation.
(7)The studies lead to the profession of rabbi in connection with training at the AbrahamGeigerCollegefollowed by a master course of studies in “Jewish Theology” at the University of Potsdam. The studies enable graduates to work in non-orthodox Jewish congregationsin accordance with their major field (liberal or conservative / Masoretic). In addition, the students acquire competencies which qualify them both for an academic career and for professional activities in areas related to Jewish religious practice and imparting the Jewish religion. These include activities in Jewish institutions, in journalism, in the area of culture, in the field of education and in political consulting.
(8)With the major field cantorate: the subject matter of the bachelor course of studies of Jewish theology, when pursued with the major field cantorate, is the Jewish religion and synagogal music. By pursuing this course of studies, the students develop the ability to understand questions about the Jewish religion, ethics and synagogal music in the context of current scientific and social discourse and to analyse and process them independently. For this purpose, the students acquire basic knowledge in a variety of disciplines (see §4). They know the general scientific methods and those specific to the subject at hand and are able to apply them. In addition, they acquire a sound foundation in the source languages of Hebrew and Aramaic.
(9)In addition, the course of studies imparts key qualifications in the area of basic academic competencies and professional competencies for cantoral training. This includes this includes the musical repertoire for worship services, cantillations, the history of Jewish music, pastoral care and knowledge of the structures of congregations. The students also complete practical training in a congregation.
(10)The studies lead to the profession of cantor in connection with training at the AbrahamGeigerCollege. The studies enable graduates to work in Jewish congregations. In addition, the students acquire competencies which qualify them both for an academic career and for professional activities in areas related to Jewish religious practice and imparting the Jewish religion and music. These include activities in Jewish institutions, in journalism, in the area of culture, in the field of education.
§ 4 Degree
The University of Potsdam confers the degree of bachelor of arts (“B.A.”) through the faculty of philosophy upon presentation of the required certificates of performance.
§ 5 Part Time Studies
(1)The studies can be pursued on a part-time basis.
(2)Part-time studies presuppose a consultation with the student consulting service in order to prepare an individual plan of studies. Proof of this consultation and the individual examination plan are to be attached to the application for part-time studies pursuant to §3 of the regulations for part-time studies at the University of Potsdam. The provisions of the regulations for part-times studies apply.
§ 6Modules and Course of Studies
(1)The modules of the programme without a major subject are:
Name of Module / CPI.Required Modules
Basic Academic Competencies / 12
Selection of 3 modules à 6CPfrom the studies offering+ * / 18
Basic module
Jewish Religion and Philosophy / 12
Basic module
Hebrew Bible and Exegesis / 12
Basic module RabbinicalLiterature / 12
Basic moduleThe Halacha / 12
Basic moduleLiturgy / 12
Basic moduleHebrew / 12
Supplementary moduleHebrew / 12
Supplementary module
ModernHebrew / 9
Supplementary module
RabbinicalHebrew / Aramaic / 9
Supplementary moduleReligious Education and Homiletics / 12
Supplementary module
Other Religions / 12
Closing module / 12
II. Required selection of
one of the following modules / 12
Supplementary module
History and Culture
Supplementary moduleTextual Study ofRabbinical Literature
Total / 180
* A Yiddish language course is recommended.
(2)The modules of the liberal rabbinate programme are:
Name of Module / CPRequired Modules
Basic Academic Competencies / 12
Professional Competencies for Rabbis / 18
Basic module
Jewish Religion and Philosophy / 12
Basic module
Hebrew Bible and Exegesis / 12
Basic moduleRabbinical Literature / 12
Basic moduleThe Halacha / 12
Basic moduleLiturgy / 12
Basic moduleHebrew / 12
Supplementary moduleHebrew / 12
Supplementary module
Modern Hebrew / 9
Supplementary module
Rabbinical Hebrew / Aramaic / 9
Supplementary moduleReligious Education and Homiletics / 12
Supplementary moduleHistory and Culture / 12
Supplementary module
Other Religions / 12
Closing module / 12
Total / 180
(3)The modules of the conservative (Masoretic) rabbinical programme are:
Name of Module / CPRequired Modules
Basic Academic Competencies / 12
Professional Competencies for Rabbis / 18
Basic moduleJewish religion and philosophy / 12
Basic moduleHebrew Bible and Exegesis / 12
Basic moduleRabbinical Literature / 12
Basic moduleThe Halacha / 12
Basic moduleLiturgy / 12
Basic moduleHebrew / 12
Supplementary moduleHebrew / 12
Supplementary moduleModern Hebrew / 9
Supplementary moduleRabbinical Hebrew / Aramaic / 9
Supplementary moduleReligious Education and Homiletics / 12
Supplementary moduleTextual Study ofRabbinical Literature / 12
Supplementary moduleHistory and Culture / 12
Closing module / 12
Total / 180
(4)The modules of the cantorate programme are:
Name of Module / CPRequired Modules
Basic Academic Competencies / 12
Professional Competenciesfor Cantors I / 18
Basic moduleJewish religion and philosophy / 12
Basic moduleHebrew Bible and Exegesis / 12
Basic moduleRabbinical Literature / 12
Basic moduleLiturgy / 12
Basic moduleHebrew / 12
Supplementary moduleHebrew / 12
Supplementary moduleRabbinical Hebrew / Aramaic / 9
Supplementary moduleReligious Education and Homiletics / 12
Supplementary moduleHistory and Culture / 12
Supplementary moduleProfessional Competenciesfor Cantors II / 12
Supplementary moduleJewish Music I / 9
Supplementary moduleJewish Music II / 12
Closing module / 12
Total / 180
(5)The descriptions of the modules identified in the foregoing paragraphs1 to4 are given in the catalogue of modules in Annex1 of these regulations.
(6)Sample study schedules for the bachelors and masters programmes are given in Annex2 of these regulations.
§ 7Repetitions of Examinations
Examinations directly connected with a course may be repeated if there is a repeat examination in the course; otherwise the student can repeat the examination only by registering for and participating in the course again.
§ 8Studies in Another Country
Students in the bachelors programme are strongly advised to take their third and fourth professional semesters for two semesters in another country.
§ 9Entry Into Force
These regulations enter into force the day after publication in the Official Notices of the University of Potsdam.
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Annex 1: Catalogue of Modules
Acquisition of Credit Points(CP)
Each course is assigned credit points (generally 3CP). One credit point corresponds to 30 hours of total effort for each student. The term “effort” is understood to include all times relevant for the programme of studies. Thus “effort”comprises contact time (seminar time), self study and (written) confirmation of participation. Two semester week hours (“SWS” = “SemesterWochenStunden”) of contact time count as one credit point. The confirmation of participation can take the form of putting a talk in writing, record of study time, record of a seminar or a lecture, essay or any other university written form of practise. One credit corresponds to 10,000 characters (including blanks) in a text document. Self study includes preparation and reviews of courses, reading material and production of materials. Two hours per week of self study during the lecture period correspond to one credit point. the relationship between the credit points for self study and the credit points for confirmation of participation can vary. However, a course is not allowed to exceed the effortfor its module.
The same breakdown of credit points as described in the preceding paragraph also applies to module examinations. Preparation for a module exam may not exceed the effort for the module.
Basic Academic Competencies / 12 CPModule Type / Required Module
Contents and qualification objectives / Contents:
The module is centred on acquisition and expansion of basic academic competencies. The students choose from the following subject areas in accordance with their needs.
− Self reflection and planning (preparation of individual competency profiles, individual analysis of professional objectives, study techniques and strategies, time management, communication skills with the help of which students can assist in designing courses, etc.).
− Scientific papers and letters (subject-specific scientific work methods, methods for structuring and evaluating information, practise in writing technical scientific papers, etc.)
− Communication, presentations, imparting knowledge (such as principles of verbal and non-verbal communication, methods of planning and conception of a lecture or other appearance, use of rhetorical methods, etc.)
In addition, the module offers tutorials that support the student in delving into the technical subject matter, especially in the area of learning the Hebrew language.
Qualification objectives:
The students develop and extend their competencies in the areas identified above, such as:
− The competency to evaluate the results of an ability, to learn from past acts and omissions to act, and to undertake the necessary corrections
− The principles of self organisation (planning competency)
− The ability to consciously shape the learning / teaching relationship
− How to handle basic techniques of scientific work
− Access to finding, delimiting and structuring scientific work
− Knowledge of the requirements profiles for various types of scientific communication
− Development of the ability to appear and give presentations in public
− Knowledge of the speech culture
Beyond this, the tutorials provide the students with support in delving into their studies.
Module tests
(number, form, extent, effort inCP) / Written examof 120 minutes duration or paper of length 30,000 +/− 3,000 characters (including blanks): 3CP
Type of Instruction / Contact Time
(in SWS) / Subsidiary Exam Requirements
(number, form, extent) / Module Exams
(number, form,
extent) / Total Effort
(inCP)
For
module closure / For admission to module exam
Tutorial / 2 / confirmationof participation / 3
Tutorial / 2 / confirmationof participation / 3
Tutorial / 2 / confirmationof participation / 3
When module is offered: / Winter semester / Summer semester
Prerequisites for participation in the module: / None
Organisational units that offer the module: / Jewish Theology
Professional Competencies for Rabbis / 18 CP
Module Type / Required Module for studentswith major subjectRabbinate (liberal orconservative/Masoretic)
Contents and qualification objectives / Contents:
The module is centred on preparingstudents for the internships at congregations which form a part of the study programme and for their later work as rabbis. The module deals with the structures of Jewish congregations, with their position under German law and current religious political discussions, and with strategies for starting up and maintaining congregations (with children, youths, families and seniors, etc.). The practise of “synagogal competencies” includes practice of cantillations, basic melodies for worship services and further liturgical abilities. The seminars on pastoral care lead into the theological and psychological core questions of this subject matter. A further component of the module is the parallel internships at congregations, which is accompanied by a trained rabbi in respect to both organisation and contents.
Qualification objectives:
The students have basic knowledge in the areas of congregational structures, formation and development of congregations and the required professional abilities (synagogal abilities, pastoral care, etc.). This knowledge places the students in a position to work in a Jewish congregation as a “rabbi in training”. The students are able to classify the religious tone of a Jewish congregation and to understand the sociological composition of its membership. They develop programmes on their own initiative for further development of religious, cultural and social congregational activities. They can conduct worship services by themselves, and understand and deal with questions of pastoral care. They succeed in presenting their position as (liberal / conservative) rabbi and in reflecting it in their own synagogue as well as in the Jewish or non-Jewish community.
Module tests
(number, form, extent, effort inCP) / Module exam consisting of module tests during the teaching events, see below.
Type of Instruction / Contact Time
(in SWS) / Subsidiary Exam Requirements
(number, form, extent) / Module Exams
(number, form,
extent) / Total Effort
(inCP)
For
module closure / For admission to module exam
Seminar: structures and development of congregations / 2 / Written exam (60 min.) / 3
Practise of synagogal competencies / 2 / Confirmationof participation / 3
Seminar: Introduction to Pastoral Care / 2 / Written paper, 10,000 characters with blanks(e.g. case study) / 3
Seminar:: Advanced Pastoral Care / 2 / Confirmationof participation / 3
Practical Training in a Congregation / Report (10,000 characters with blanks) / 6
When module is offered: / Winter semester / Summer semester
Prerequisites for participation in the module: / None
Organisational units that offer the module: / Jewish Theology
Professional Competenciesfor Cantors I / 18 CP
Module Type / Required Modulefor students with major subject Cantorate
Contents and qualification objectives / Contents:
The module is centred on preparing students for the internships at congregations which form a part of the study programme and for their later work as cantors. The module deals with the structures of Jewish congregations, with their position under German law and current religious political discussions, and with strategies for starting up and maintaining congregations (with children, youths, families and seniors, etc.). The practise of CantillationsI includes practice of cantillations, basic melodies for worship services and further liturgical abilities. The practise of CantillationsII (Torah as well as Haphtarah and Megilloth) extends the basis for correct rendition of biblical texts during worship services. The seminar on pastoral care leads into the theological and psychological core questions of this subject matter. A further component of the module is the parallel internships at congregations, which is accompanied by a trained rabbi in respect to both organisation and contents.