Faculty
Professor Emeritae/i
Jerome Eckstein, Ph.D.
Columbia University
Professors
Judith R. Baskin, Ph.D. (Collins Fellow)
Yale University
Associate Professors
Daniel Grossberg, Ph.D.
New York University
Stanley J. Isser, Ph.D.
Columbia University
Mark A. Raider, Ph.D.
Brandeis University
Affiliated Faculty
Donald Birn, Ph.D.
Department of History
Sarah Blacher Cohen, Ph.D.
Department of English
Martin Edelman, Ph.D.
Department of Political Science
H.P. Salomon, Ph.D.
Department of French Studies
Walter Zenner, Ph.D.
Department of Anthropology
The Department of Judaic Studies offers
courses at elementary and advanced levels in
Hebrew language and literature, both modern
and classical, and in the full range of
Jewish history and civilization.
The department offers both a major and a
minor in Judaic Studies, with the expectation
that majors will acquire a good command of
the Hebrew language and an extensive
knowledge of Jewish history, philosophy,
literature and culture.
Careers
Many recipients of the B.A. in Judaic Studies
pursue careers in social welfare, Jewish
communal administration, or education, often
after appropriate graduate training. Others
undertake Rabbinic or Cantorial studies or
enter Ph.D. programs leading to careers in
college teaching.
Many students find Judaic Studies to be a
broad-based liberal arts major, leading to a
variety of careers, including law, medicine,
journalism, library science, and business.
Special Programs or Opportunities
The State University system has arrangements
with the University of Haifa, the Hebrew
University, Ben-Gurion University, Tel Aviv
University, and Bar-Ilan University for
students who desire to spend a semester or an
academic year studying in Israel; credits
toward the major or minor in Judaic Studies,
or minor in Hebrew will be awarded for
suitable courses. This program is
administered from the Albany campus and is
available for majors and nonmajors.
Degree Requirements for the Major in Judaic Studies
General Program B.A.: 36 credits with at
least 12 credits at the 300 level or above,
to include:
Modern Hebrew Language and Literature 6
credits in Hebrew beyond A Heb 102L, plus
either 3 credits at the 300 level or above
(excluding A Heb 450 and 497), or A Jst 372
or 372Z (in addition to the required elective
course in literature).
Judaic Life and Thought: 18 credits as
follows: A Jst 150 or A Jst 155 to be taken
as early as possible, preferably in the
freshman or sophomore year; 6 credits in
Jewish history from among A Jst 221, 251,
252, 253, 254, 341, 341Z, 342, 342Z, 343,
343Z, 344 or 344Z, 3 of these credits must be
at the 300-level; 9 credits through three 3-
credit courses, one each in Philosophy,
Classical Jewish Texts (biblical or rabbinic)
and Literature.
Electives: 9 credits.
Other Requirements: Of the 18 credits
required in Philosophy, Classical Jewish
Texts (biblical or rabbinic), Literature and
Elective courses, 6 credits must be at or
above the 300 level. No more than 4 credits
from among A Heb 450, A Jst 450, and A Jst
490 may be applied toward the major.
Relevant courses offered by other departments
may also be used for credit towards the
major. Students should consult with their
major adviser.
Honors Program
Students may file an application for
admission to the honors program in the
department office in the second semester of
the sophomore year or in the junior year.
Junior transfers may apply at the time of
their admission to the University.
The minimum requirements for admission
include completion of at least 12 credits of
course work applicable to the major, a
minimum overall grade point average of 3.25,
and a minimum 3.50 grade point average for
all courses applicable toward the major.
Students in the program are required to
complete all of the requirements for the
major in Judaic studies. During the fall
semester (preferably in the senior year,)
students need to complete A Jst 495,
Colloquium in Judaic Studies. In addition,
6-12 credits of intensive work culminating in
a major project must be satisfactorily
completed. This project will begin as a
research paper in a 300- or 400-level course,
including the colloquium, and will be
completed through 3 or 4 credits of
independent study. The honors committee will
rule on the acceptability of the project at
the end of the initial course (for which a
grade of I is unacceptable) and will assign a
faculty member, usually one selected by the
student, to supervise the completion of the
project. The project will be formally
evaluated by the end of the third quarter of
the senior year and will be submitted in
final form by the end of the fourth quarter
before the examination period.
Students in the honors program are required
to maintain overall grade point averages of
3.25 or higher during the junior and senior
years and overall grade point averages of
3.50 or higher for all courses applicable
toward the major. Students not meeting the
above standards may be precluded from
continuing in the program.
After completion of the above requirements,
the records of the candidate will be reviewed
by the department, which will recommend
candidates for the degree with honors in
Judaic studies.
Courses in Hebrew
A Heb 101L Elementary Hebrew I (4)
General Education: CHP & HA
Introduction to the fundamentals of modern
spoken and written Hebrew. Class meets four
times a week, plus optional sessions in the
language laboratory.
A Heb 102L Elementary Hebrew II (4)
General Education: CHP & HA
Continuation of A Heb 101L. Prerequisite(s):
A Heb 101L or equivalent, and placement.
A Heb 201L Intermediate Hebrew I (3)
General Education: CHP & HA
Readings, grammar, composition and
conversation. Prerequisite(s): A Heb 102L or
equivalent, and placement.
A Heb 202L Intermediate Hebrew II (3)
General Education: CHP & HA
Continuation of A Heb 201L. Grammar,
composition, conversation, and introduction
of modern Hebrew readings. Prerequisite(s):
A Heb 201L or equivalent, and placement.
A Heb 203 (= A Rel 203) Biblical Hebrew (3)
Methods and research tools of modern Bible
study. Grammar and syntax of classical Hebrew
for students familiar with modern Hebrew.
Prerequisite(s): A Heb 102. Only one of A Heb
203 & A Rel 203 may be taken for credit. May
not be offered during 1999-2000.
A Heb 297 Independent Study in Hebrew (1-6)
Directed readings and conferences on selected
topics in Hebrew language and literature. May
be repeated for credit when topics differ.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor and
department chair.
A Heb 307 Hebrew Composition and Conversation (3)
Intensive oral and written practice.
Composition and conversation based on
readings representing the development of the
Hebrew language and literature.
Prerequisite(s): A Heb 202L or equivalent.
A Heb 308 Readings in Hebrew Literature (3)
Study of a selected period, genre, or author
of Hebrew literature. Further development of
composition and conversation skills through
writing short Hebrew papers and participation
in discussion based on the Hebrew literature.
May be repeated when topic differs.
Prerequisite(s): A Heb 307 or permission of
instructor.
A Heb 309 Twentieth-Century Hebrew Literature (3)
A study of selected works of Hebrew
literature from the beginning of the 20th
century to the present. The works studied
will deal with such themes as alienation,
disaster, religious and secular worldviews
and the place of Israel. Course is conducted
in Hebrew. Prerequisite(s): A Heb 307 or
permission of instructor.
A Heb 310 Contemporary Israeli Narrative (3)
A study of selected works of Hebrew prose
literature created in Israel since 1948.
Works by such authors as Appelfeld, Meged,
Oz, Shachar and Yehoshua will be examined.
Course is conducted in Hebrew.
Prerequisite(s): A Heb 307 or permission of
instructor.
A Heb 311 The Short Stories of S.Y. Agnon (3)
A study of selected works by Israel's Nobel
Laureate dealing with the conflict between
religious and secular worldviews. Course is
conducted in Hebrew. Prerequisite(s): A Heb
307 or permission of instructor. May not be
offered during 1999-2000.
A Heb 390 (= A Rel 390) Readings in Biblical Literature (3)
Studies in a selected biblical book or genre
emphasizing the tools and concerns of current
biblical research as applied to both
classical (traditional) and modern
commentaries. May be repeated when topic
differs. Prerequisite(s): second year Hebrew
competence, A Heb 203, or permission of
instructor. May not be offered during 1999-
2000.
A Heb 391 (= A Rel 391) Wisdom Literature in the Bible (3)
A study of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes as
representatives of Biblical Wisdom
literature. The literary form, cultural
tradition and world outlook of these wisdom
books will be examined. Course is conducted
in Hebrew. Only one of A Heb 391 & A Rel 391
may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s):
third year Hebrew competence, A Heb 203 or
permission of instructor. May not be offered
during 1999-2000.
A Heb 392 (= A Rel 392) Love Poetry in the Bible (3)
A study of the Song of Songs. The place of
this erotic literature in the Hebrew Bible
and the puzzling literary form of the work
will be examined. Course conducted in Hebrew.
Only one of A Heb 392 & A Rel 392 may be
taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): 3rd year
Hebrew competence, A Heb 203 or permission of
instructor. May not be offered during 1999-
2000.
A Heb 450 Hebrew Practicum (4)
Advanced Hebrew students receive
undergraduate credit for teaching experience
in elementary Hebrew by working with sections
of A Heb 101L or 102L. The supervising
instructor helps students improve their
mastery of Hebrew and discusses pedagogical
techniques. This course may be repeated once
for credit with approval of the department
chair. Prerequisite(s): A Heb 202L or
equivalent, and permission of instructor.
A Heb 497 Independent Study in Hebrew (1-6)
Directed readings and conferences on selected
topics in Hebrew language and literature. May
be repeated for credit when topics differ.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor and
department chair.
Courses in Judaic Studies
A Jst 101 Jewish Civilization I: Biblical and Greco-Roman Periods (2)
Year course offered to high school students
for college credit. Survey of the history of
ancient Israel with emphasis on the
development of classical Jewish religion and
culture, and introduction to methods used in
the study of this subject. May not be taken
by students enrolled in college. Pre- or
corequisite(s): completion of or current
enrollment in high school European history
course on Regents or AP level.
A Jst 102 Jewish Civilization II: Medieval and Modern Periods (2)
Year course offered to high school students
for college credit. Survey of Jewish history
from the Middle Ages to the present with
emphasis on the varied experiences and
cultural expressions of Jews and Judaism;
e.g., Sephardim and Ashkenazim, Rabbinic
thought and literature, philosophy,
mysticism, emancipation, anti-Semitism,
Zionism. May not be taken by students
enrolled in college. Pre- or corequisite(s):
completion of or current enrollment in high
school European history course on Regents or
AP level.
A Jst 150 Survey of Jewish Civilization (3)
General Education: CHP
Basic orientation into the Jewish tradition
from the biblical period to the present.
Emphasizes the history and philosophy of
Jewish culture and religion. Required for
Judaic studies majors and recommended
preparation for other A Jst courses in
history and philosophy.
A Jst 155 (= A Rel 155) Judaism: Traditions and Practices (3)
General Education: HD
Examines development of normative Jewish
traditions and practices from Rabbinic period
to present. Major focus is Jewish religious
groups and observances in contemporary United
States. Topics include how different Jewish
groups situate themselves in American
society; Jewish calendar and life-cycle
observances; impact of feminism; social
action agendas; role of Israel.
A Jst 221 The American Jewish Experience(3)
General Education: HD
Offers a general, nonspecialized historical
studies approach to the American Jewish
experience including the impact of colonial
Jewry, antebellum Jewry, Reform and
Conservative Judaism, the Yiddish immigrant
milieu, Zionism and the State of Israel, the
Holocaust, and trends in American Jewish life
since World War II. Utilizes historical
studies, films, literary works and guest
lecturers.
A Jst 230 American Jewish Philosophy (3)
Survey of 20th-century American Jewish
philosophy. Special attention to the
confluence of American and Jewish values.
Only one of A Jst 230 & 330 may be taken for
credit.
A Jst 240 (= A Cla 240) Archaeology and Ancient Israel I: Archaeology and the Bible (2)
Important discoveries related to biblical
history and literature. Examination of sites,
artifacts, texts and scripts from the Bronze
Age to the Babylonian exile. Only one of
A Jst 240 and A Cla 240 may be taken for
credit.
A Jst 241 (= A Cla 241) Archaeology and Ancient Israel II: Greco-Roman Period (2)
Important discoveries related to postbiblical
Jewish life and history. Examination of
relevant papyri, the Dead Sea Scrolls, coins,
Masada, Jerusalem, burial caves, synagogue
art and other topics. Only one of A Jst 241
and A Cla 241 may be taken for credit.
A Jst 242 (= A Eng 221 & A Rel 221) The Bible as Literature (3)
General Education: CHP
Literary genres of the Hebrew Bible (Old
Testament) and the cultures from which they
emerged. Attention to parallel developments
in other literatures and to the influence of
the Hebrew Bible on Western life and letters.
Only one of A Eng 221, A Jst 242 & A Rel 221
may be taken for credit.
A Jst 243 (= A Ant 243) Peoples and Cultures of the Middle East (3)
General Education: CHP
The main features of the "Middle Eastern
culture continent." A comparison of selected
societies in Southwest Asia and North Africa.
The impact of modernization on preindustrial
cities and peasantries in the area. Only one
of A Ant 243 & A Jst 243 may be taken for
credit.
A Jst 244 The History of Modern Zionism (3)
The background of 19th-century Jewish and
European history resulting in the stimulation
of Jewish national feeling. The World Zionist
Organization (founded 1897)-its activities,
problems and ideologies up to 1914. Political
and practical developments in Europe, America
and Palestine during and between the world
wars. The postwar settlement and Zionism
since 1948. May not be offered during 1999-
2000.
A Jst 248 (= A Wss 248) Women in Jewish Life and Literature (3)
General Education: CHP
Examines the various roles of women and the
diverse ways they have been represented in
Jewish life and literature from the biblical
period through the 20th century. Texts will
include biblical passages, Talmudic
legislation and interpretation, medieval
documents, early modern memoirs, and modern
letters, poetry and fiction. Only one of
A Jst 248 & A Wss 248 may be taken for
credit. May not be offered during 1999-2000.
A Jst 250 (= A His 250) The Holocaust in History (3)
An examination of the Jewish experience in
the Second World War in the broader context
of 20th century history. Topics surveyed
include anti-Semitism, National Socialism and
war crimes in the modern era. Only one of
A His 250 & A Jst 250 may be taken for
credit.
A Jst 251 Early Israel and Biblical Civilization (3)
General Education: CHP
The history and culture of ancient Israel
from its beginnings to the Persian Empire. A
survey of the Hebrew Bible (in English) as
the major source for the study of early
Judaic religious and social forms in the
context of the Near East. Only one of A Jst
251, 341 & 341Z may be taken for credit. May
not be offered during 1999-2000.
A Jst 252 (= A Rel 252) Jews, Hellenism, and Early Christianity (3)
General Education: CHP
History of the Jewish people from Alexander
the Great to the decline of the ancient
world. Topics include examination of cultural
conflict in Judaea and the diaspora,
confrontation with Greco-Roman Hellenism and
early Christianity, sectarianism, and the
beginnings of Rabbinic institutions. Only one
of A Jst 252, 342, 342Z, & A Rel 252 may be
taken for credit.
A Jst 253 (= A His 253 & A Rel 253) Medieval Jews among Muslims and Christians (3)
General Education: CHP
Studies Jewish history, life and culture in
the contexts of the Muslim and Christian
civilizations of the Middle Ages. Discusses
differences among Jews, Muslims and
Christians; emphasizes reactions to
persecution, Jewish autonomy and social life
as a minority group in a majority culture,
and the development of Jewish law,
literature, philosophy and mysticism. Only
one of A His 253, A Jst 253, 343, 343Z &
A Rel 253 may be taken for credit. May not be
offered during 1999-2000.
A Jst 254 (= A Rel 254) The Jews in the Modern World (3)
General Education: CHP
A survey of modern Jewish history from 1700
to the present, emphasizing the Jewish
encounter with modernity in both Western and
Eastern Europe. Themes include the struggle
for enlightenment and civil rights; religious
reforms in Judaism, the Hasidic movement,
reactions to anti-Semitism, Jewish
nationalist and political movements, the
Holocaust, events leading up to the founding
of the State of Israel, and Jewish history in
the United States. Includes readings from
primary sources and fiction. Only one of
A Jst 254, 344, 344Z & A Rel 254 may be taken
for credit. May not be offered during 1999-
2000.
A Jst 255 (= A His 255) The Holocaust: Lessons & Legacies (3)
General Education: CHP
Offers a general, nonspecialized cultural
studies approach to the Holocaust, the
destruction of European Jewry by Nazi Germany
during World War II. Examines European Jewish
life as well as the history, cultural
significance and public importance of the
Holocaust through multiple perspectives.
Utilizes historical studies, a film series,
literary works and guest lecturers.
A Jst 260 Jews and the Immigrant Experience in America
General Education: HD
Surveys Jewish settlement and acculturation
in North America from 1800 to present.
Compares the experiences of American Jews
with those of other ethnic groups through
exploration of issues of ethnicity, class and
gender. Utilizes literary and documentary
sources, as well as guest lectures.
A Jst 270 Jewish-Christian Relations (3)
General Education: HD
This course compares and contrasts the belief
systems and historical contacts, both
positive and negative, of Jews and
Christians, from the origins of Christianity
to the ecumenical movement in the
contemporary United States. Only one of A Jst
270 and A Rel 270 may be taken for credit.
A Jst 272 (formerly A Heb 272 & A Jst 172) Modern Hebrew Literature in Translation (3)
General Education: CHP
A Jst 272 introduces the students to
representative works of Hebrew literature of
the last 100 years. The poetry, short stories
and novels address universal themes as they
reflect the particular period and conflicts
that the Hebrew writers experienced. The
issues and themes of the literature include
the Jewish encounter with modernity, loss of
faith, two world wars, the holocaust, the
establishment of the state of Israel and the
several wars Israel has fought with its
neighbors. Readings and discussion conducted
in English. Only one of A Jst 272, 372, and
372Z may be taken for credit.
A Jst 275 (= A His 275) Antisemitism in Historical Perspective (3)
General Education: HD & CHP
This course studies the development and
varying forms of antisemitism in Western
history. The course is divided into three
segments: 1) the anti-Judaism of early
Christianity and the rise of medieval
antisemitism in Christian Europe; 2) the
modernization of antisemitism in European
society up to World War II; 3) the impact of
antisemitism in American history. Learning
materials include analytic texts, fiction,
films and guest lecturers. Only one of A His
275 & A Jst 275 may be taken for credit.
A Jst 280 (= A Rel 280) The Torah (3)
General introduction to The Five Books of
Moses (in English) considered against a
background of religious, social and
philosophical aspects. Studies the
significance of the Torah in the development
of Judaic civilization. Only one of A Jst 280
& A Rel 280 may be taken for credit.
A Jst 281 (= A Rel 281) The Prophets (3)
Survey of the prophets in general (in
English), emphasizing the moral and social
role of the individual prophet and his impact
upon Judaism and Western civilization. A Jst
281Z & A Rel 281Z are the writing intensive
versions of A Jst 281 & A Rel 281; only one
may be taken for credit. May not be offered
during 1999-2000.
A Jst 281Z (= A Rel 281Z) The Prophets (4)
General Education: WI
A Jst 281Z & A Rel 281Z are the writing
intensive versions of A Jst 281 & A Rel 281;
only one of the four courses may be taken for
credit. May not be offered during 1999-2000.
A Jst 282 (= A Rel 282) Late Biblical Literature (3)
Examination of books in the "Ketuvim"
(Writings) section of the Hebrew Bible and
some works of the Apocrypha (in English).
Topics include stories (Ruth, Judith), poetry
(Psalms, Song of Songs), wisdom (Job,
Ecclesiastes), historiography (Chronicles),
and apocalyptic (Daniel, II Esdras), and how
these works develop themes from earlier
biblical literature. Only one of A Jst 282 &
A Rel 282 may be taken for credit. May not be
offered during 1999-2000.
A Jst 291 (= A Rel 291) Messiah and Messianism in Judaism and Christianity (3)
General Education: CHP
Origins of Jewish and Christian messianism in
the Old and New Testaments and related
literature. Topics include the projection of
a society's ultimate values, and the tension
caused by the actual attempts to realize
those values; i.e., to achieve salvation
through messianic movements. Only one of
A Jst 291 & A Rel 291 may be taken for
credit.
A Jst 299 Introductory Topics in Judaic Studies (1-3)
An elementary course in Jewish culture,
history, philosophy, literature or the Bible
that is devoted to a topic or theme, a
particular work or works, or a particular
author or authors. May be repeated for up to
6 credits when topic differs.
A Jst 325 Talmudic Literature (3)
One tractate of the Talmud studied in English
translation. Emphasizes philosophic issues,
and also examines scientific and social
scientific views. Prerequisite(s): A Jst 150
or a course in philosophy. May not be offered
during 1999-2000.
A Jst 326 Studies in an Individual Judaic Philosopher (3)
The philosopher studied is selected on the
basis of faculty and student interest. May be
taken more than once if a different
philosopher's work is examined. Consult fall
and spring schedules for specific philosopher
analyzed. Prerequisite(s): A Jst 150 or a
course in philosophy. May not be offered
during 1999-2000.
A Jst 330 American Jewish Philosophy (Advanced) (3)
The same as A Jst 230 but on an advanced
level. Students attend two A Jst 230 lectures
each week but have additional readings,
written assignments, and a separate
recitation session. Only one of A Jst 230 and
330 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s):
A Jst 150 or a course in philosophy.
A Jst 335 (= A Rel 335) The Holocaust in Christian and Jewish Theology (3)
The Christian and Jewish theological and
philosophic response to the genocide
committed by the Nazis. Christian theologians
deal with Christianity's role in the
Holocaust, and Jewish theologians examine the
problem of God's justice. Examines the works
of Flannery, Eckhardt, Littell, Rubenstein,
Fackenheim and Berkovits. Prerequisite(s):
A Jst 150 or a course in philosophy. Only one
of A Jst 335 and A Rel 335 may be taken for
credit.
A Jst 337 Existential Jewish Philosophies (3)
The philosophies of the 20th century European
Judaic existentialists will be examined.
Particular emphasis is placed on the writings
of Shestov, Rosenzweig and Buber.
Prerequisite(s): A Jst l50 or a course in
philosophy. May be offered during 1999-2000.
A Jst 341 Issues in Biblical Civilization (3)
Covers same period as A Jst 251 but on an
advanced level. Students attend two A Jst 251
lectures each week but have a separate, more
sophisticated reading list, a research paper,
and a separate recitation session. Only one
of A Jst 251, 341 & 341Z may be taken for
credit. Prerequisite(s): A Jst 150 or 240, or
permission of instructor. May not be offered
during 1999-2000.
A Jst 341Z Issues in Biblical Civilization (4)
General Education: WI
Covers same period as A Jst 251 but on an
advanced level. Students attend two A Jst 251
lectures each week but have a separate, more
sophisticated reading list, a research paper,
and a separate recitation session. Only one
of A Jst 251, 341, & 341Z may be taken for
credit. The former A Jst 341 does not yield
writing intensive credit. Prerequisite(s):
A Jst 150 or 240, or permission of
instructor. May not be offered during 1999-
2000.
A Jst 342 Issues in Hellenistic-Rabbinic Judaism (3)
Covers same period as A Jst 252 but on an
advanced level. Students attend two A Jst 252
lectures each week but have a separate, more
sophisticated reading list, a research paper,
and a separate recitation session. Only one
of A Jst 252, 342, & 342Z may be taken for
credit. Prerequisite(s): A Jst 150 or 241, or
permission of instructor
A Jst 342Z Issues in Hellenistic-Rabbinic Judaism (4)
General Education: WI
Covers same period as A Jst 252 but on an
advanced level. Students attend two A Jst 252
lectures each week but have a separate, more
sophisticated reading list, a research paper,
and a separate recitation session. Only one
of A Jst 252, 342, & 342Z may be taken for
credit. The former A Jst 342 does not yield
writing intensive credit. Prerequisite(s):
A Jst 150 or 241, or permission of
instructor.
A Jst 343 Issues in Medieval Jewish History (3)
Covers same period as A Jst 253, but on an
advanced level. Students attend class
meetings for A Jst 253, but have a separate,
more sophisticated reading list, a research
paper, and a separate recitation session.
A Jst 343Z is the writing intensive version
of A Jst 343; only one of A His253, Rel 253,
Jst 253, 343, & 343Z may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): A Jst 150 or permission of
instructor. May not be offered during 1999-
2000.
A Jst 343Z Issues in Medieval Jewish History (4)
General Education: WI
A Jst 343Z is the writing intensive version
of A Jst 343; only one of A His 253, Rel 253,
Jst 253, 343, & 343Z may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): A Jst 150 or permission of
instructor. May not be offered during 1999-
2000.
A Jst 344 Issues in Modern Jewish History (3)
Covers the same period as A Jst 254, but on
an advanced level. Students attend class
meetings for A Jst 254, but have a separate,
more sophisticated reading list, a research
paper, and a separate recitation session.
A Jst 344Z is the writing intensive version
of A Jst 344. Only one of A Jst 254, 344, &
344Z may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): A Jst 150 or permission of
instructor. May not be offered during 1999-
2000.
A Jst 344Z Issues in Modern Jewish History (4)
General Education: WI
A Jst 344Z is the writing intensive version
of A Jst 344. Only one of A Jst 254, 344, &
344Z may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): A Jst 150 or permission of
instructor. May not be offered during 1999-
2000.
A Jst 351 Jewish American Ethnic Groups (3)
General Education: HD
Comparative analysis of Jewish ethnicity and
assimilation in regard to one or more North
American ethnic group(s). Social, political,
economic and symbolic adaptations. This
course is cross-listed with A Ant 351 & 351Z
when Jewish ethnicity and assimilation are a
major focus of those courses. When cross-
listed, A Jst 351Z & A Ant 351Z are the
writing intensive versions of A Jst 351 &
A Ant 351; only one of the four courses may
be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): junior
or senior class standing and permission of
instructor.
A Jst 351Z Jewish American Ethnic Groups (4)
General Education: HD & WI
This course is cross-listed with A Ant 351 &
351Z when Jewish ethnicity and assimilation
are a major focus of those courses. When
cross-listed, A Jst 351Z & A Ant 351Z are the
writing intensive versions of A Jst 351 &
A Ant 351; only one of the four courses may
be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): junior
or senior class standing and permission of
instructor.
A Jst 359 (= R Pos 359) Israeli Politics (3)
Only one of A Jst 359 & R Pos 359 may be
taken for credit.
A Jst 360 Jewish Autobiographies (3)
An exploration of autobiographies and memoirs
written by widely diverse Jewish women and
men from ancient times to the twentieth
century; includes experiences of immigration,
Holocaust, and Jewish acculturation in the
modern world. The course pays attention to
the historical contexts in which each work
was written and also analyzes how individual
authors have shaped the events of their lives
into a narrative pattern. We consider how
gender and minority status shape experience,
and explore the ways in which an author does
or does not position himself or herself as
part of a larger community of Jews.
Significant reading and weekly writing
assignments. Prerequisite(s): A Jst 150 or
any one of A Jst253, 343, 343Z, 254, 344Z.
A Jst 367 Jewish American Literature (3)
Literature written by American Jews of the
20th century. Among the topics offered are
Jewish fiction writers, Jewish-American
Drama, Jewish-American Women Writers, Jewish
Humor, and Jewish-American Literature and
Film. Intended primarily for juniors and
seniors. May be repeated once for credit.
Prerequisite(s): a 100-level English
literature course or permission of the
instructor.
A Jst 372 Issues in Modern Hebrew Literature (3)
The same as A Jst 272 but on an advanced
level intended for Judaic Studies majors and
minors. Students attend A Jst 272 lectures
but have additional readings, written
assignments, and occasional discussion
sessions centering on critical and
theoretical approaches to modern Hebrew
literature. A Jst 372Z is the writing
intensive version of A Jst 372; only one of
A Jst 272, 372, and 372Z may be taken for
credit.
A Jst 372Z Issues in Modern Hebrew Literature (4)
General Education: WI
The same as A Jst 272 but on an advanced
writing level intended for Judaic Studies
majors and minors. Students attend A Jst 272
lectures but have additional readings,
extensive written assignments, and occasional
discussion sessions centering on critical and
theoretical approaches to modern Hebrew
literature. A Jst 372Z is the writing
intensive version of A Jst 372; only one of
A Jst 272, 372, and 372Z may be taken for
credit.
A Jst 450 Judaic Studies Practicum (3)
Advanced Judaic Studies students receive
undergraduate credit for assisting with the
elementary Judaic Studies survey course,
A Jst 150, by running optional
review/discussion classes several times in
the semester; by offering one class
presentation, which will also be written up
as a paper and submitted to the instructor;
and by assisting in grading student
examinations. Students meet regularly with
the instructor who helps students improve
their knowledge of Jewish history, discusses
pedagogical techniques, and provides
extensive data for exam evaluation. Course
may be repeated once for credit with approval
of department chair. Prerequisite(s):
permission of A Jst 150 instructor.
A Jst 490 Judaic Studies Internship (1-6)
Supervised practical experience in an
institution of the Jewish community. Students
will study the structure and issues of
American Jewish communal organization through
personal service and directed reading. Course
may be repeated once for credit with approval
of departmental chair up to a total of 6
credits for both courses. Internships are
open only to qualified juniors and seniors
who have an overall grade point average of
2.50 or higher. Prerequisite(s): permission
of department chair. S/U graded.
A Jst 495 Colloquium in Judaic Studies (3)
Directed readings and conferences involving
several members of the faculty for students
pursuing undergraduate honors in Judaic
studies. To be offered only when requested by
students eligible for the honors program.
Prerequisite(s): major in Judaic studies and
junior or senior class standing.
A Jst 497 Independent Study in Judaic Studies (1-6)
Directed reading and conferences on selected
topics in Judaic studies. May be repeated for
credit when topics differ. Prerequisite(s):
permission of department chair.
A Jst 499 Topics in Judaic Studies (1-3)
In-depth study of selected topics in Jewish
history, philosophy, literature or the Bible.
May be repeated when topic differs.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor.