Courses

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 co-requisite(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 co-requisite(s): completion of or current enrollment in high school European history course on Regents or AP level.

A Jst 145 (= A Rel 145) Secular Jewish Identity and Culture (3)
This course is an exploration of the creation of a secularized Judaism. Since the onset of the Enlightenment (if not earlier), many Jews have sought to construct expressions of Judaism that are not contingent upon religious obligations and practices. After an introduction in which we will explore some of the tensions between secular and religious Judaism in contemporary times (via a close reading of Chaim Potok’s My Name is Asher Lev), we will explore several ancient and medieval challenges to normative Judaism (Hellenism, messianism, and historical consciousness) that helped to set the foundation for the shaping of modern secular Judaism in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. We will then look at several “snapshots” of secular Judaism in the nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty first centuries in the regions of Europe, Russia, the United States, and Israel. At the end of the course, we will consider the possibility of a “post-secular” Judaism.

A Jst 150 Survey of Jewish Civilization (3)

An orientation to the field of Jewish studies from the ancient period to the present via a thematic approach, such as through Jewish languages, cities, migrations, or religious denominations. Required for Judaic studies majors and recommended preparation for other A Jst courses. [GC]

A Jst 155 (= A Rel 155) Judaism: Traditions and Practices (3)

Examines development of 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. [DP]

A Jst 165 (= A Lcs 165) Jews and the Secular Descendants of Jews in Latin America (3)

This course aims to document how Jews and their descendants succeeded in preserving their culture (including their religious culture) as well as their secular identities (however they preferred to identify themselves) in a world in Latin America that promised to be new but that maintained many familiar prejudices of the Old World. The course is divided into three chronological sections, and it proceeds geographically by region in each section from Central America to South America through the islands of the Caribbean. Section one examines the Colonial Period (from 1492 to the beginning of Independence in 1810). Section two covers the period of Early Independence (from 1810 to the beginning of World War I). Section three deals with the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. The readings for the course provide a cultural history of all periods, while the course lectures place emphasis on individual biographies that typify the main characteristics of each period.

A Jst 215 (= A Mus 225) Music of the Jewish People (3)

A survey of significant features and trends emerging from the evolving history, musical literature, and aesthetics of Jewish musical expression. The musical implications of the multi-national, multi-ethnic nature of Jewish people hood, the complex interplay between Jewish identity and musical expression; and the dynamic interaction between Jewish communities and surrounding host cultures. Prerequisite(s): One 100-level Music course or any one of A Jst 150, 155, or 254, or permission of instructor. [AR] May not be offered in 2006-2007.

A Jst 221 The American Jewish Experience (3)

Offers a general, non-specialized 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. [DP US*]

A Jst 225 (= A His 225) Hollywood and the Jews (3)

An examination of the history of Hollywood and the Jewish relationship to the American motion picture industry. Investigates a representative sample of films and movies and explores the impact of the fictionalized landscape of the Jewish mind on American culture and values. [DP]

A Jst 231 (= A Rel 231) Modern Jewish Thought (3)

An examination of changes over time in Jewish thought and philosophy from the seventeenth century to the present. Focuses on key Jewish thinkers, philosophers, and theologians. One-third of the course is devoted to Jewish thought in the American context. [HU] May not be offered in 2006-2007.

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)

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. [HU]

A Jst 244 Zionism, Palestine, and Israel in Historical Perspective (3)

The background of 19th-century Jewish and European history resulting in the rise of Zionism. 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.

A Jst 248 (= A Wss 248) Women in Jewish Life and Literature (3)

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 in 2006-2007.

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 antisemitism, National Socialism and war crimes in the modern era. Only one of A His 250 & A Jst 250 may be taken for credit. [EU]

A Jst 251 Early Israel and Biblical Civilization (3)

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. [BE] May not be offered in 2006-2007.

A Jst 252 (= A Rel 252) Jews, Hellenism, and Early Christianity (3)

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. [EU]

A Jst 253 (= A His 253 & A Rel 253) Medieval Jews among Muslims and Christians (3)

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. [EU]

A Jst 254 (= A Rel 254) The Jews in the Modern World (3)

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 antisemitism, 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. [GC]

A Jst 256 (= A Rel 256) World Jewry since the Holocaust (3)

An examination of the trajectory of the historical and demographic changes in Jewish civilization since World War II and the Holocaust. Investigates significant changes in diaspora Jewry as well as the emergence of America and Israel as the postwar centers of modern Jewish life. One-third of the course is devoted to changes in American Jewish life and culture. [GC] May not be offered in 2006-2007.

A Jst 257 (= A His 257) Jews, War & Revolution: West European Jewry, 1770–1918 (3)

An examination of Jewish history in Central and West Europe that highlights the transformation and politicization of Jewish life in the modern era. One-third of the course is devoted to the impact of “German” Jewish immigrants on American Jewish life and American society. [EU] May not be offered in 2006-2007.

A Jst 258 (= A His 258) Jews, War & Revolution: East European Jewry, 1772-1918 (3)

An examination of Jewish history in Poland and Imperial Russia and the era of mass Jewish migration to the USA. Highlights the modernization, emancipation, and politicization of Jewish life in Eastern Europe. One-third of the course is devoted to the impact of East European Jewish immigrants on American Jewish life and American society. [EU]

A Jst 272 (formerly A Heb 272 & A Jst 172) Modern Hebrew Literature in Translation (3)

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. [HU

A Jst 273 The Arab in Israeli Literature (3)

An examination of the image of the Arab in selected poetry, short stories and novels of modern Israel. The course will address the evolving presence, perceptions, and significance of the Arab in the literature. Attention is given to the historical and cultural factors contributing to the distinct treatment of the Arab in various areas of modern Hebrew literature. Only one of A Jst 273, 373, and 373Z may be taken for credit. [HU]

A Jst 274 Love & Sex in Hebrew Literature (3)

An examination of Hebrew poems and short narratives in English translation on the themes of love and sex. Readings are drawn from the biblical, medieval, modern and contemporary periods of Hebrew literature. Attention is given to the historical and cultural factors contributing to the distinct treatments of love and sex in the various periods of Hebrew literature. Only one of A Jst 274, 374, and 374Z may be taken for credit. [HU] May not be offered in 2006-2007.

A Jst 275 (= A His 275) Antisemitism in Historical Perspective (3)

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. [DP EU GC]

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 in 2006-2007.

A Jst 281Z (= A Rel 281Z) The Prophets (4)

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. [WI] May not be offered in 2006-2007.

A Jst 285 (= A Rel 285) Hero and Antihero in Scripture (3)

An examination of different kinds of heroic figures in biblical literature, with questions about literary presentation, religious significance, and historicity. The course looks at ideal and roguish characteristics of heroic individuals in the biblical text and how these are treated in later exegesis and modern scholarship. A wide variety of men and women from the Hebrew Bible, the Apocrypha, and the New Testament are studied, but particular emphasis is placed on Moses, David, and Jesus. [BE]

A Jst 286 (= A Rel 286) Jerusalem: the City and the Idea (3)

Now the capital of Israel, Jerusalem has been central to Jewish history and religion, as well as to Christianity and Islam. The course surveys its physical history, its image in religion, nationalism, literature, and the arts, and its various populations and their subgroups. It aims to provide a sophisticated understanding of the demographics and politics of contemporary Jerusalem. [GC] May not be offered in 2006-2007.

A Jst 291 (=A His 291 and A Rel 291) Messiah and Messianism in Judaism and Christianity (3)

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 His/Jst/Rel 291 may be taken for credit. [GC]

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 (= A Rel 325) Rabbinic Literature (3)

A study of one or more works of rabbinic literature from among Mishnah, Talmud, Midrash, commentaries, and codes. Analytical reading of the texts in English translation and discussion of their religious, legal, historical, and literary implications. May be repeated for credit if topic differs. Prerequisite(s): A Jst 150 or A Jst 155. May not be offered in 2006-2007.

A Jst 341 (= A His 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 in 2006-2007.

A Jst 341Z (=A His 341Z) Issues in Biblical Civilization (4)

A Jst 341Z is the writing intensive version of A Jst 341. 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. [WI] May not be offered in 2006-2007.

A Jst 342 (= A His 358) 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. A Jst 342Z is the writing intensive version of A Jst 342. Only one of A Jst 252, 342, & 342Z may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Jst 150 or 241, or permission of instructor. [EU]

A Jst 342Z (= A His 358Z) Issues in Hellenistic-Rabbinic Judaism (4)

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. [WI] [EU]

A Jst 343 Issues in Medieval Jewish History (3)

Covers the same period as A Jst 253, but on an advanced level. Only one of A His 253, A Rel 253, A Jst 253, 343, & 343Z may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Jst 150 or permission of instructor. [EU]

A Jst 343Z Issues in Medieval Jewish History (4)

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. [WI] [EU]

A Jst 344 Issues in Modern Jewish History (3)

Covers the same period as A Jst 254, but on an advanced level. Only one of A Jst 254, 344, & 344Z may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Jst 150 or permission of instructor. [GC]

A Jst 344Z Issues in Modern Jewish History (4)

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. [GC WI]

A Jst 359 (= R Pos 359) Israeli Politics (3)

In-depth study of the political system of Israel: its history, social and political cleavages, governing institutions and persistent problems. Only one of A Jst 359 & R Pos 359 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): R Pos 101 or 101Z and 102, or junior or senior class standing. May not be offered in 2006-2007.

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 Jst 253, 343, 343Z, 254, 344Z. May not be offered in 2006-2007.

A Jst 367 (= A Eng 367) Modern Jewish Literature (3)

Literature written by American Jews of the 20th century. Among the topics offered are Jewish fiction writers, American Jewish drama, American Jewish women writers, Jewish humor, and American Jewish 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. May not be offered in 2006-2007.

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)

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. [WI]

A Jst 373 The Arab in Israeli Literature (3)

A Jst 373Z The Arab in Israeli Literature (4)

The same as A Jst 273 but on an advanced level intended for Judaic Studies majors and minors. Students attend A Jst 273 lectures but have additional non-fiction readings from newspapers and literary studies and critical essays. Written assignments and discussion sessions for A Jst 373 center on critical approaches to modern Hebrew literature and culture. A Jst 373Z is the writing intensive version of A Jst 373 and will entail additional sessions on writing. These will be both group sessions dealing with matters common to all and individual student-professor meetings to review the writing of each individual student. Only one of A Jst 273, 373, and 373Z may be taken for credit. [HU WI]

A Jst 374 Love & Sex in Hebrew Literature (3)

The same as A Jst 274 but on an advanced level intended for Judaic Studies majors and minors. Students attend A Jst 274 lectures and have additional readings, written assignments and discussion sessions centering on critical literature and on selected works from literatures of other cultures. Only one of A Jst 274, 374, and 374Z may be taken for credit. [HU] May not be offered in 2006-2007. May not be offered in 2006-2007.

A Jst 374Z Love & Sex in Hebrew Literature (4)

The same as A Jst 274 but like A Jst 374, A Jst 374Z is on an advanced level intended for Judaic Studies majors and minors. Students attend A Jst 274 lectures and have additional readings, written assignments and occasional discussion sessions centering on the critical literature and on selected works from the literatures of other cultures. A Jst 374Z is the writing intensive version of A Jst 374 and will entail supplementary sessions on writing. These will be both group sessions dealing with matters common to all and individual student-professor meetings to review the student’s writing. Only one of A Jst 274, 374, and 374Z may be taken for credit. [HU WI] May not be offered in 2006-2007.

A Jst 450 Judaic Studies Practicum (3)

Advanced Judaic Studies students receive undergraduate credit for assisting with 100- or 200-level Judaic Studies courses under the close supervision of the instructor. Students at this level lead small group discussions several times in the semester; offer one class presentation, which will also be written up as a paper and submitted to the instructor; and may assist in grading quizzes and examinations. Students meet regularly with the instructor, who helps students improve their knowledge of the topic and discusses pedagogical techniques. Course may be repeated once for credit with approval of department chair. Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor and department chair.

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 Bible3. May be repeated when topic differs. Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor.