Courses Offered
Judaic Studies
A list of regularly offered courses follows. The indication of when a course will be offered is based on the best projection of the home department and can be subject to changes.
Please note the key for the following abbreviations: (A) Arts; (H) Humanities; (S) Social Sciences; (N) Natural Sciences with Laboratory; (LS) Language Studies requirement; (NSP) Natural Science in Perspective; (NW) Non-Western Cultures requirement.
COURSES IN MODERN HEBREW LANGUAGE
JST101, JST102. Elementary Modern Hebrew I and II. (NW) 101. Every Fall; 102. Every Spring
Introduction to the basic structures and vocabulary of Modern Hebrew, oral and written. Tomer
JST201, JST202. Intermediate Modern Hebrew III and IV. (LS) (NW) (H for 202)
JST201. Every Fall; 202. Every Spring
Further development of oral, reading and writing skills in Modern Hebrew. Tomer
JUDAIC STUDIES COURSES
JST112. Introduction to Judaism: Classical Texts. (H) (NW) Fall 2009
This course will focus on a number of classical texts ranging from the biblical period to the present. With the exception of a few selections, all have had their impact on Jewish culture in the Hebrew language. The chief aim of the course is to immerse students in the questions the texts raise, thus exposing them to continuity and change in Jewish self-understanding over time. The desired outcome is that the students become aware of certain key concepts (e.g. covenant, chosen-ness, prophecy, exile, redemption, Jewish law) and the continuing debates around them. Same as RST 112. Klein
JST212. Hebrew Bible. (H) (NW) Fall 2009
Study of the writings of the Hebrew Bible. Seeks to understand the historical development of Israel in the biblical period and the religious forms of thought and practice that arose during this time. Same as RST 212. Klein
JST233. Religion in 20th-Century Jewish Literature. (H) Spring 2011
Readings of well-known 20th century Jewish short story writers, novelists and poets. In an era in which many people, including many of the authors, thought they were moving away from religion, religious questions and imagery remain nonetheless prevalent. What are these questions? How does the fiction reflect and respond to the upheavals of the time? Same as RST 233. Aronowicz
JST252. Modern Jewish Thought. (H) Offered in 2011–2012
Studies Jewish thinkers from the Enlightenment to the present, through their philosophical writings, political essays, religious reflections and fiction. The chief question was how to make the Jewish tradition adapt or respond to the modern Western State and to modern Western culture. This is a course about the Jews and the West. To what degree is there harmony? To what degree is there conflict? Same as RST 252. Aronowicz
JST253. Jewish History 1: Jews of East and West Through the Middle Ages. (NW) (S) Every Fall
Introduction to Jewish history, beginning with first centuries of the Common Era and continuing to end of 17th century. Examines central themes and patterns in Jewish history. Readings consist of narrative as well as documentary histories with discussion of different theoretical approaches to the writing of Jewish history. Same as HIS/RST 253. Hoffman
JST254. Jewish History II: Jews in the Modern World. (S) Every Spring
Introduction to Jewish life in the modern era from late 18th century Emancipation and Enlightenment through the present, tracing the transformations of Jewish life. Broad historical sketches are combined with close readings of particular texts, movements and thinkers to flesh out the contours and dynamics of the Jewish experience in the Modern world. Major events of Jewish history of 20th century (the Holocaust, foundation of the State of Israel and mass migration of European Jews to the Americas) are examined through secondary and primary sources. Same as HIS/RST 254. Hoffman
JST325. Jewish Culture in Eastern Europe. (S) Fall 2010
Course focuses on the Jews of Eastern Europe from the end of the Middle Ages through the present; looks at variety of cultural forms and expressions they have created. From tradition to modernity, Shtetl to Socialism, religious scholarship to secular literature, examines the rich cultural life of East European Jews in all its myriad manifestations. Specific emphasis on transformations in the culture of Yiddish-speaking Jews in Poland and Russia. Same as HIS 325. Hoffman
JST326. Jewish Views of Jesus. (S) Spring 2010
Course explores the ways in which Jews have related to and represented the figure of Jesus, using Jewish texts from the birth of Christianity to the present day. Beginning with the Talmud, examines numerous Jewish sources (including literature and art) and looks at a number of historical periods and the different religious, social and intellectual developments that influenced Jewish perceptions and portrayals of Jesus. Same as HIS/RST 326. Hoffman
JST327. Cinema and the American Jewish Experience. (S) Spring 2010
Course explores representations of American Jewish life, culture and religion in cinema. Using an historical perspective, it analyzes the different ways in which Jewish identity and culture have been represented in American film. Looks at history of Jews in the United States, Jewish involvement in the film industry and anti-Semitism. Films viewed weekly, including feature films and several documentaries, in class and in an extra viewing session. Same as HIS/RST 327. Hoffman
JST340. Jews in the Greco-Roman World. (H) Spring 2010
Focuses on Jews and Judaism during period of profound changes after the conquest of Alexander the Great that were key to development of modern Judaism and Christianity. Surveys variety of Jewish writing from the period: historical; philosophical; apocalyptic; and exegetical. These texts, including Dead Sea scrolls, will be read in combination with modern scholarly works treating Jewish life and history of the period. Same as RST 340. Cooper
JST359. Modern Religious Thinkers: Pascal, Kierkegaard and Rosenzweig. (H) Fall 2010
Focuses on three thinkers who rethought the meaning of their respective religious traditions–Catholicism, Protestantism, Judaism–in ways that were to influence not only their respective community but also how we think about religion in general. All three challenged what we mean by religion. Same as RST 359. Aronowicz
JST405. Selected Studies in Jewish History. (S) Offered in 2009–2011
Readings and research on various topics, periods and problems of Jewish history. Seminar topics include “Approaches to Jewish History” and “Jewish Political Movements.” Same as HIS 405. Hoffman
JST445. Hannah Arendt: Terror, Identity, Politics. (S) Fall 2009
Seminar exploring the life and work of Hannah Arendt, who remains one of the most controversial and important political thinkers of the 20th century. Examines how her personal experience as a Jewish émigré extended to an exploration of identity, to a critique of contemporary culture and politics and to a revived sense of politics that emphasizes human distinctiveness rather than anonymous group processes. Same as GOV 445. Hammer
JST490. Independent Study. Every Semester
The student pursues an in-depth investigation of a topic of special interest, under the direction of an adviser. Please see the Chair with any questions.
Topics courses to be offered in 2009–2010
Judaism and Sacred Space.
Trauma and the Modern Jewish Imaginary.
