Department of Jewish Studies
Fall 2010 Courses
See Summer Courses 2010
NOTE: the following codes indicate which elective courses fulfill distribution requirements for the Jewish Studies major:
[CT] = Classical Text course [ML] = Modern Literature course [SS]= Social Science course
LANGUAGE & LITERATURE COURSES
Elementary Modern Hebrew – Part 1 (AMESALL, 013:152)
563:101:01; Index #04720; MWTh2; Moshenberg Murray 208
563:101:02; Index #04732; MWTh3; Levy Scott 205
Introductory Hebrew: This course develops primary language skills through extensive practice in reading and writing. Since emphasis is put on the sentence as a unit of language, students are engaged from the very beginning in creative writing and speech as well as in achieving basic competence in grammar. Communication skills are enhanced by engaging in conversations based on everyday situations. No previous knowledge of Hebrew required.
Elementary Modern Hebrew – Part 2 (AMESALL, 013:153)
563:102:01; Index #06752; MWTh3; Moshenberg MTh Scott 101/Murray 207
Prerequisite: 563:101 or placement test.
A continuation of Elementary Modern Hebrew 101, this course further develops primary language skills that were introduced in the previous semester. Basic competence in the four areas of language (reading comprehension, creative writing, grammar, and speech) is acquired through extensive practice of grammar, reading various Hebrew texts, and writing. Communication skills are enhanced by engaging in conversations based on everyday situations.
Hebrew Review and Continuation (AMESALL, 013:156)
563:121:01; Index #12177; MWTh2; Bryn-Noiman MTh Murray 115/W Murray 207
This course is designed for students with previous exposure to Hebrew (e.g. heritage speakers, Jewish day school students, etc.), who are in need of a thorough review in order to enhance their basic language skills. Upon completion of this course, students will be placed into Intermediate Hebrew (01:563:131). The course emphasizes cognitive academic language proficiency as well as communication skills. Competence in the four areas of language (comprehensive reading, creative writing, grammar, and speech) is acquired through practice of grammar, reading of various Hebrew texts, class discussions, and composition writing.
Intermediate Modern Hebrew – Part 1 (AMESALL, 013:252)
563:131:01; Index #04722; MWTh2; Levy Scott 220
Prerequisite: 563:102 or placement test
The objectives of this course are twofold: development of language skills and preparing the students to approach Hebrew literature in an analytical and comprehensive manner. Students develop conversational skills by regular participation in class presentations and discussions of current events and cultural issues. Advanced grammatical forms are integrated into the reading material, based on a variety of modern Israeli literature.
Introduction to Biblical Hebrew I (AMESALL, 013:154)
563:141:01; Index #13727; M 6:40-10:00 pm; Tanner Theological Seminary Building
The aim of this course is to introduce students to Biblical Hebrew, especially the variety known as Standard Biblical Hebrew, used to write the narrative prose texts of the Bible during the period of the 10th-7th centuries B.C.E. These prose texts are to be found most prominently in Genesis, Exodus, Judges, Ruth, Samuel, and Kings.
Advanced Modern Hebrew – Part 2 (AMESALL, 013:353)
563:211:01; Index #15141; MW4; Bryn-Noiman 12 College Ave, Rm 206
Prerequisite: 563:132 or placement test
This course is designed to increase proficiency in reading and writing skills. The course provides an intensive training in Hebrew Grammar and syntax through the reading and analysis of short essays, and newspaper and magazine articles. Reading and writing assignments as well as creative writing and oral presentations are part of the course work.
Love and Desire in Hebrew Prose and Poetry (in Hebrew) [ML] (AMESALL, 013:355) CANCELLED
563:484:01; Index #15146; MTh3; Bryn-Noiman Scott 207
Prerequisite: 563:372 or placement test
This advanced course explores the theme of love in Hebrew prose, poetry and film. Selected texts from the Biblical period to the 20th century are read, paying particular attention to their articulation of relationships, passion, and desire. Films in Hebrew relevant to the texts discussed in class are viewed throughout the semester.
Note: This course is conducted in Hebrew and all readings are in Hebrew.
YIDDISH
Elementary Modern Yiddish - Part 1
563:103; Index #04721; MWTh3; Portnoy Miller Hall 210
An introduction to speaking, reading, and writing Yiddish, focusing on acquiring the fundamentals of grammar and basic vocabulary. Class activities also include Yiddish songs and Yiddish films. No previous knowledge of Yiddish required.
OTHER COURSES
Jewish Society and Culture I: From Antiquity to the Middle Ages (core course)
(History, 506:271; Middle Eastern Studies, 685:208)
563:201:01; Index # 04723; MW4; Yadin Hardenberg A7
This course will examine the social, economic, religious, and political experiences of the Jewish people from the crystallization of their national-religious consciousness in the Biblical period until the 15th century C.E. The religion and culture of the Jews will be discussed within the broader context of their environment. In the study of the ancient period, the course will survey the people of ancient Israel against the backdrop of ancient Near Eastern history and culture, starting with the emergence of the Israel in the land of Canaan c. 1200 B.C.E. through the compilation of the Mishna c. 220 C.E. Special areas of investigation will include the Babylonian Exile, the Second Temple period, the challenge of Hellenism, the Macabbean dynasty, the Jewish sects of late antiquity (Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes), the Dead Sea Scrolls as a new source for Jewish historical and religious inquiry, the rise of Christianity, the Jewish revolts against Rome, and the importance of the Mishna as a code of law. In the study of the medieval era, the course will explore the consolidation and expansion of Rabbinic Judaism, the rise of Karaism as a challenge to the rabbis, the history of the Jews in both the Christian and Muslim spheres, theological debates between Judaism and Christianity, the joint cultural heritage of Jews and Muslims in the areas of poetry, philosophy, and science, the enterprise of biblical commentary, and the rise of Kabbalah.
The course is required for majors and minors in Jewish Studies.
Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) [CT] (Religion, 840:201)
563:220:01; Index # 13735; MTh 9:15-10:35; Wallace RAB 204
563:220:02; Index # 13736; MTh 12:35-1:55; Wallace RAB 204
563:220:03; Index # 13737; MW, 5:00-6:20; Wiggins Beck 219
Introduction to the literature of the Hebrew Bible and the world of ancient Israel, with an emphasis on literary, historical, and theological issues. In addition to the Bible, students are introduced to archaeological discoveries from Israel and elsewhere, which shed important light on the biblical text and the history and culture of ancient Israel. All texts are read in English translation.
New Testament [CT] (Religion, 840:202)
Tillett 110
RAB 206
563:223:02; Index #15348; MW6; Darden
563:223:03; Index #15349; TTh 5:35-6:55; Wasserman
Interpretation of basic Christian scriptures in translation; influence of Jesus and Paul on the early Christian community.
An overview of Jewish engagements with art from ancient times to the present in communities around the world.
This course is a detailed examination of the programs of persecution and mass murder carried out by the Nazi German regime between 1933 and 1945. Several themes will be prominent throughout the semester. First, we will examine when and how policies of exclusion can be transformed into a systematic program of murder. In this regard, we will examine not only the development of Nazi Germany as a "racial state," but also the role of ideologies, such as anti-Semitism, nationalism, and racism, in shaping policies of exclusion in Germany and elsewhere in Europe. Second, we will focus on the place of the Holocaust in European, and not only German, history. The events we associate with the Holocaust took place across the continent of Europe and were shaped by local histories; throughout the course we will pay close attention to the interaction between Germans, Jews, and non-German native populations. The mass murder of European Jews will be the central focus of this course. We will, however, also discuss programs of discrimination and murder carried out against other groups (e.g. Roma, the disabled, homosexuals, and Poles) and attempt to place these phenomena within the context of Nazi German racial policy.
563:300; Index #11421; MW8; Valenti Frelinghuysen A5
This course will examine the conflict between Arabs and Jews over Palestine/Israel from the late 19th through the late 20th century. It will provide an introduction to the origins of the conflict by considering the social, ideological, and political forces that shaped it, including the rise of Israeli and Palestinian nationalisms, European anti-Semitism, global war, and imperialism. It will also examine the evolution of the conflict over the course of the 20th century by surveying the impact of local, regional, and global politics.
American Jews & the Media (American Studies, 050:336; Comparative Literature, 195:395:02)
563:306:01; Index #17086; T5&6; Shandler 12 College Ave, Room 107
This course examines the wide range of interactions that American Jews have had with sound recordings, film, radio, television, video, and the internet over the course of the past century. While some attention is placed on feature films, popular television series, and other familiar works of American media by or about Jews, the focus of the course is on the social practices in which all these media have figured in American Jewish life. Examples range from the period of East European Jews’ mass emigration to America at the beginning of the century (e.g., early sound recordings, early silent film) to the present (especially the use of videos and the internet in transforming traditional Jewish community life). Special attention is placed on the use of new media for self-portraiture, spirituality, and cultural memory.
Classical Jewish Philosophy [CT] (Philosophy, 730:311)
563:311:01; Index #24953; TTh7; Feldman Hardenberg A5
This course provides an introduction to the classical Jewish philosophical tradition, covering the works of Sa’adia Gaon, Judah Halevi, Maimonides, and others. We will examine their conceptions of God, creation, prophecy, ethics, free will, providence, Jewish peoplehood, eschatology, and dogma. Focusing on the tension between traditional Jewish faith and rational models of inquiry, we will gain an appreciation of the intellectual range and diversity that characterized Jewish thought during the Middle Ages and set a pattern for later ages.
563:344:01; Index #12158; MW4; Surowitz Scott 206
This course will explore the history, religion, and culture of Sephardic Jews from the fifteenth century to the present. Following the development of mercantile networks and colonial expansion we will examine the development of Sephardic community and identity in Europe and the Americas. Our study will include a survey of key events and figures, and
topics such as diaspora, economics, social networks, and religious identity.
563:350:01; Index #08586; TTh 10:20-11:40; Bashi Beck 111
563:350:02; Index #13958; TTh 2:15-3:35; Haghani T RAB 104/ TH LOR 020
This course explores various aspects of the Modern Middle East, including art and architecture, ethnic diversity, literature, modern history, music, religion, and writing systems. It will encourage participants to analyze what they have learned about the region through education, family ties, travel, print and electronic media, etc. The course will strive to foster common understanding and break down stereotypes through collegial in-class activities.
Israeli Politics [SS] (Middle Eastern Studies, 685:352; Political Science, 790:352)
563:352; Index # 12157; TTh4, Peleg Murray 115
This course surveys the current structure of Israeli politics and the processes that led to its formation. The course begins by examining the ideological premises upon which Israel was established and the state-building strategies that had issued from them, followed by an examination of the main features of Israeli politics from 1967 to the present.
History of Jewish Women (History, 506:373; Women’s Studies, 988:373)
563:373:01; Index #15142; TTh4; Mack Frelinghuysen, A6
This course examines the images, roles, and activities of Jewish women from the medieval period until today, with special attention to issues of spirituality, marriage and motherhood, the body and sexuality, and women’s activities in work, spirituality, and religious leadership. What do Jewish traditions teach about the relation of women to God, to prayer and liturgy, and to human relationships? What was the relationship between formal religion and daily life, and how has this relationship changed over time? How have the modern phenomena of immigration,
assimilation, and feminism shaped women’s thinking and experience? What issues are most important to Jewish women today?
Jewish-Christian Relations through the Ages (History, 510:388)
563:388; Index #15143; TTh4; Francesconi Murray 114
This course introduces students to the history of Jewish-Christian relations from the first century of the Common Era through to the start of the twenty-first century. The course focuses both on the history of interactions between Jews and Christians – persecutions, collaborations, conversions, etc. – and also on the history of theological stances and popular attitudes. The goals of the course are three-fold: first, to acquaint students with the general outlines of the history of Jewish-Christian relations; second, to help students hone some of the skills of the historian (especially the critical analysis of primary sources); and third, to encourage students to grapple with questions that confront Jews and Christians in the present, questions about history, memory, theological differences, and the potential for dialogue.
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Jewish Power, Jewish Politics (History, 510:389; Political Science 790:389)
563:389:01; Index #15144; MTh3; Sinkoff Murray 115
This semester-long course will examine the political relationship of the Jewish community to the gentile authorities among whom they lived (and live), to the internal authority structures within the Jewish community, and to the modern Jewish state. We will examine how Jews rebelled against and accommodated to structures of power in varying historical contexts. We will examine select aspects of traditional Jewish politics, such as the concepts of /dina de-malkhuta dina/ (“the law of the gentile hosts is the law”) and the “royal alliance,” as the basis for our study of the continuities and challenges inherent in modern Jewish politics. The ideological assumptions in the words “power” and “powerlessness” will be critiqued throughout the course, which covers discrete topic areas in chronological order. Topics to be discussed include: Roman Rebels; Spanish Inquisitors and Jewish Courtiers; Kings, Nobles and Jewish Administrators in Early Modern Poland; Military Conscription and Communal Responses in Nicholas I’s Russia; Jewish Socialists in late Imperial Russia; Gender Politics of Jewish Women; The Appeal of Communism and Socialism in the Interwar Years; Jewish Liberalism and its Discontents; Zionist Empowerment and the challenge of the Holocaust. Primary and secondary sources, as well as fiction, poetry and films, will be used.
Topics: Community and Identity in Israel [SS]
563:394:02; Index #12872; TTh6; Peleg Hardenberg A5
Through the example of modern Israel, this course examines the processes and dynamics that form, maintain, and solidify a human society, as well as those that destabilize and divide a social group. Israel, as a relatively small and recently founded nation, features many of the elements that might promote either social integration or disintegration. Students will analyze the various motivations and interactions that drive people either toward or away from one other. Means and mechanisms of socialization and group cohesion, such as history, language, culture, politics, values, conflict and ideology will be studied considering their role in community building and the construction of identity efforts in this new country.
Topics: Modern Middle East (History, 508:205, Middle Eastern Studies, 685:305)
563:395:01; Index #09655; MW4; Jones Van Dyck 211
This course is designed to introduce the students to the modern Near/Middle East. We will survey the major historical and political developments in the region from roughly 1700 to the present. The course is divided into two sections. The first section will cover broad historical themes such as the development and political influence of the Ottoman Empire and the impact of European imperialism in the region. Significant attention will be given to the Ottoman Empire—as both an introduction for students to this important historical entity as well as understanding its legacy in the post-WWI era. The crucial watershed of WWI and its impact on the region, heralding the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the creation of a new imperial order, is a very important part of this section. We will then turn to Palestine and study the emergence of the Zionist movement and creation of Israel. After the midterm we will study the Arab-Israeli conflict and related political issues that affected the region, such as the Cold War, new ideologies, and intra-state rivalries. With these previously discussed issues serving as a backdrop, we will then analyze important historical events and political movements in a select group of Middle Eastern countries.
Topics: The Jewish Graphic Novel [ML]
(English, 350:393:02; Art History, 082:291; Comp Lit, 195:397:01)
563:395:02; Index #13706; MW5; Portnoy Scott 116
This course examines graphic novels created by Jewish authors and artists since the emergence of this genre during the latter half of the twentieth century. In addition to focusing on the role of graphic novels in Jewish popular culture and as a medium for Jewish storytelling, the course will situate these works within the larger history of the genre of graphic novels and of cartooning generally. These works will be analyzed from an interdisciplinary perspective, including the study of literature, art, and popular culture, as well as the new field of comic studies. After tracing the history of the genre’s origins in newspaper comics, comic books, satirical cartoons, and underground comics, the course will examine key works by graphic novel pioneers Will Eisner and Art Spiegelman, as well as examples created by other American Jewish artists and works produced by Jewish cartoonists working in French, Hebrew, and Yiddish. All readings will be in English.
Topics: Kibbutz in History, Literature and Film
(History, 510:391:01; Middle Eastern Studies, 685:395:03)
563:396:01; Index #15145; MW4; Galili Frelinghuysen A1
This course traces the history of the kibbutz within the historical context of Jewish settlement in Palestine and the Israeli state. We will examine the ideals and practices of the kibbutz, both in relation to the history of communes in Europe and the US, and through comparison among the three different kibbutz movements in Israel. Special attention will be given to child rearing and education, the place of women, the viability of communal economy, social dynamics in direct, egalitarian democracy, and culture in all its expressions. Literary works and films will be used to help us understand life in the kibbutz and to examine how the kibbutz was seen by observers in Israel at different times.
Topics: Latin American Jewish History
(History, 510:391:03; Center for Latin American Studies, 590:299:01; Latino & Hispanic Caribbean Studies, 595:312:04)
563:397:01: Index #12159; MW7; Surowitz Scott 207
This course will explore major events and issues in Latin American Jewish History from the sixteenth century to the present. Following successive waves of Jewish immigration to Latin America, the course will focus on the social, economic, and religious transformations of both these communities. This course will contextualize Latin American Jewish history within the broader framework of Latin America’s social, political, and religious history. Topics to be covered include: immigration, diaspora theory, gender, community building, and identity.
Topics: Jews in the Renaissance (cancelled)
Jewish Studies Internship
563:460:01; Index #06757; by arrangement; Staff (special permission required)
Open only to junior and senior Jewish Studies majors and minors. Supervised work in historical society, archive, museum, communal agency, etc.; 112 hours required. Advisor will supervise and evaluate the student’s project/paper and sponsor’s assessment.
Independent Study and Research
563:491:01; Index #05307; by arrangement; Staff (special permission required)
Students (juniors and seniors only) can pursue an independent study project beyond the department's normal offerings with a faculty member who has expertise in the student's area of interest, subject to the approval of the Department’s Undergraduate Advisor. An independent study should be the equivalent of a one-semester course and can include guided research, field work, or an internship along with directed reading. A research paper or written report is required for all independent study projects.
Senior Honors
563:496:01; Index #05411; by arrangement; Staff (Prerequisite: Permission of the Department Chair)
The honors program offers qualified students the opportunity to pursue a research project in depth for the entire senior year under the supervision of a faculty advisor. To be considered, students must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better, and 3.4 or better in Jewish Studies courses. Jewish Studies majors who wish to pursue an honors project are encouraged to meet with the Department’s Undergraduate Advisor during the second term of their junior year in order to plan their project, and by the end of their junior year they should submit the formal application to the Department’s office. Approval of the honors project is required for admission to the honors program. Honors students enroll in 01:563:496 and 01:563:497 Jewish Studies honors courses, and upon the completion of their honors project should pass an oral examination given by the department.
