courses - academic year 2007-2008

Fall Quarter 2007

English 395-002
Sex and Love in Jewish Literature
Tuesday 6:00 to 8:50 pm
Dr. Emilie Passow

The course explores the themes of sex and love in Jewish literature by focusing on works of classic modern fiction written originally in English and Hebrew. Authors include Philip Roth, S.Y. Agnon, and Rebecca Goldstein. In these works, love and desire cross paths in the math department, on the analyst’s couch, in an Israeli garage—and often with surprising results.
History 298-001
American Jewish Experience
Tues Thurs 11:00 am to 12:20 pm
Dr. Rakhmiel Peltz


Various waves of Jewish immigrants and their descendants contributed to the growth and development of American society throughout its history. In parallel, there have been unique cultural, religious, and political innovations within Jewish life as a result of adjustments to and changes within American society. These parallel influences will be analyzed in order to understand American history as dependant on its immigrant legacy and Jewish history as benefiting from interactions with the larger society. Starting with the Sephardic period of American Jewish history in colonial times, moving to the German period of US geographic and commercial expansion in the nineteenth century, and culminating with the East European period that saw the tremendous growth of cities in the early twentieth century, the contours of American Jewish history will be explored.

Winter Quarter 2008

Judaic Studies 201-001
English 350-001
Jewish Literature and Civilization
MWF 11:00 to 11:50 am
Dr. Emilie Passow

The course will explore the origins of the Jewish people and their religion, core narratives and beliefs that have become the foundations of Jewish civilization and religion. The course will introduce the first five books of the Torah, the Jewish Bible, and analyze its influence. In addition, the major events of the Jewish lifecycle and calendar will be examined.
Communication 380
Language and Cultural Diversity
Day/Time TBA
Dr. Rakhmiel Peltz


The history and dynamics of language-based cultural diversity in the USA will be presented. Topics include communication patterns of men and women, language diversity of African Americans, and cultural production of various immigrant groups. Focus will be on the immigrant culture of American Jews and the rich Yiddish literature, press, theater and film.

Spring Quarter 2008

Judaic Studies 202-001
History 248
Jewish Life and Culture in the Middle Ages
Tues Thurs 9:30 to 10:50 am
Dr. Emilie Passow

This is a special opportunity at Drexel to explore the pivotal Medieval period in history. This course is an introductory survey of the history of the Jewish people, their civilization, religion, and contacts with other cultures in medieval times. Topics will include the rise of Christianity and Islam, the Talmud, Jewish mysticism, and the growth of Ashkenazic and Sephardic Jewry.
Judaic Studies 203-001
History 249-001
Modern Jewish History
MWF 10 to 10:50 am
Dr. Rakhmiel Peltz


This course is an exploration of the social, cultural, political and religious forces that have shaped Jewry the world over from the 18th to the 20th centuries. Topics will include emancipation and enlightenment, modern religious movements, socialism, Hebrew and Yiddish literature, the Holocaust, Zionism and the state of Israel.


Academic Year 2006-2007
Academic Year 2005-2006
Academic Year 2004-2005
Academic Year 2003-2004
Academic Year 2002-2003
Academic Year 2001-2002
Academic Year 2000-2001
Academic Year 1999-2000


The Judaic Studies Program of Drexel University
331 Hagerty Library • Drexel University • 33rd and Market Streets • Philadelphia, PA 19104
TEL 215.895.6388 • FAX 215.895.0229
judaicstudies@drexel.edu •  www.drexel.edu/judaicstudies