| courses - academic year 2002-2003 | |
Fall Term 2002 | |
| History 298-002 History of the Jewish Community MWF 10:00 - 11 am Professor Rakhmiel Peltz |
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. (This course is one of three required core courses for the Minor in Judaic Studies.) |
| English 395-001 Biblical Narrative: Images of Leadership TTh 9:30 - 11:00 am Adjunct Professor Emilie Passow |
From Noah through Moses, Hebrew Scriptures offer a range of leaders and insights into the characteristics and challenges of leadership including role modeling, advocacy, gaining credibility, strategies of effective negotiation, effects of group dynamics. This course explores the Biblical episodes and personalities which illuminate these issues: the Flood, Abraham's career, the Joseph cycle, the evolution of Moses' character. Close textual reading as well as references to classical and contemporary Biblical commentaries and to theories of leadership provide the analytical frameworks. |
Winter Term 2003 | |
| History 298-004 Jewish Cultural Tapestry TTh 11 am - 12:20 pm Professor Rakhmiel Peltz |
Our focus is the history and geography of different Jewish groups throughout the world. The course seeks to understand the factors that bring about diversity of cultural expression during the historical evolution of a people in different societies. We will explore the ways that Jews in various world communities have found meaning in life through customs, religion, and a world view that they may share with other Jews at the same time that their cultural expression may be unique. This is a lively course that will peruse music, dress, language, foodways, and religious practices. Students will meet with representatives of a variety of Jewish communities and folk traditions. |
| English 345-001 Jewish American Writers TTh 9:30 - 10:50 am Adjunct Professor Emilie Passow |
Examining representative works by prominent American Jewish writers such as Saul Bellow, Bernard Malamud, Philip Roth, Cynthia Ozick, Grace Paley, Marge Piercy and others, this course explores the gains and losses of the American Jewish community's movement from the margin to the center of American life and values. What characteristics do these authors envision as distinctly Jewish? as distinctly American? How do they project the tensions and possibilities for resolution? How do these literary explorations match our own understandings of Jewish identity and Jewish survival? |
Spring Term 2003 | |
| History 249-001 Modern Jewish History TTh 2:00 - 3:20 pm Professor 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. |
| English 395-001 Jewish Literature and Civilization TTh 9:30 - 10:50 am Adjunct Professor Emilie Passow |
Learn about the Jewish Bible and its influence on the lives of Jews. Emphasis will be placed on the biblical basis for the Jewish lifecycle and calendar. |