| courses - academic year 2006-2007 | |
Fall Quarter 2006 | |
| History 249-001 Judaic Studies 203-001 Modern Jewish History MWF 10 - 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. |
| English 320-001 Jewish American Writers Tues Thurs 9:30 - 10:50 am Dr. 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? |
Winter Quarter 2007 | |
| History 298-001 Judaic Studies 202-001 Jewish Life and Culture in the Middle Ages Tues Thurs 9:30 - 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. |
| English 395-004 Yiddish Literature and Culture Tues Thurs 11 am - 12:20 pm Dr. Rakhmiel Peltz |
This course will describe the major culture of European Jews and their descendants the world over during the past thousand years. In a lively classroom stressing the arts and humor, students will be introduced to the multi-faceted language and culture through song, literature and film. The everyday world of Jews in western and eastern Europe, immigrant USA, and in other societies, will be uncovered, as the course follows this minority culture evolving to encompass religious and secular functions, different roles for men and women, and intense feelings of pride and shame. Knowledge of Yiddish or previous courses are not required. |
Spring Quarter 2007 | |
| History 298-002 Contemporary Jewish Life Tues Thurs 11 am - 12:20 pm Dr. Rakhmiel Peltz |
The course will focus on the ethnographic study of the social and religious activities of Jews. From the work of anthropologists and sociologists, as well as from the student's own research, the class will attempt to understand the meaning that Jewish people derive from their beliefs, rituals and institutions. |
| English 350-001 Judaic Studies 201-001 Jewish Literature and Civilization MWF 10 - 10:50 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. |