Courses in Judaic Studies (Division 407)

Judaic St. 101. Elementary Yiddish.

(3). (LR).

An introduction to the skills of speaking, reading, and writing Yiddish. Basic phonological, grammatical, and syntactic patterns.

Judaic St. 102. Elementary Yiddish.

Yiddish 101. (3). (LR).

This is a continuation of the elementary Yiddish language course. Speaking, reading, and writing are emphasized.

Judaic St. 201. Intermediate Yiddish.

Yiddish 102. (3). (LR).

Continuation of elementary Yiddish. Skills of speaking, reading, and writing Yiddish and coverage of phonological, grammatical, and syntactic patterns.

Judaic St. 202. Intermediate Yiddish.

Yiddish 201. (3). (LR).

Continuation of intermediate Yiddish. Skills of speaking, reading, and writing Yiddish and coverage of phonological, grammatical, and syntactic patterns.

Judaic St. 205. Introduction to Jewish Civilizations and Culture.

(3). (HU).

an interdisciplinary, introductory survey of Jewish civilization and culture from Biblical times to the present in many countries. Jewish culture and civilization, among the oldest extant, have been enriched by their development in different cultural contexts. The course includes history, rabbinics, Jewish thought, Hebrew and Yiddish literatures, sociology, and political science.

Judaic St. 270/HJCS 270. Introduction to Rabbinic Literature.

(3). (HU).

Examines the scope and role of "oral law," and how it developed. We analyze the literary forms, composition, and redaction of Mishna, Tosefta, Midrash, and the Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmuds. The course deals with yeshivot (rabbinic schools) and the prominent rabbinic authorities in the geographic and historical setting.

Judaic St. 296/HJCS 296/Rel. 296. Perspectives on the Holocaust.

(4; 3 in the half-term). (HU).

A study of the Holocaust as an historical event and its impact on Jewish thought and culture.

Judaic St. 373/HJCS 373. Israeli Culture and Society.

(3). (SS).

Contemporary Israeli culture from the origins of the state to the present; study of various bases of identity and tensions within the society. The approaches are multi-disciplinary and incorporate a wide variety of materials from different media.

Judaic St. 379/HJCS 379 Jewish Civilization.

(4; 3 in the half-term). (SS).

Topics in Jewish Intellectual history such as: monotheism, law, messianism, mysticism, language and literature, sabbath and the festivals, sacrifice and prayer.

Judaic St. 381/HJCS 381. Hebrew Literature in Translation.

(3). (HU).

An exploration of 20th century modern Hebrew and Israeli literature, including novels, short stories, plays, and poetry. The works of literature are examined in their historical and social context, focusing on various individual and collective issues of concern.

Judaic St. 451/Poli. Sci. 451. The Politics and Culture of Modern East European Jewry.

A course in East European and/or Jewish history, and Comparative Politics is recommended. (3). (Excl).

The course emphasizes the inter-relationships between the communal institutions of East European Jews and the ways in which this ethnic and religious minority developed the means of dealing with states and the larger societies.

Judaic St. 467/HJCS 577/Religion 471. Seminar: Topics in the Study of Judaism.

(3). (Excl). May be repeated for a total of nine credits.

Topics within history of Judaism such as reform and tradition in modern Judaism, theological responses to the Holocaust, the Sabbath and sacred time, Hasidism, and the emotions and senses in Judaism.

Judaic St. 468/HJCS 478/Rel. 469. Jewish Mysticism.

(3). (Excl).

A critical study of the historical development of Jewish mysticism, its symbolic universe and its social ramifications. The focus is on the variegated medieval stream known as Kabbalah. The issues explored are: the nature of mystical experience; images of God and the Person; symbols of the male and female; the problems of evil; mysticism and language; kabbalistic myth and ritual innovation; and kabbalistic interpretations of history.

Judaic St. 478/HJCS 477/Rel. 478. Modern Jewish Thought.

(3). (Excl).

Topics within history of modern Judaism, such as reform and tradition in modern Judaism, theological responses to the Holocaust, modern Jewish philosophy.

Judaic St. 489/HJCS 489. The Cycle of the Jewish Year.

(3). (Excl).

The historic, ritual, and religious nature of the Jewish calendar is the focus of this course. It deals with selected subjects from the laws of the Sabbath and Jewish holidays, such as Rosh Hashana, Passover, Yom Haatzmaut, fasts, etc. Textual study is emphasized: Mishna, Talmud, Codes, commentaries and rabbinic literature.

Judaic St. 495. Independent Studies.

(1-3). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT).

An independent studies course under the supervision of one of the Judaic Studies faculty members.

Judaic St. 496. Independent Studies.

(1-3). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT).

An independent studies course under the supervision of one of the Judaic Studies faculty members.

Judaic St. 497. Senior Thesis.

(3). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT).

Senior thesis research. Under the supervision of one of the Judaic Studies faculty members.

Judaic St. 498. Senior Thesis.

(3). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT).

Senior thesis research. Under the supervision of one of the Judaic Studies faculty members.