Jewish Studies (minor) Courses

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  • JWST 12 / The Jewish Experience: An Introduction to Judaism (4) - view
    A survey of the basic religious doctrines, ritual practice, and philosophical schools of the Jewish religion, from biblical times to the present. The course includes analysis of Jewish theology, rational philosophy, mysticism, messianism, religious ceremonies, family life-cycle, and rites of passage, as well as universal concepts. Offered spring semester. Same as: REL 12.
  • JWST 13 / Jewish History from Roman Times to the Enlightenment (4) - view
    An overview of the remarkable history of the Jewish people in post-biblical times, beginning with the Roman occupation of Palestine and concluding with the impact of the Enlightenment on Jewish identity. Among the topics to be studied are: the Roman exile of the Jews, the religious traditions and national hopes that accompanied them in the diaspora, the emergence of European and Oriental Jewries, the martyrdom of Jews during the Crusades, the Jewish Golden Age in medieval Spain, the Spanish Inquisition, the European Jewish enlightenment. Offered fall semester in odd-numbered years. Same as: HIST 13.
  • JWST 30 / Selected Topics in Jewish Studies (4) - view
    An intensive study of special topics in this field. Course may be repeated. Offered fall semester.
  • JWST 33 / Perspectives on the Holocaust (4) - view
    This course provides multiple perspectives on the Holocaust, the near extermination of European Jewry and the brutal persecution of an extended mosaic of victims. As a watershed event, the Holocaust has radically affected our conceptions of human nature, the dimensions of evil, the existence of God, the power of bearing literary witness, the moral and political outlook for the future. Readings span the disciplines of history, psychology, literature, theology, and political science, each providing its own distinctive illumination. Course requirements include exams, papers, journal entries, and a field trip to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. Offered spring semester. Same as: HOLST 33.
  • JWST 112 / Seminar in Jewish Studies (4) - view
    An in-depth study of a specific religious or philosophical aspect of Judaism, with an emphasis on the critical analysis of primary sources and traditional texts. Course may be repeated. Offered spring semester. Same as: REL 112.
  • MHEB 30 / Intermediate Modern Hebrew (4) - view
    An advanced study in Hebrew conversation, writing, and reading. For students with at least one full year of Modern Hebrew. Meets: Three hours class. Offering to be determined.