Examines Judaism as it has been defined and developed as a way of thought and a way of life. The course focuses on central religious concepts, holidays, life-cycle ceremonies, and various forms of religious expression, including prayer and ritual, in order to help students understand what it means, and has meant, to be a Jew. Same as RELI-113. 4 SH. CC: Diversity.

Explores issues and problems related to the philosophical and ethical literature of the Jews, from the Talmudic period through the present. Topics vary and may include classical Jewish texts, mysticism, continental and poststructural Jewish philosophy, morality and social practice, women and gender and Judaism in America. The course encourages students to recognize in Jewish texts reflections of Judaism that are diverse and, at times, antithetical to one another. Same as RELI-115. 4 SH. CC: Ethics.

An introduction to the texts of the Hebrew Bible, with concern for their socio-historical contexts, literary forms, and theological insights. Attention also to the variety of ways in which this literature has been and continues to be valued. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and one of the following: a course in religious studies, a course in English, a course in history, DIVS-100, WGST-100; or instructor’s permission. Same as RELI-201. 4 SH. CC: Diversity Intensive, Interdisciplinary, Writing Intensive.

An extensive inquiry into women’s stories and images in the Hebrew Bible, New Testament, and related literature from the biblical period. Explores the range of roles played by women within biblical narratives, the variety of metaphorical/symbolic uses of femininity in biblical traditions, and legal and ethical precepts related to the status of women in the biblical period. Methods and approaches from the social sciences, history, literary studies, and theology, as shaped by feminist theory, will serve as the main guides for this study. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and one of the following: a course in religious studies, a course in women’s studies, a course in English, a course in history, or DIVS-100. Same as WGST-207 and RELI-207. 4 SH. CC: Diversity Intensive, Interdisciplinary, Writing Intensive.

A variable topic survey, in English translation, of the texts, writers, histories and languages that describe Jewish literatures. The course is especially concerned with debates over definitions of “Jewish literature” (What makes Jewish literatures Jewish?), the significance of Jewish literary and cultural diversity, and Jewish literary navigations between diaspora and homeland, secularism and religiosity. Readings may include Hebrew and Israeli literature, Yiddish literature, Sephardic literature or Jewish literatures of Europe and the Americas. Same as ENGL-255. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. 4 SH. CC: Diversity, Literary Expression.

Using anthropological approaches to the study of food, this course examines the meanings and uses of various Jewish cuisines as they developed in diverse regions and historical periods. We will consider the laws of kashrut and their modern interpretations, the social history of traditional Jewish foods, the literary development of Jewish cookbooks, and literary and cinematic representations of Jewish cuisines and dining. Underlying our study will be questions concerning how class, gender, faith, ethnicity, aesthetics, and politics inform Jewish foodways. Because cooking and eating are frequently done in the company of others, much of our work will be collaborative. Same as ANTH-312. 4 SH. CC: Diversity.

Examines the origins, implementation and consequences of the Nazi program of mass murder over the course of the 20th century. Students study various primary and secondary sources of the Holocaust and consider the lasting impact of how we represent and remember those events. Same as HIST-338. 4 SH.

Discussion, debate, and evaluation of significant trends and phenomena in Jewish & Israel studies. Topics vary according to instructor preference, and may include regional literatures and histories, Jewish languages, gender and identity issues, folklore, Jewish film, Jewish music, Sephardic studies, Zionism, Christian/Jewish relations, and Black/Jewish relations. 4 SH.

Detailed exploration of literature or author(s); of a selected historical period; of a literary, historical or religious topic, problem or issue; or of creative arts related to Jewish & Israel studies. This course engages students in library or action research, research design or application, or creative work in the arts under a faculty member’s direction, and it culminates the minor in Jewish & Israel studies. 2 SH.