JWST-10300 Hebrew Scriptures HU LA 3a, h
This course treats the books of the Bible critically as literature, as religious and moral texts, and as a source of sociological knowledge. It surveys the biblical literature, acquaints students with critical methods for the study of the Bible, situates the Bible within the literature and culture of the ancient Near East, and discusses the religion of ancient Israel. We will deal with questions of history and archaeology and with questions of meaning: what the biblical text meant to its ancient readers and what meanings it has today. Cross-listed as RLST-10300. Students may not receive credit for both RLST-10300 and JWST-10300. 3 credits. (F,Y)
JWST-20100 Jews in the Ancient and Medieval Worlds HU LA 1, h, g
An introduction to Jewish history and the varieties of Jewish cultures and religious traditions in the ancient and medieval worlds, covering Jewish history from the period of the Second Temple (sixth century B.C.E.) to the expulsion from Spain in 1492. Prerequisites: One course in the humanities or social sciences. 3 credits. (F,O)
JWST-20200 Jews in the Modern World HU LA 1, h, g
A survey of world Jewish history from 1492 to the present, concentrating on the Middle East, Europe, North Africa, and the United States. Discussion of the expulsion from Spain, growth of Jewish communities in the Ottoman Empire and Eastern Europe, enlightenment and emancipation, European colonialism, migration to the Americas, anti-Semitism and the Holocaust, the state of Israel, and modern religious movements. Prerequisites: One course in the humanities or social sciences. 3 credits. (F,E)
JWST-20300 Judaism HU LA 1, g
An introduction to Judaism with a focus on theology, ethics, and ritual practice. Readings include selected texts from the biblical, rabbinic, medieval, and modern periods. Theological and ethical issues include God, good and evil, covenant, death and afterlife, justice, and social responsibility. The course examines how these Jewish understandings are lived out through practices associated with birth and death; marriage and commitment; sexuality; and the life of study, prayer, and devotion. Cross-listed with RLST-20300. Students may not receive credit for both JWST-20300 and RLST-20300. Prerequisites: One course in the humanities or social sciences. 3 credits. (S,Y)
JWST-32300 Gender and Sexuality in Judaism HU LA
Exploration of what it means to be a Jewish man or woman. The course addresses how Jewish gender roles have changed throughout history, as well as how contemporary Jews deal with changes in women's roles and demands for gender equality. Topics covered include what is "gender" and how to study it; traditional roles of men and women in Judaism; the gendered Jewish body; family and sexuality; homosexuality; Jewish feminism; the gender of God; and changing women's religious roles. Cross-listed with RLST-32300. Students may not receive credit for both RLST-32300 and JWST-32300. Prerequisites: Three courses in humanities or social sciences. 3 credits. (Y)
JWST-33300 Jewish Mysticism HU LA
This course traces the history of Jewish mysticism. After a brief overview of early Jewish mysticism from the biblical and rabbinic periods, students will concentrate on the medieval flowering of Kabbalah, and its further development in the 16th-century Kabbalah of Safed and Israel and 18th-century Eastern European Hasidism. The emphasis will be placed on understanding both the theoretical and experiential aspects of Jewish mysticism and on examining some of the key texts of Jewish mysticism. Cross-listed with RLST-33300. Students may not receive credit for both RLST-33300 and JWST-33300. Prerequisites: Three courses in the humanities or social sciences. 3 credits. (Y)
JWST-42000 Internship in Jewish Studies U NLA
On-site work experience, combined with academic study, in agencies or educational institutions with significant Jewish content, such as Jewish schools or community agencies or multicultural groups. Arranged individually at the student's request with the individual instructor, a sponsoring agency, and permission of the Jewish studies coordinator. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. 1-12 credits. (IRR)
JWST-49100 Independent Study in Jewish Studies U LA
Special research on an individual project arranged by a student with a particular faculty member. The project may include reading books and/or writing papers under the guidance of the faculty member, with a performance expectation of upper-level work. Offered on demand only. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. 1-4 credits. (IRR)
