WHAT IS JEWISH STUDIES?
Introduces Jewish studies as an interdisciplinary field and examines Jewish history, culture, and thought through the major questions that guide the field, including: What is Jewish practice? What is a Jewish text? What is diaspora? What is antisemitism? And, who are the Jews? Explores a variety of responses offered by scholars, writers, theologians, and artists. Develop the ability to think transhistorically, bringing together biblical, medieval, modern, and contemporary perspectives. Anchor inquiries into the field of Jewish studies through the completion of a substantial research project.
Prerequisites & course information
Requisites: Sophomore standing Course Designation: Core GenEd - Humanities & Arts Breadth - Humanities Level - Intermediate L&S Credit - L&S Liberal Arts and Science Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Spring 2025 Learning Outcomes: 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the major questions and concerns of modern Jewish studies Audience: Undergraduate 2. Discern and integrate divergent and contradictory perspectives, identify and question assumptions, and assess evidence and methods Audience: Undergraduate 3. Develop close reading skills with which to analyze Jewish studies texts; write original, coherent, and compelling arguments that push beyond summary to analysis; engage in reflective writing practices; respond critically to feedback; and assess one’s own communicative strengths Audience: Undergraduate 4. Engage in deep discussion with peers in a respectful and empathetic manner; ask each other constructive questions; and develop a shared vocabulary with which to speak about Jewish studies Audience: Undergraduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the major questions and concerns of modern Jewish studies Audience: Undergraduate 2. Discern and integrate divergent and contradictory perspectives, identify and question assumptions, and assess evidence and methods Audience: Undergraduate 3. Develop close reading skills with which to analyze Jewish studies texts; write original, coherent, and compelling arguments that push beyond summary to analysis; engage in reflective writing practices; respond critically to feedback; and assess one’s own communicative strengths Audience: Undergraduate 4. Engage in deep discussion with peers in a respectful and empathetic manner; ask each other constructive questions; and develop a shared vocabulary with which to speak about Jewish studies Audience: Undergraduate
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027