Introduction to ancient Near Eastern religious systems and mythology, from the third millennium BCE through the fourth century BCE. Particular emphasis on Mesopotamia and ancient Israel.

Examines the history and culture of the Jews from the thirteenth century BCE/BC to the present through an examination of significant themes or problems (such as "religion" or "diaspora") that shape our understanding of the Jewish people. A primary focus in the course will be on texts, artifacts, and other cultural products by Jews and others that illustrate the history of the Jews help understand their cultural heritage.

Continuation of JWST281.

Attention to the evolution of Western concepts of "race" from late medieval to modern times requires addressing the meaning of the term "race." How did constructions of Jewish "racial" identities fit into this broader discussion? As Christian Europe's primary minority for centuries, "the Jews" provide evidence for constructions of race as a means of grouping populations culturally and materially. How did Jews interact with the racial discourse of diverse time periods, and how did they negotiate their political realities by both adopting and challenging aspects of the rhetoric of antisemitism as well as the rhetoric of "whiteness" versus "blackness"?

Study of the political, social, and religious development of the Jewish nation from its inception to its return from exile in Babylonia around 536 C.E. Focus on biblical texts, archeological finds, and source materials from neighboring cultures to reconstruct political history and the development of religious concepts.

Social and religious history of early Christianity from its origin in the first century to the reign of Constantine.

Explores the Israeli settler movement over the last four decades, from its position on the fringes of Israeli society in the 1970s and 1980s to its rise to prominence in Israeli politics today. Topics will include the history of the Israeli settlement project in the West Bank, the emergence of Gush Emunim and its ideological foundations in Jewish messianism, its violent offshoots, and the influence of the settler movement on the Israeli political system. Study of these topics illuminates some of the most important driving forces of modern history such as nationalism, religious fundamentalism, colonialism and the ability of a determined minority to influence a country's policies.

Roots of Nazi Jewish policy in the 1930's and during World War II: the process of destruction and the implementation of the "final solution of the Jewish problem" in Europe, and the responses made by the Jews to their concentration and annihilation.

Provides students with a unique exploration of texts and films created by various Jewish authors and filmmakers, and the way they dealt with questions of gender and sexuality. The texts and films touch on the central social, economic, and cultural issues of European, American, and Israeli Jewry during the middle ages, and up to the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. It will explore how the categories of gender and sexuality changed and were represented in rich and contrasting ways according to the authors' social norms and ideological convictions. Focusing on sexuality and gender in Jewish culture can help us better understand Jewish social norms, creativity, and history, in particular modern Jewish literatures, visual medias, and the Jewish encounter with modernity as a whole. We will be reading prominent writers and filmmakers such as Sholem Aleichem, Philip Roth, S. Y., Jill Soloway, Abramovitsch, Todd Solondz, Celia Dropkin, I. B. Singer, Sholem Ash, Boaz Davidson, Judd Apatow, Tseruyah Shalev, and others. This is a discussion-based course; however, it also emphasizes developing the skills of analytical and abstract thinking and critical writing about texts and other cultural productions. This course does not require proficiency of any foreign language or any specific historical knowledge.

The Jewish Studies Program's internship program. Pre-professional experience in research, analysis, and writing related to Jewish Studies in a variety of work settings.