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Fall Classes 2012
THE FOLLOWING IS A LISTING OF THE OFFERINGS IN JEWISH STUDIES FOR THE SPRING 2012 SEMESTER:
HISTORY
1. History 114 – History of the Jewish People I – Professor Franklin
Class #: 1984 – Tu, Th - 9:25-10:40am – RZ 109 – 3 hr. 3 cr.
The ancient period. Emphasis on the interpretation of literary and archaeological
evidence in light of modern scholarship. (Perspectives: meets PI)2. History 115 – History of the Jewish People II– Professor Bregoli
Class #: 1986 – Tu, Th – 12:15-1:30pm – PH 108 – 3 hr., 3 cr.
The Jewish Middle Ages from the decline of the Palestinian center to the beginnings
of civic emancipation (ca. 200 A.D. to 1789) Perspectives: meets PI, ET)3. History 200 – Lens on the Middle East – Professor Rosenblum
Class #: 1998 – Tu – 3 :05-5:45pm – PH 156 – 3 hr., 3 cr.
“Lens on the Middle East” is a new course that will be offered for the first time
in the fall of 2012. It is the latest in a series of courses affiliated with Professor
Rosenblum’s award winning educational project “America and the Middle East:
Clash of Civilizations or Meeting of Minds” ?
“Lens on the Middle East” will offer a three dimensional investigation of the
major events and broad historical themes associated with the Arab/Israeli conflict
through the use of photography, film, popular literature, plays, music, and dance.
It is designed to help students acquire a deep understanding of, and perhaps develop
some empathy for, the pains and claims of the “other”, or of the side with which
they least identify.The course will have a strong research component but will also be broadly participatory,
with students engaging in simulations, scene readings, and dialogues, and producing
original materials with the option of performance at the end of the course.
Students will have the opportunity to learn from a wide variety of guests, including artists,
activists, and negotiators from the Middle East.Halal and Kosher food will be served at several of the sessions.
4. History 200W: History and Culture of the Bukharian Jews – Professor Rybakov
Class # : 12932 – Th – 6 :30-9 :20pm – RZ 109 – 3 hr., 3 cr.
This course offers an overview of the history and culture of the Bukharian Jews, one of the
oldest Jewish communities formed in Central Asia as an independent ethnos with a
special way of life, its own language, and well defined national ethnic self-identification.
This course will look at the origins of the Jewish population in Central Asia and will
concentrate on the second part of the 19th century (period of Russian conquest of the
region in 1865) till the present time (massive exodus from the former Soviet Union),
when the new communities were developed in Israel and the USA. By the end of the
semester, students are expected to have acquired a literacy, if not fluency, in the
development of the Bukharian Jewish ethnos in Central Asia, its achievements and downfall,
community, culture, traditions, music, language and literature.
5. History 200W – History of Medieval and Modern Jewish Mysticism and Kabbala–
Professor Shur
Class #: 3082 – Mo, We – 10:50-12:05 pm – PH 231 – 3 hr., 3 cr.
The origins of the Jewish Esoteric tradition beginning with the patriarch Abraham and his
family and continuing from generation to generation through the post Talmudic period. We
will explore the Biblical, Mishnaic, Talmudic and Aggadic Texts for the sources of this
tradition. We will delve into the subjects of Meditation, Numerology, Prophecy, Astrology,
outer body experiences, Angels and the Merkavah-Chariot of Eziekiel. We will also look
into the new field of “Biblical Codes” to ascertain their authenticity and relevance to the
study of Jewish Mysticism. (Continuation of Spring 2012 course.)6. History 251: Jews in Medieval Christendom – Professor Franklin
Class #: 2039– Tu, Th – 12:15-1:30 pm – PH 156 – 3 hr., 3 cr.
This course explores the political, religious and cultural history of the Jews of Roman
Catholic Europe between the years 500 and 1500. Topics to be given special attention
include the position of the Jews in relation to evolving church and state institutions, internal spiritual and cultural movements, and perceptions of Jews in Christian society. (ET)7. History 256: History of Modern Israel – Professor Alteras
Class #: 2040 – Mo, We, 1:40-2:55 pm – PH 157 – 3hr., 3 cr.
The course will analyze the rise of Zionism, the establishment of the State of Israel, its
social economic and political structure. Special emphasis will be placed on the
Arab-Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the role of the United States regarding those
issues. The course will analyze the rise of Zionism, the establishment of the State of
Israel, its social economic and political structure.8. History 295: Sephardic Jewish History – Professor Bregoli
Class #: 2142 – Tu, Th – 3:05-4:20pm – PH 108 – 3 hr., 3 cr.
This course introduces students to Sephardi history and culture in the early modern
and modern period. We will begin with an overview of Jewish life in the Iberian
Peninsula and the events leading to mass conversions and expulsions in Spain
and Portugal in the 15th century. We will explore the creation of new communities
and identities in Europe, the Ottoman Empire, and the New World in the aftermath
of the 1942 expulsion, with special emphasis on the Sephardi communities in North
Africa and the Ottoman Empire, modern political forms, the Holocaust and
migrations. We will conclude with a brief section on contemporary Sephardi life9..History 296 : Eastern European History in the Twentieth Century – Professor Bemporad
Class # : 2143 – Mo, We – 10 :50am-12 :05pm – KY 417– 3 hr., 3 cr.
Contact History Dept. for course description.10.History 392W: Women and Gender in Jewish History – Professor Bemporad
Class # : 2078 – Mo – 1 :40-4 :30pm – PH 231– 4 hr., 4 cr.
How did Jewish women experience their encounter with modernity, and how and why did
this differ from that of Jewish men? How is Jewish history conceptualized differently when
women’s experience is included? This course explores the personal and public voices, lives
and experiences of Jewish women from the seventeenth century to World War II in different
Jewish communities of Western Europe, East and Central Europe and America. Topics
include: gender and power relations in the family and traditional society; women in
organized religion and folk-religion; women’s economic and communal functions and
aspiration; literacy and education; women in radical movements: Zionism and socialism;
immigrant women in America; and the gendered experience of the Holocaust.11.History 799: US & Israel 1948 to Present – Professor Alteras
Class #: 2057 – Mo – 4:30-6:10pm – PH 157 – 3 hr., 3 cr.
This course will focus on the evolution in the relationship between the two countries from
American support of Israel on moral grounds and shared values, to support based on
strategic and national interests, i..e. from friendship to a de facto allegiance. Since 1948
American presidents and secretaries of state attempted to bring about peace between
Israel and its Arab neighbors, Israel and the Palestinians. The course will analyze the
differences and similarities in their policies as well as the extent to which domestic political
consideration influenced their directions.12. History 799: Cultures and Peoples of Eastern Europe – Professor Bemporad
Class #: 2060 – We – 4:30-6:10pm – PH 157 – 3 hr., 3 cr.
This course will explore the history of the peoples, states and societies in Eastern Europe
from the early modern period to World War II. In particular, we will study the
cultures, religions, and national identities of the peoples who inhabited the territories
of present-day Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania and Belarus, including the prominent Jewish
minority of Eastern Europe. Topics include: identity formation, religious and literary
movements, nation-state building, ethnic conflict, and the unique dynamics between
Marxism and nationalism, as well as Communism and Fascism, that emerged in Eastern
Europe.HEBREW
BASIC LANGUAGE COURSES13. Hebrew 101: Elementary Hebrew I – Professor Gruber
Class #: 4635 – Tu, Th – 9:15-11:05am – KG 204 – 4 hr., 4 cr.
A beginner’s course in modern Hebrew14. Hebrew 101: Elementary Hebrew I – Professor Sandalon
Class #: 4640 – Tu, Th – 1:40-3:30pm – KY 321 – 4 hr., 4 cr.
A beginner’s course in modern Hebrew.15. Hebrew 203 – Intermediate Hebrew I - Professor Sandalon
Class #: 5534– Tu, Th – 12:15-1:30 pm – KG 206 – 3 hr., 3 cr.
Prereq.: Hebrew 102 or equivalent. A continuation of Hebrew 102.HEBREW - COURSES IN ENGLISH
16. Hebrew 150: Modern Hebrew Lit. in Translation – Professor Chetrit
Class #: 4740 – Mo, We – 4:30-5:45 pm – KG 204– 3 hr., 3 cr.
Readings in modern Hebrew literature in translation.
(RL, WC)17. Hebrew 150: Modern Hebrew Lit. in Translation – Professor Gruber
Class #: 5533 – Tu, Th – 12:15-1:30 pm – KG 204 – 3 hr., 3 cr.
Readings in modern Hebrew literature in translation.
(RL, WC)HEBREW – ADVANCED LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE COURSES
18. Hebrew 305: Advanced Modern Hebrew – Professor Chetrit
Classs #: 4988 – Mo, We – 10:50 am-12:05pm, KY 321
Prereq.: Hebrew 204 or equivalent. A continuation of Hebrew 204. Study
of modern Hebrew texts to improve the students’ command of the language
and to develop an appreciation of modern literature. For students who have
completed two years of college level study (or equivalent) in a general Hebrew
course or who have attained a reading knowledge of Biblical or Rabbinic Hebrew
without practice in modern literature.19. Hebrew 321: Readings from the Torah – Professor Segal
Class #: 5416: Tu, Th – 10:50am-12:05pm – RA 214 – 3 hr., 3 cr.
Selected readings from the Torah (the five books of Moses).
May be repeated for credit once if the texts are different20. Hebrew 341: Midrash and Aggada – Professor Segal
Class #: 5487 – Tu, Th – 3:05-4:20pm, KG 204 – 3 hr., 3 cr.
Prereq.: Hebrew 307 or equivalent. An introduction to the content and methods of
Midrash and Aggada through a survey of selected Midrashim. (Satisfies Pre-
Industrial and/or Non-Western Civilization requirement)21. Hebrew 356: Modern Hebrew Lit. 1948 to Present – Professor Chetrit
Class #: 5471 – Mo, We – 3:05-4:20pm – KG 204
Prereq.: Hebrew 305 or equivalent. Study of a theme, genre, or a significant
group of authors writing in Israel since 1948.YIDDISH -BASIC LANGUAGE COURSES
22. Yiddish 101: Elementary Yiddish I – Professor Bird
Class #: 5552 – Mo,We – 1:40-3:30pm – JH 306 – 4 hr., 4 cr.
For students with no previous knowledge of Yiddish. the elements of Yiddish
grammar, listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing.
The course also serves as an introduction to the culture of the Yiddish speaking world.YIDDISH COURSE IN ENGLISH
23. Yiddish 1903: Topics in Yiddish Culture and Lit. in Translation – Staff
Class #: 6034 – Tu – 9:15am-12:05pm – RA 219 – 3 hr., 3 cr.
This course will explore the folkways and Yiddish culture of Ashkenazie Jewry, tracing back
over 1000 years to pre-Germanic territories, through Slavic Eastern Europe, to communities
in every continent, today.
The study will include: religion and ritual; social and economic strata of communities; home
and customs, cuisine, holidays & celebration, the roles of women; literature, education and
relationships with dominant populations; each mirrored in story, poetry, proverbs, song and
drama.This course will open with a reading in English of The Dybbuk by S. An-sky, a scan of early
films based on the original play and a careful explication of the events, rituals, costumes and
dialogue, props and subliminal beliefs, and superstitions in this drama.ENGLISH
24. English 153W: Intro to the Bible – Professor Zimroth
Class #: 3742 – Tu– 4 :30-7 :20 pm – KY 173 – 3 hr., 3 cr.
Selected books of the Old and New Testament in English translation. Cannot
be taken for credit if student has taken English 381. (CV, WC, PI)25. English 153W: Intro to the Bible – Professor Shippee
Class #: 1273 – Mo – 6:30-9:20pm – RA 106 – 3 hr., 3 cr.
See above description. (CV, WC, PI)PHILOSOPHY
26. Philosophy 116 – Intro to Philosophy of Religion – Professor Doukhan
Class #: 2745– Tu, Th – 3:05-4:20 pm – PH 153 – 3 hr., 3 cr.
A philosophical examination of basic concepts in religion such as God,
religious meaning, faith, and religious experience. Readings will be selected from
classical and contemporary sources. (CV, ET)POLITICAL SCIENCE
27. Political Science 260: The Middle East in World Politics – Professor Petaludis
Class #: 1758 – Tu – 6:30-9:20pm – PH 204- 3 hr., 3 cr.
The expansion of the European State system into the Middle East and the regional
adjustments. The changing patterns of regional and international politics in the
Middle East, contrasting the League of Nations and the United Nations systems.
((WC)28. Political Science 260: The Middle East in World Politics – Professor Petaludis
Class #: 1782 – Sa – 1:00-4:00pm – PH 245 – 3 hr., 3 cr.
See above description. (WC)29. Political Science 269: The Middle East Thru Movies – Professor Flamhaft
Class #: 1680 – Tu, Th – 9:25-10:40 am – PH 121 – 3 hr., 3 cr.
Please contact PSCI department for course description.SOCIOLOGY
30. Sociology 381W: Beliefs and Believers – Professor. Heilman
Class #: 2550 – Th – 10:15am-1:05 pm – Ph 302– 3 hr., 3 cr.
This is a course in comparative religious fundamentalism that examines Jewish, Christian
and Islamic fundamentalism (the 3 Abrahamic faiths) and tries to find the similarities
and differences. It is writing-intensive it requires a paper from students and
a lot of revision of that paper and then a brief in-class presentation of the results at the end
of the term. This is a hybrid writing intensive course. The class meets about 60% in class
and 40% online.Sociology prerequisites may be waived after a consultation with Prof. Heilman.
THE FOLLOWING IS A LISTING OF COURSES ON BROAD THEMES AND TOPICS, WHICH EITHER CONTAIN A JEWISH COMPONENT IN THE FORMAL SYLLABUS OR WHICH ALLOW YOU TO DO PAPERS AND ASSIGNMENTS ON JEWISH-RELATED ISSUES WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE COURSE. THEY COURSES WILL COUNT FOR THE JEWISH STUDIES MAJOR AND MINOR IF STUDENTS DO JEWISH STUDIES-RELATED WORK IN THE COURSE.
HISTORY
31 History 104: American History 1865-Present – Professor Davis-Kram
Class #: 1964 –Th – 4: 30-7:20 pm – KY 417 – 3 hr., 3 cr.
The United States from Reconstruction to the present time. (SS, US)32. History 113: Intro to Ancient History – Staff
Class #: 1983 – Mo, We – 8:00-9:15am – KY 417 – 3 hr., 3 cr.
A survey of the development of the ideas and institutions which comprised “Ancient”
Civilization” in the ancient Near East, Egypt, Europe, Greece, Rome, ancient
China and India. (PI)33. History 148 – Islam Civilization 600-1517 – Professor Simon
Class #: 1990 – Mo, We – 3:05-4:20 pm – PH 157 – 3 hr., 3 cr.
Contact History Dept. for course description. (PI)34. History 200 – Immigrant Women in the Land of Dollars – Prof. Davis-Kram
Class #: 2000 – Th – 12:15-3:05pm – KY 417– 3 hr., 3 cr.
This course will examine the similarities and differences between the immigrant
experiences of the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Students will be responsible for the texts assigned for the course as well as an
individual research paper on a topic chosen by the student.
(Please confirm with Prof. Davis-Kram if you are taking this course as part of the
Jewish Studies Major or Minor).35. History 204: Ancient Near East & Egypt – Prof. Franklin
Class #: 2032- Tu, Th – 1:40-2:55pm – PH 156 – 3 hr., 3 cr.
This course provides an introduction to the political, social and cultural history of the ancient
Near East from the emergence of complex urban settlements in southern Mesopotamia during
the fourth millennium BCE to the end of the Iron Age (ca. 330 BCE). Topics to be covered
include patterns of state formation, international relations, cult practices and literary
traditions. Through close analysis of a variety of sources, including inscriptions, historical
works, myths, religious texts and administrative correspondence, students will become
acquainted with the major types of material available to the historian as well as the challenges
involved in their interpretation.36. History 284: History of New York State – Professor Davis-Kram
Class #: 2165 – Tu – 12:15-3:05– KY 417 – 3 hr., 3 cr.
From its beginnings as a Dutch colony to the present. Special attention to original
materials, biographers, diaries, and travels that describe New York from generation to
generation. (Please confirm with Prof. Davis-Kram if you are taking this course as part of
the Jewish Studies Major or Minor). (US)PHILOSOPHY
37. Philosophy 104: Intro to Ethics – Professor Doukhan
Class #: 2541 – Tu,Th – 12:15-1:30pm – PH 153 – 3 hr., 3 cr.
An investigation of rival theories concerning moral goodness, rightness, happiness,
freedom, and responsibility. Selected readings from classical and contemporary sources.
(CV, ET)38. Philosophy 144: History of Modern Philosophy II - Kant to Nietzsche – Professor Doukhan
Class #: 2833 – Tu, Th – 10:50am-12:05pm – PH 153 – 3 hr., 3 cr.
A critical survey of nineteenth-century philosophy and its immediate background in
Kant; examination of German idealists, their opponents and successors. Selected
readings from Hegel, Schopenhauer, Marx, Mill, Kierkegaard, and Nietzsche.SOCIOLOGY
39. Sociology 211: Ethnic and Racial Relations – Professor Eisenberg
Class #: 2373 – Tu, Th – 10:50-12:05 pm – PH 333 – 3 hr., 3 cr.
Major ethnic and racial groups, ethnic contact, and ethic relations in
American society and in other cultures. Prereq.: Sociology 101 (SS, US)40. Sociology 211: Ethnic and Racial Relations – Professor Lewis
Class #: 2374 – Days/Time/Room TBA – 3 hr., 3 cr.
See above description. (SS, US)
41. Sociology 221: Sociology of Religion – Professor Cho
Class #: 2318– Tu, Th – 3:05-4:20 pm – KY 317 – 3 hr., 3 cr.
The nature of religion, its relationship to other institutions, and its changing role
and function in modern society.