JDS 301/REL 301
Seminar S01
1:30-4:20 W

The Golem: The Creation of an Artificial Man
The creation of an artificial human being has been an age-old dream of humankind. Frankenstein is the most famous example, but in Jewish tradition this figure is the golem. This seminar will deal with its origins in the Hebrew Bible, its manifestations in mysticism and magic, in film and on stage, in art, children's books, and last but not least, the history of science (computer, internet). Our goal will be to uncover the religious roots of these traditions, to explore the variety of reactions the golem has aroused, ranging from attraction to revulsion, and to determine the nature of Jewish responses to the ethical problems involved.
Professor: Peter Schäfer

JDS 350/COM 350
Seminar S01
1:30-4:20 W

From Pale to Pampa: Jews and Judaism in Latin American Literature
The course will examine literature by Latin American Jewish authors and the impact of Jews and Judaism (what Borges called lo hebreo) on major Latin American writers. Class discussions will explore issues of cultural identity and linguistic transfer in these works, as well as their relation to Latin American modes of narration such as magical realism and testimonial writing. Films, video, and guest speakers will be part of the seminar. Class discussions and readings will be in English translation. Interested students are encouraged to read the primary texts in the original languages.
Professor: Edna Aizenberg

HIS 457/JDS 457
Seminar S01
1:30-4:20 Th

Modern Jewish History and the Urban Experience
This course examines the variety of ways by which the Jews of Europe experienced modernity by looking at the places they called home, among them London, Paris, and Berlin. Drawing on novels, memoirs, and primary sources, from newspaper editorials to sermons, it explores the social, economic, religious, and cultural processes by which the ghettoized became citizens and champions of the modern metropolis.
Professor: Jenna Weissman Joselit

REL 244/JDS 244
Class C01
11:00-12:20 MW

Rabbinic Judaism: Literature, History, and Beliefs
This course introduces students to the world of the talmudic rabbis, who created the classical and normative literature of Judaism. We will deal with the historical background of Rabbinic Judaism, the concept of the written and oral Torah, and rabbinic literature proper (Midrash, Mishna, Talmud, etc.) as well as with some major rabbinic concepts (God, creation, election of Israel, repentance, redemption). The course will focus on the analysis and discussion of primary sources.
Professor: Peter Schäfer

REL 230/JDS 230
Lecture L01
12:30-1:20 TTh
Precept P01: TBA

Religion and Literature In the Old Testament: Through the Babylonian Exile
An opportunity to read a wide range of the literature of the anthology known as the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament. Emphasis on the development of biblical religion against its historical background, including the wider context of the ancient Near East. This semester will cover the period up to and including the Babylonian exile: the formation of the traditions of the books of the Torah, league and monarchy, and prophecy up to the return.
Professor: Martha Himmelfarb 

REL 242/JDS 242
Lecture L01
2:30-3:20 TTh
Precept P01: TBA

Jewish Thought and Modern Society
What is Judaism's and the individual Jew's relation to the modern world? Is Judaism a religion, a nationality, an ethnicity, or a combination of these? This course explores various answers to these questions by examining various historical and cultural formations of Jewish identity in Europe, America, and Israel from the eighteenth century to the present, as well as by engaging particular issues, such as Judaism's relation to technology, the environment, bioethics, feminism, and democracy.
Professor: Leora Batnitzky

REL 343
Class C01
11:00-12:20 TTh.

Jews, Gentiles, and Christians in the Ancient World
This course is about conflict, separation, prejudice and hatred both ancient and modern. The peculiar dynamics will lead us in the direction of examining the ironic and dramatic relationship between proximity and protest. The general tone of the story will be somewhat depressing. We will look behind the beliefs, doctrines and documents to the human aspect of relations between Jews and Christians.
Professor: John Gager

NES 214/JDS 214
Class C01
11:00-12:20 TTh

Masterworks of Hebrew Literature in Translation
This course will sample classics of the Hebrew literary tradition from the Bible down to fiction, poetry, and drama produced in contemporary Israel. We will read and discuss such diverse works as key stories from Genesis and the Book of Kings, the Book of Job, rabbinic Midrash, medieval wine songs, and modern novels and poems by major Israeli writers. Readings will be in English translation, but students who can read the originals are welcome.
Professor: James Diamond

NES 220/HIS 220
Class C01
1:30-2:50 MW

Jews, Muslims, and Christians in the Middle Ages
An introduction to the history and culture of the Jews in the Middle Ages (under Islam and Christendom) covering, comparatively, such topics as the inter-relationship between Judaism and the other two religions, interreligious polemics, political (legal) status, economic role, communal self-government, family life, and cultural developments
Professor: Mark Cohen 

NES 432/JDS 432
Lecture L01
1:30-2:20 TTh
Precept P01
2:30-3:20 Th

Minorities in Contemporary Israel and the Middle East
This course, which uses the Palestinian citizens of Israel as a case study, looks at the social and political history of this community as a prism for issues generic to ethnically divided states and societies elsewhere in the Middle East and beyond. It examines the relationship of the Palestinian community with the state, with the Jewish majority, and with the Palestinian fold outside of Israel. Particular attention is given to land issues, demography, identity politics, and the question of collective rights in liberal democracies as well as in other political regimes.
Professor: Dan Rabinowitz

NES 523
Seminar S01
1:30-4:20 Th

Readings in Judeo-Arabic
An introduction to the reading of Arabic texts written by medieval Jews in the Hebrew script, especially documents from the Cairo Geniza.
Professor: Mark Cohen 

HEB 101
Class C01
9:00-9:50 MWF
Drill
D01, 9:00-9:50 TTh
D02: 12:30-1:20 T
D03: 11:00-11:50 Th
 

Elementary Hebrew
To develop the skills of reading, speaking, comprehending and writing. The main emphasis is on acquiring communicative proficiency and therefore, Hebrew is progressively employed as the classroom language. A solid grammatical basis and awareness of the idiomatic usage of the language will be emphasized. Classroom activities include conversation, grammar exercises and reading. Towards the middle of the semester, an Israeli movie is shown, discussed and criticized through a written assignment.
Professor: Esther Robbins 

HEB 105
Class C01
10:00-10:50 MWF
Drill
D01: 10:00-10:50 TTh

Intermediate Hebrew
Reinforcement and expansion of reading, oral, aural, and writing skills through maximum student participation, exclusive use of Hebrew in the classroom, and coverage of remainder of basic grammar. Readings of graded selections from prose, poetry, and newspapers, and viewing and discussion of Israeli films and television programs open a window on Israel and its culture.
Professor: Esther Robbins 

HEB 206
Class C01
1:30-2:50 TTh

Aspects of Israeli Culture in Hebrew
This course is a bridge between HEB 107 and HEB 301. This is an advanced course in Hebrew language that will explore a wide range of contemporary writers, films, theater productions, and music against the historical and social backdrop of the unique culture of Israel (an interplay of the traditions of the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe, and America). These elements are essential to understanding the context in which the anguage is used. The media sessions will focus on real time news hrough Israeli TV and the internet. Guidelines with key vocabulary will be given to the students.
Professor: Esther Robbins