This course explores the origins and evolution of antisemitism, with focus on questions of historical continuity and rupture, comparison with other hatreds, and the politics of history.

• Days/Times: MW 12:00PM - 1:15PM
• Instructor: Loeffler, James
• Room: Gilman 377
• Status: Closed
• Seats Available: 9/20
• PosTag(s): HIST-EUROPE, HIST-US, HIST-MIDEST, INST-GLOBAL

This course surveys the history of Jewish magic, mysticism, and secret traditions from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. We will explore the concept of sod (mystery) and its historical variations, examining how it evolved over time. Readings will include excerpts from foundational texts of Jewish esotericism, such as Sefer Yetzirah, the Bahir, and the Zohar. Additionally, we will discuss practical Kabbalah—including the preparation and use of amulets and charms—as well as beliefs surrounding demonic (and angelic) possession.

• Days/Times: M 9:30AM - 12:00PM
• Instructor: Maciejko, Pawel Tadeusz
• Room: Gilman 308
• Status: Closed
• Seats Available: 10/20
• PosTag(s): INST-GLOBAL

A broad survey of the significant political and cultural dynamics of Jewish history in the Medieval and Early Modern eras.

• Days/Times: TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
• Instructor: Katz, David
• Room: Smokler Center 213
• Status: Closed
• Seats Available: 3/19
• PosTag(s): n/a

Introduction to the grammar, vocabulary, and writing system of biblical Hebrew.

• Days/Times: TTh 9:00AM - 10:15AM
• Instructor: Saunders, Matthew John
• Room: Gilman 238
• Status: Closed
• Seats Available: 8/12
• PosTag(s): n/a

Reading of biblical Hebrew prose, especially from the Pentateuch, Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings. Cross-listed with Jewish Studies.

• Days/Times: TTh 1:30PM - 2:45PM
• Instructor: Saunders, Matthew John
• Room: Gilman 238
• Status: Closed
• Seats Available: 9/10
• PosTag(s): n/a

Translation and analysis of selected texts in Biblical Hebrew giving attention to advanced features of grammar and syntax. Topic: "Archaic Biblical Poetry".

• Days/Times: T 3:00PM - 5:30PM
• Instructor: Lewis, Ted
• Room: Gilman 130G
• Status: Closed
• Seats Available: 1/5
• PosTag(s): n/a

The seminar is a study of Hasdai Crescas' major work: The Light of the Lord. Topics to be discussed include: Crescas' defense of actual infinity; determinism; plurality of (possible) worlds; the nature of belief; the infinity of God's attributes; Crescas' influence on Spinoza.

• Days/Times: W 4:30PM - 7:00PM
• Instructor: Melamed, Yitzhak Yohanan
• Room: Gilman 288
• Status: Closed
• Seats Available: 10/15
• PosTag(s): PHIL-MODERN

The course will focus on the origin and development of the Arab-Israeli conflict from its beginnings when Palestine was controlled by the Ottoman Empire, through World War I, The British Mandate over Palestine, and the first Arab-Israeli war (1947-1949). It will then examine the period of the Arab-Israeli wars of 1956, 1967, 1973, and 1982, the Palestinian Intifadas (1987-1993 and 2000-2005); and the development of the Arab-Israeli peace process from its beginnings with the Egyptian-Israeli treaty of 1979, the Oslo I and Oslo II agreements of 1993 and 1995, Israel's peace treaty with Jordan of 1994, the Road Map of 2003; and the periodic peace talks between Israel and Syria. The conflict will be analyzed against the background of great power intervention in the Middle East, the rise of political Islam and the dynamics of Intra-Arab politics, and will consider the impact of the Arab Spring.

• Days/Times: T 1:30PM - 4:00PM
• Instructor: Freedman, Robert
• Room: Gilman 381
• Status: Closed
• Seats Available: 9/16
• PosTag(s): INST-IR, INST-CP, POLI-IR

Elementary Modern Hebrew is the first exposure to the language as currently used in Israel in all its functional contexts. All components of the language are discussed: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Simple idiomatic sentences and short texts in Hebrew are used. Students learn the Hebrew alphabet, words and short sentences. Cultural aspects of Israel will be intertwined throughout the course curriculum.

• Days/Times: MWF 10:00AM - 10:50AM
• Instructor: Bessire, Mirit
• Room: Smokler Center 301
• Status: Closed
• Seats Available: 11/15
• PosTag(s): n/a

Hebrew for Beginners 121 is a continuation of Hebrew 120 and as such, students are required to have a foundation in Hebrew. The course will enhance and continue to expose students to Hebrew grammar, vocabulary, and syntax. All components of the Hebrew language will be emphasized in this course; we will highlight verbs, adjectives, and the ability to read longer texts. Speaking in Hebrew will also be highlighted to promote students’ engagement and communication. Cultural aspects of the language will be incorporated into lessons too

• Days/Times: MWF 9:00AM - 9:50AM
• Instructor: Bimka, Maya
• Room: Smokler Center 213
• Status: Closed
• Seats Available: 8/10
• PosTag(s): n/a

Look at Jewish history and culture backwards and forwards through the Yiddish language! The vernacular of Ashkenazi Jews for a thousand years, Yiddish connects back to recent and distant generations in Europe, America, and elsewhere. But Yiddish is not just a bridge to the past, it is also the center of vibrant contemporary cultures, both religious and secular. This four-skills language class (reading, writing, listening, speaking) places emphasis on the active use of Yiddish in oral and written communication while guiding students towards the use of Yiddish as a tool for the study of Yiddish literature and Ashkenazi history and culture.

• Days/Times: TTh 12:00PM - 1:15PM
• Instructor: Erichsen, Käthe Zarah; Lang, Beatrice
• Room: Smokler Center 214
• Status: Closed
• Seats Available: 7/10
• PosTag(s): n/a

This four-skills language class (reading, writing, listening, speaking) places emphasis on the active use of Yiddish in oral and written communication while guiding students towards the use of Yiddish as a tool for the study of Yiddish literature and Ashkenazi history and culture. Continuation of 210.163, but students may join the class with the permission of the instructor.

• Days/Times: Th 10:30AM - 11:45AM, W 10:30AM - 11:45AM
• Instructor: Allardice, Corbin B; Lang, Beatrice
• Room: Smokler Center 213; Smokler Center 301
• Status: Closed
• Seats Available: 10/12
• PosTag(s): n/a

Intermediate Modern Hebrew enhances and enforces previous knowledge of Hebrew as acquired from previous foundational coursework and/or experience. Grammatical aspects of the language such as past and present tenses as well as combined and complex sentence syntax and construction would be applied. Reading comprehension and writing skills will be emphasized. Modern Israeli cultural links and facets of the Hebrew language will also be introduced to inform the holistic understanding of the modern language.

• Days/Times: MW 3:00PM - 4:15PM
• Instructor: Bessire, Mirit
• Room: Smokler Center 214
• Status: Closed
• Seats Available: 7/10
• PosTag(s): n/a

For students who have completed one year of Yiddish language study or equivalent, this course will provide the opportunity to broaden and deepen their knowledge of Yiddish culture while continuing to improve their skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking Yiddish. Alongside textbook-based language work, students will read, listen to and interact with a variety of texts, for example literature, journalism and oral history.

• Days/Times: TTh 1:30PM - 2:45PM
• Instructor: Lang, Beatrice
• Room: Smokler Center 301
• Status: Closed
• Seats Available: 9/12
• PosTag(s): n/a

Advanced Modern Hebrew I will focus on conversational and interactive language skills to expose learners to attributes of different genres and layers of the language. Students will be introduced to various original texts and lingual patterns to better understand and formulate proper syntax. The course will include contemporary readings from Israeli journalism and essays, along with other relevant Hebrew resources to inform class discussions and students’ reflective writings. Israeli cultural aspects will be integral to the course curriculum.

• Days/Times: MW 12:00PM - 1:15PM
• Instructor: Bessire, Mirit; Nachum, Adi
• Room: Smokler Center 213
• Status: Closed
• Seats Available: 2/10
• PosTag(s): n/a

This course will provide students who have completed at least two years of Yiddish with the opportunity to hone their skills in all four language areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It will include advanced grammar study, readings in Yiddish literature, and work with audio/video recordings, taking into account the interests of each individual student.

• Days/Times: TTh 9:00AM - 10:15AM
• Instructor: Lang, Beatrice; Strauss, Bezalel Dov
• Room: Smokler Center Library
• Status: Closed
• Seats Available: 9/12
• PosTag(s): n/a

How has the Holocaust been represented in literature and film? Are there special challenges posed by genocide to the traditions of visual and literary representation? Where does the Holocaust fit in to the array of concerns that the visual arts and literature express? And where do art and literature fit in to the commemoration of communal tragedy and the working through of individual trauma entailed by thinking about and representing the Holocaust? These questions will guide our consideration of a range of texts — nonfiction, novels, poetry — in Yiddish, German, English, French and other languages (including works by Primo Levi and Isaac Bashevis Singer), as well as films from French documentaries to Hollywood blockbusters (including films by Alain Resnais, Claude Lanzmann, and Steven Spielberg). All readings in English.

• Days/Times: TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
• Instructor: Spinner, Samuel Jacob
• Room: Gilman 400
• Status: Closed
• Seats Available: 3/15
• PosTag(s): INST-GLOBAL

Emerging during a national secular awakening that opposed traditional Judaism and aligned itself with European modernism, Hebrew poetry aimed to forge a collective identity. However, this national identity was mainly shaped in masculine terms. Our discussion will focus on how the development of diverse perceptions of selfhood and poetics challenged traditional notions of masculinity. Through close readings of poems in the original Hebrew and within a framework of gender and nationality theories, this seminar will explore the journey of Hebrew women poets from the early 20th century to the present as they build and reshape their poetic selves.

• Days/Times: M 4:30PM - 7:00PM
• Instructor: Stahl, Neta
• Room: Gilman 10
• Status: Closed
• Seats Available: 6/10
• PosTag(s): n/a

This research course focuses on surveying and deepening the students’ familiarity with the historical, cultural, and linguistic aspects of modern Jewish literature.

• Days/Times:
• Instructor: Stahl, Neta
• Room:  
• Status: Closed
• Seats Available: 10/10
• PosTag(s): n/a

This course explores the rich and diverse landscape of modern Jewish theater, examining how playwrights have used the stage to navigate questions of identity, history, faith, and cultural memory. From Yiddish theater traditions to contemporary works on Broadway and beyond, students will analyze plays that grapple with themes of exile, assimilation, trauma, resistance, and renewal. The course involves close readings of key texts, performance analysis, and historical context. Students will engage with the plays through discussion, creative projects, and critical writing, considering how theater serves as a space for storytelling, cultural preservation, and social commentary.

• Days/Times: TTh 9:00AM - 10:15AM
• Instructor: Gruenhut, Johanna
• Room: Smokler Center 301
• Status: Canceled
• Seats Available: 12/12
• PosTag(s): n/a

An introduction to the study of the American Jewish experience, tracing five centuries of history from the colonial period through to the present. Topics will include immigration and citizenship, antisemitism and philosemitism, religion and politics.

• Days/Times: TTh 1:30PM - 2:45PM
• Instructor: Loeffler, James
• Room: Krieger 300
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 11/20
• PosTag(s): HIST-US

This reading intensive seminar will explore the myriad ways in which questions of sovereignty and the sacred were joined together across the early modern world. Emphasis will be placed on sacred and universal modes of kingship, saintly cults, and messianic movements amongst the Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities of the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and South Asia.

• Days/Times: Th 3:00PM - 5:30PM
• Instructor: Noor, Rao Mohsin Ali
• Room: Gilman 377
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 10/15
• PosTag(s): HIST-ASIA, HIST-MIDEST, HIST-EUROPE

A broad survey of the significant political and cultural dynamics of Jewish history in the Medieval, Early-Modern, and Modern Eras.

• Days/Times: TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
• Instructor: Katz, David
• Room: Smokler Center Library
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 1/19
• PosTag(s): NEAS-HISCUL, INST-GLOBAL, INST-NWHIST

How does a religious system which defines its ancient laws as God-given and unchangeable apply them to radically different and changing social, political and intellectual situations? This course explores the literature of "Questions and Answers"(She'elot u-Teshuvot), the Jewish legal responsa which have struggled to match Jewish religious law to modern life for fifteen centuries. A sweeping survey of Jewish history as revealed by one of its most impenetrable yet fascinating sources.

• Days/Times: TTh 12:00PM - 1:15PM
• Instructor: Katz, David
• Room: Smokler Center Library
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 6/10
• PosTag(s): n/a

The evolution of Talmudic thinking resulted in laws which made marriage too easy, divorce too difficult. This generated centuries of attempts to grapple with the consequences of this conundrum in real-life situations. This course analyzes the literature produced by these attempts. Students will read texts in original Hebrew. Knowledge of Hebrew required.

• Days/Times: TTh 1:30PM - 2:45PM
• Instructor: Katz, David
• Room: Smokler Center Library
• Status: Canceled
• Seats Available: 19/19
• PosTag(s): n/a

Survey of grammar and reading of simple texts. May not be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. A continuation of Elementary Biblical Hebrew I.

• Days/Times: TTh 9:00AM - 10:15AM
• Instructor: Saunders, Matthew John
• Room: Gilman 238
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 8/10
• PosTag(s): n/a

Reading of Biblical Hebrew Prose, from texts such as the Pentateuch, Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings.

• Days/Times: TTh 12:00PM - 1:15PM
• Instructor: Saunders, Matthew John
• Room: Gilman 238
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 8/10
• PosTag(s): n/a

This course offers an introduction to the history of the Bible, and its evolution from the perspective of ancient media studies. Student will learn about the Bible's composition, reception, and its use in pre-modern and modern media. Students will read biblical passages, learn about the ancient scribal practices underlying its composition, copying, and editing, and its translation into different languages and scripts. And, we will also study the people who used and preserved it. During the course, we will also learn about the different ways that the Bible has been used and reinterpreted in other media forms. We will experience retellings, reinterpretations, and/or other forms of interaction with the Bible in 20th and 21st century literature, art, and film.

• Days/Times: W 1:30PM - 3:30PM
• Instructor: Mandell, Alice H
• Room: Gilman 130G
• Status: Waitlist Only
• Seats Available: 0/30
• PosTag(s): n/a

This course aims to increase students’ proficiency in Biblical Hebrew by reading the entire book of Qoheleth (Ecclesiastes) in Hebrew. In addition, students will practice the art of critical exegesis including grammatical analysis and textual criticism. They will interact with various aspects of interpretation for this representation of Hebraic wisdom literature (e.g., philology, text history, structure, literary history, message, poetics, rhetoric, philosophy, theology, ancient Near Eastern comparanda).

• Days/Times: T 3:00PM - 5:30PM
• Instructor: Lewis, Ted
• Room: Gilman 130G
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 8/10
• PosTag(s): NEAS-HISCUL

Elementary Modern Hebrew is the first exposure to the language as currently used in Israel in all its functional contexts. All components of the language are discussed: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Simple idiomatic sentences and short texts in Hebrew are used. Students learn the Hebrew alphabet, words and short sentences. Cultural aspects of Israel will be intertwined throughout the course curriculum.

• Days/Times: MWF 9:00AM - 9:50AM
• Instructor: Bimka, Maya
• Room: Smokler Center Library
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 6/10
• PosTag(s): n/a

Hebrew for Beginners 121 is a continuation of Hebrew 120 and as such, students are required to have a foundation in Hebrew. The course will enhance and continue to expose students to Hebrew grammar, vocabulary, and syntax. All components of the Hebrew language will be emphasized in this course; we will highlight verbs, adjectives, and the ability to read longer texts. Speaking in Hebrew will also be highlighted to promote students’ engagement and communication. Cultural aspects of the language will be incorporated into lessons too

• Days/Times: MWF 10:00AM - 10:50AM
• Instructor: Bessire, Mirit
• Room: Smokler Center Library
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 8/12
• PosTag(s): n/a

Look at Jewish history and culture backwards and forwards through the Yiddish language! The vernacular of Ashkenazi Jews for a thousand years, Yiddish connects back to recent and distant generations in Europe, America, and elsewhere. But Yiddish is not just a bridge to the past, it is also the center of vibrant contemporary cultures, both religious and secular. This four-skills language class (reading, writing, listening, speaking) places emphasis on the active use of Yiddish in oral and written communication while guiding students towards the use of Yiddish as a tool for the study of Yiddish literature and Ashkenazi history and culture.

• Days/Times: TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
• Instructor: Allardice, Corbin B; Reisberg, Joseph Benjamin
• Room: Smokler Center 214
• Status: Canceled
• Seats Available: 10/10
• PosTag(s): n/a

This four-skills language class (reading, writing, listening, speaking) places emphasis on the active use of Yiddish in oral and written communication while guiding students towards the use of Yiddish as a tool for the study of Yiddish literature and Ashkenazi history and culture. Continuation of 210.163, but students may join mid-year with the permission of the instructor.

• Days/Times: TTh 12:00PM - 1:15PM
• Instructor: Lang, Beatrice; Strauss, Bezalel Dov
• Room: Smokler Center 213
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 8/10
• PosTag(s): n/a

Intermediate Hebrew level II is a continuation of the course Hebrew 220 and as such is a requirement for entry. In the course, grammatical aspects of the language will be introduced in the focus of past and future tenses. Combined and complex sentences with proper syntax and reading comprehension and writing skills will be required. Modern Israeli cultural aspects of the Hebrew language will be introduced as well and will be part of the holistic understanding of the modern language.

• Days/Times: MW 3:00PM - 4:15PM
• Instructor: Bessire, Mirit
• Room: Smokler Center 301
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 8/11
• PosTag(s): n/a

For students who have completed one year of Yiddish language study or equivalent, this course will provide the opportunity to broaden and deepen their knowledge of Yiddish culture while continuing to improve their skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking Yiddish. Alongside textbook-based language work, students will read, listen to and interact with a variety of texts, for example literature, journalism and oral history.

• Days/Times: TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
• Instructor: Allardice, Corbin B
• Room: Smokler Center 301
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 11/12
• PosTag(s): n/a

Continuation of Intermediate Yiddish I: this course will focus on the Yiddish language as a key to understanding the culture of Yiddish-speaking Jews. Topics in Yiddish literature, cultural history and contemporary culture will be explored through written and aural texts, and these primary sources will be used as a springboard for work on all the language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

• Days/Times: TTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM
• Instructor: Lang, Beatrice
• Room:  
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 11/12
• PosTag(s): n/a

Continuation of Intermediate Yiddish Texts I. Students will continue to broaden and deepen their knowledge of Yiddish culture while improving their Yiddish language skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Alongside textbook-based language work, students will read, listen to, and interact with a variety of texts.

• Days/Times: TTh 9:00AM - 10:15AM
• Instructor: Lang, Beatrice
• Room: Smokler Center 213
• Status: Canceled
• Seats Available: 12/12
• PosTag(s): n/a

This course will expand students’ fluencies in Modern Hebrew through Hebrew-dialogic Israeli and Palestinian cinema, examining and comparing several layers of a contemporary Hebrew-speaking society. For this class, students will view, discuss, and write about films with Hebrew as the primary spoken language. Through aural interpretation and subtitles, students will understand, analyze, and reflectively discuss the diversity of Hebrew-speaking cultures within society and the provenance and intentionalities of the dialects exhibited throughout a given film. Linguistic nuance, slang, and interpretive aspects of Hebrew as shown in the chosen films will prompt students to examine this modality of the expression of contemporary Hebrew. The course will be taught primarily in Hebrew and will be open to students who have matriculated to at least 200-level coursework of Modern Hebrew.

• Days/Times: MW 12:00PM - 1:15PM
• Instructor: Bessire, Mirit
• Room: Smokler Center 301
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 7/10
• PosTag(s): n/a

Continuation of Advanced Yiddish I (AS.210.367). Students will continue to hone their skills in all four language areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. In addition to advanced grammar study and readings in Yiddish literature, the course will take into account the interests of each individual student, allowing time for students to read Yiddish texts pertinent to their own research and writing.

• Days/Times: W 11:00AM - 1:30PM
• Instructor: Lang, Beatrice
• Room: Smokler Center Library
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 9/12
• PosTag(s): n/a

This course studies the representation of religious themes in modern literature and cinema. Most of the works it covers are not defined as sacred but include religious themes as part of their narrative, images, language, and symbolic meaning. The course will cover materials related to the three monotheistic religions and general questions across religions, nations, and cultures. It also includes asking general theoretical questions such as: what is faith, and why do we need it? What are the differences between genres and media when representing religious topics, how god is represented in artistic forms, and how contemporary tensions between tradition and modernity enter the creative sphere?

• Days/Times: Th 1:30PM - 4:00PM
• Instructor: Stahl, Neta
• Room: Smokler Center 213
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 8/15
• PosTag(s): n/a

The course will offer a reading and analysis of selected works of medieval Hebrew poetry, focusing on prominent poets such as Samuel ha-Nagid, Moses ibn Ezra, and Judah Halevi. We will explore the content and form of their poetry, as well as the historical context and sources from which it emerged. Alongside literary analysis, there will be linguistic and philological examination, addressing the connections between medieval Hebrew poetry and grammar, as well as the relationship between the poet and the grammarian. Taught in Hebrew. Reading and speaking knowledge of Hebrew is required.

• Days/Times: M 4:30PM - 7:00PM
• Instructor: Chen, Elnatan
• Room:  
• Status: Open
• Seats Available: 10/10
• PosTag(s): n/a