Hebrew &
JUDAIC STUDIES
FALL 2014
Something’s missing? Did you know that Judaic Studies (JUDS) and Hebrew (HEB) courses aren’t listed in the course catalog?
That’s because Hebrew and Judaic Studies are now offered as HEJS courses!
AND – these Fall 2014 courses meet the General Education Requirements!
HEJS 1103 Literature And Civilization of the Jewish People Instructor: Professor Stuart Miller
This unique course takes the student from Biblical Israel to the diverse, contemporary world of Jewish civilization in just one semester. The course opens with a review of the major themes of the “Torah” and then proceeds to examine the ways in which these ideas shaped Jewish civilization. Readings from Hebrew Scripture (in translation), the Talmud, Midrash, medieval and modern thinkers. No prior knowledge of Hebrew or Jewish culture is required. Taught in English. Fulfills Content Area 1 (Arts & Humanities) and Content Area 4 (Diversity & Multiculturalism) general ed. requirements. TuTh 11-12:15 Class# 14800 CHM A203
HEJS 3301/ CLCS 3201 The Jewish Middle Ages: A Survey of Hebrew Literature and Culture from Late Antiquity to 1500 Instructor: Professor Susan Einbinder
A survey of medieval Jewish literature and culture, sacred and secular, from the Middle East to Islamic Spain and Christian lands, 600-1500 C.E. This course surveys the rich and varied literature produced by Jews in the medieval period, a formative period for modern Jewish theology, law, philosophy, as well as poetry and prose. Primary texts offer exposure to the major genres and centers of Jewish life, ranging from the Middle East to Europe and North Africa. The readings are arranged roughly chronologically; the primary focus is European (Islamic Spain and Christian Europe). Readings are in translation. Fulfills C.A. 1 (Arts & Humanities) and C.A. 4 (Diversity & Multiculturalism) general ed. MWF 9:05-9:55pm Class#9062 Oak 239
INTD 3260 The Bible Instructor: Professors Stuart Miller and Samuel Wheeler
This course introduces students to the historical, literary and philosophical study of the Bible, and is open to students with little or no background in biblical literature as well as to those who have some familiarity with the Tanakh (“Old Testament”), the New Testament, or both. The two instructors approach biblical texts from different, sometimes even conflicting, vantage points, which are intended to promote a greater appreciation for biblical literature as a whole. Fulfills Content Area 1 (Arts & Humanities) general education requirements for B.A. and B.S. TuTh 9:30-10:45am Class# 2812 FS102
THIS COURSE MEETS GEN ED & THE “W” REQUIREMENT TOO!
SOCI 2509W / HEJS 5397 Sociology of Anti-Semitism Instructor: Professor Arnold Dashefsky
This course fulfills one of the requirements of the general education curriculum, whose purpose is to ensure that all UConn undergraduate students become articulate and acquire intellectual breadth and versatility, critical judgment, moral sensitivity, awareness of their era and society consciousness of the diversity of human culture and experience, and a working understanding of the processes by which they continue to acquire and use knowledge. Fulfills C.A. 4-INT (Diversity & Multiculturalism) general education requirements for B.A. and B.S. W 3:35-6:35pm Class#14750 Oak 267
OTHER GREAT COURSE OFFERINGS THIS FALL!
Judaic Studies offers students many opportunities for cross-disciplinary study of important aspects of cultural history, language and literature, and the diverse world in which we live. In addition, students may minor or major in Judaic Studies, including the option of an Honors Scholar plan via the Individualized Major Program.
HEJS 3279/ CLCS 5301 Modern Israeli Literature in Translation Instructor: Professor Susan Einbinder
A survey of modern Israeli fiction and poetry from the early 20th to the early 21st century. This course surveys Hebrew poetry and prose written in pre-Statehood Palestine and post-1948 Israel, as well as a recent and provocative Israeli film. The selections illustrate the tension between dream (ideal) and real; between the needs of individuals and those of the state or collective; between insider and outsider – Jew v. non-Jew, European Jew v. Oriental Jew; native-born Israelis v. immigrants; men v. women; religious v. secular. The readings have been chosen to raise questions about national identity and loyalty, and the role of literature in reinforcing or subverting them; the formation of literary canon and its outlier expressions; the emergence of minority voices within Israeli writing; and how the meaning of “national literature” in a global world. MWF 11:15-12:05pm Class#8395 Oak 239
HEJS 1104 / CLCS 3888-001 / HEJS 5397-001 Modern Jewish Thought Instructor: Professor Jeffrey Shoulson
This course examines the Jewish encounter with modernity in its diverse and often conflicting manifestations. We shall grapple with major ethical, religious, political, and cultural trends as they emerge from these encounters. Among the major themes to be discussed: the tension between reason and belief exacerbated by the European Enlightenment and the rise of modern secularism; the growing conflict between the values placed on individual liberty and communal responsibility; the nature of relations between Jews and non-Jews, especially as interactions become more frequent, more intense, and more commonplace; the modern (re)emergence of Jewish messianism, hasidism, and Zionism; the role of diaspora in modern Jewish thought; gender, sexuality, and Jewish identity. The grad version will include more extensive readings and an independent research project. TuTh 11:00-12:15pm Class#13429 Oak 112
HEJS 3203 The Holocaust Instructor: T.B.A.
Origins, development, and legacy of the Holocaust. Topics include the history of modern European anti- Semitism, the creation of the Nazi state, the catalytic role of the Second World War, the actions and attitudes of the perpetrators, victims, and bystanders, and the diverse ways in which scholars and societies have dealt with the legacy of the Holocaust. Themes to be covered include: Jewishness as religious identity, as ethnicity, as cultural category. The tensions between assimilation and distinctiveness in Jewish writing. The phenomenon of Jewish humor. The Jewish role in the culture industry. Relations between Jews and other ethnic or minority groups in the United States. Readings will range from selections of lyrical poetry, letters, several plays, short stories, and a few novels. Students will also view films and watch episodes of selected television series. Tu 5:30-8:10pm 3 credits Class# 14885
ARABIC & HEBREW LANGUAGE COURSES:
HEJS 1151 Elementary Modern Hebrew I Instructor: Professor Sherry Shamash
Four class periods and one 1-hour laboratory practice. Not open for credit to students who have had three or more years of Hebrew in high school. Elementary Hebrew grammar. Drill in pronunciation. Reading of simple texts. Practice in easy conversation. TuTh 9:30-10:45am 4 credits Class# 2868 Oak 340
HEJS 1153 Intermediate Hebrew I Instructor: Professor Sherry Shamash
Prerequisite: HEB 1152 or the equivalent. Review of elementary Hebrew grammar. Graded composition and translation. Intensive and extensive reading. Oral practice in the language. The basic structure patterns of Hebrew. TuTh 9:30-10:45am 4 credits Class# 2869 Oak 340
HEJS 3251 Advanced Hebrew Instructor: Professor Sherry Shamash
Three credits each semester. Prerequisite: HEB 1154 or instructor consent. Further grammar study. Practice in composition involving the use of everyday vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Readings and films relevant to Israeli culture and history. With a change in content, either or both of these courses may be repeated for credit. Day/Time TBA 4 credits Class#
ARAB 1121 Traditional Arab Literatures, Cultures, and Civilizations Instructor: Professor Maha Darawsha
This course examines representative works from the cultures of the Arab world. Pre-Islamic poets to later writers and thinkers. Relation of literary and artistic forms to their historical contexts. Fulfills C.A. 1 (Arts & Humanities) and C.A. 4-INT (Diversity & Multiculturalism) general education requirements for B.A. and B.S. TuTh 12:30-1:45pm 3 credits Class# 5891 Rowe 122
