Fall 2026 HEJS Courses
UConn's Hebrew and Judaic Studies program is intended to introduce students to the culture and civilization of the Jewish people. Courses cover various aspects of the history and literature of the Jews from biblical times to the present. Students who would like to learn more about ancient and modern Israel, the experience of Jews among Christians or Muslims, or Jewish life in contemporary America will find many courses of interest among our offerings.
Judaic studies offers students many opportunities for cross-disciplinary study. Most Judaic studies courses are offered in the Hebrew and Judaic Studies (HEJS) section of the Department of Literatures, Cultures & Languages (LCL). Many are cross-listed or offered with other departments, such as History or English, and students may choose to register under those rubrics if they prefer.
Students may minor or major in Judaic studies, with the option of an Honors Scholar plan. The Master of Arts and Doctorate of Arts in Judaic studies is also available.
Many Judaic studies courses meet Content Area requirements. Some qualify as Honors and/or W courses.
Fall 2026 Courses
HEJS 1103: Who Are the Jews? | T/Th 9:30-10:45 am, Yonatan Miller
The major concepts, personalities and literary works that inform Jewish identity from the Biblical and Talmudic periods to the present. Taught in English.CA 1. CA 4.
Content Areas: CA1: Arts & Humanities, CA4: Diversity & Multicultural
Topics of Inquiry: TOI2: Cultural Dimen Human Exp, TOI3: Div, Equity, Soc Just
HEJS 2104: Modern Jewish Thought | T 2:00-3:15 pm, Jessica Cooperman
Nationalism, culture, ethics and philosophy in the writings of the major Jewish thinkers from Spinoza to the present. Emphasis will be placed on the work of Moses Mendelssohn, Hermann Cohen, Franz Rosenzweig, Martin Buber, Mordecai Kaplan, Judith Plaskow, and others. CA 1. CA 4-INT.
Enrollment Requirements: Recommended preparation: HEJS 1103. Not open for credit for students who have passed HEJS 1104.
Content Areas: CA1: Arts & Humanities, CA4: Diversity & Multicultural
Topics of Inquiry: TOI2: Cultural Dimen Human Exp, TOI3: Div, Equity, Soc Just
HEJS 2201: Diversity & Inclusion in Israeli Society: A Cinematic View | M/W 10:00-11:00, Naama Appel Doron
Overview of Israeli films with a particular focus on contemporary cultural, social, and political tensions. Topics may include the uneasy relationship between an ancient patriarchal conservative religion and modern western secular society; Jerusalem as a holy city for three monotheistic regions, as a modern metropolis, and as a tourist attraction; the culture of masculinity promoted by the Israeli military; the status of women; attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community; the treatment of minoritized groups in general, including those based on race or religion; and questions of citizenship and immigration, both legal and illegal. Taught in English.
Content Areas: CA4INT: Div & Multi - Intl
Topics of Inquiry: TOI1:Creativity: Des,Expr,Innv, TOI3: Div, Equity, Soc Just
HEJS 2204: Jewish Culture in American Film | Tues 3:30-6:30 pm, Grae Sibelman
(Also offered as ENGL 3220.) Interdisciplinary study of literary and artistic productions by and about Jews in the United States. CA 1. CA 4.
Content Areas: CA1: Arts & Humanities, CA4: Diversity & Multicultural
Topics of Inquiry: TO12: Cultural Dimen Human Exp, TO13: Div, Equity, Soc Just
HEJS 3050W: Anthropology of Jews and Jewishness | Wed 10:10-12:40 pm, Richard Sosis
Also offered as ANTH 3050W.) Survey of the rich and growing ethnographic literature on Jews and Jewishness around the globe. Course materials include ethnographic texts, music, and videos/films.
Enrollment Requirements: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011. Recommended preparation: ANTH 1000 or 1006.
Skill Codes: COMP: Writing Competency
HEJS 3202: Sects and Movements in Judaism | T/Th 12:30-1:45pm, Yonatan Miller
Varieties of Jewish expression and belief from Biblical times to the present. Topics include: the Dead Sea Sect, Pharisees, Sadducees, Karaites, Marranos, Hasidism and the Reform, Conservative, Orthodox and Reconstructionist movements of the modern era. Taught in English. May not be used to meet the foreign language requirement.
HEJS 3205: Introduction to Holocaust Studies | M/W 3:30-4:45pm, Grae Sibelman *ONLINE CLASS*
(Also offered as HRTS 3205.) This course provides students with an introduction to the study of the Holocaust. It examines the political, cultural, and religious contexts in which the mass murder of European Jews and others unfolded, considers the conditions under which the Holocaust became possible, the possibilities for resistance and dissent, and the impact of the Holocaust on contemporary culture and understanding of human rights.
HEJS 3629: Holocaust Memoir | T/Th 11:00-12:15pm, Margareet Breen
Also offered as ENGL 3629.) Literature of the Holocaust focusing on memoir in various genres and forms. CA 1. CA 4-INT.
Enrollment Requirements: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011; open to sophomores or higher.
Content Areas: CA1: Arts & Humanities, CA4INT: Div & Multi - Intl
Topics of Inquiry: TOI2: Cultural Dimen Human Exp, TOI3: Div, Equity, Soc Just
