Topical “Deep Dive”

JUS 321 - Women in Judaism

This course examines religion and gender through the study of women in Judaism. How do scholars construct a history of women in ancient Judaism when Jewish sacred texts are written by and for men?  How have modern Jewish women accommodated feminist ideals without undermining the authority of the established tradition? What impact has the feminist movement had on Jewish communal institutions in the United States and Israel?  We explore these questions and others by examining the influence Jewish religious beliefs and practices have played in the formation of Jewish women’s identities, image and their understanding of power and authority. Students study the role of women in the formation of Judaism and Jewish society as a culturally constructed and historically changing category through archaeology, biblical studies, rabbinics, theology, folklore, social and political movements.
Course Credits
3
SBS Course Tracks
Major
Electives
Topical “Deep Dive”
Minor
Core
Electives

JUS 387 - The History of Anti-Semitism

This course approaches anti-Jewish hatred as a historical and cultural phenomenon of various hues and dimensions that is a long-term challenge to social justice (including diversity, equity, and inclusion). We will examine how this form of animosity arose and continues to arise and be promoted—even by some Jews. We will see how anti-Jewish animus has mutated and why. We will also delve into the specific forms that it has taken—for example, racist forms. We will look at specific cases and trends from antiquity to the Middle Ages, to the modern era (including the Holocaust), and conclude with an examination of antisemitism in its radical left-wing and radical right-wing varieties in the present day.

Course Credits
3
SBS Course Tracks
Major
History or Engagement
Electives
Topical “Deep Dive”
Minor
Core
Electives
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