ANTH 161 - The Holocaust and Its Meanings

Survey of the Holocaust as a cultural symbol and crucial reference point for debates on morality, ethics and the lessons of history. Traces the Holocaust as a symbol in its historical and cross-cultural dimensions through text and film. 

ANTH 277 - Ancient Cities, Sacred Land

Examines urban development from its origins to the present day. Among the concepts covered are urbanism, urbanization, ceremonial centers and ceremonial cities, the city as a system, the spatial and economic organization of cities, and the built environment (sacred landscapes, vernacular architecture, places of power). Small field project is conducted in Champaign-Urbana. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Social & Beh Sci - Soc Sci, Cultural Studies - Western

ANTH 290 - Jewish Cultures of the World 

Survey of the world's Jewish cultures with a particular focus on the non-Western world. Addresses the relations between Judaism and other religious systems and the nature of Jewish life in such locales as North Africa, Subsaharan Africa, India, China, and South America. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Cultural Studies - Non-West

ANTH 393 - The World of Jewish Sepharad

Study of the cultural legacy and history of the Sephardic Jews, mostly focusing on the Mediterranean and the thriving communities they established in countries of Muslim governance and in the Balkans, and more recently in America. The Judeo-Spanish language, which has been preserved until the end of the twentieth century, the press, literature and music will be components of this course. Same as HIST 393, REL 393. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Humanities - Hist & Phil, Cultural Studies - Non-West, Cultural Studies - Western

ANTH 488 - Modern Europe 

Historical studies which deploy anthropological methods in the study of early modern and modern Europe; looks at processes of twentieth-century modernization through ethnographic studies. Western, Central and Eastern Europe will all receive attention, but the study of Western Europe will predominate.

ANTH 561 - Archaeological Theory

Contemporary theory in archaeology. Different theoretical approaches are examined by critically analyzing seminal literature within the contexts of paradigmatic shifts in archaeology and general developments in the discipline of anthropology, focuses on materiality and corporality.

CLCV 133 - Archaeology of Israel  

Exploration of the archaeology and history of the Near East with a specific focus on the development of Israel. Cultures of the Near East adapted to a rapidly changing world by pioneering the world's earliest innovations in agriculture, urbanism, bronze technology, and writing. We will investigate the Near Eastern background of the Israelites and their neighbors from the beginnings of agriculture during the "Neolithic Revolution", to the formation of the world's first cities in the Bronze Age, to the archaeological remnants of the Hebrew Bible. We will investigate the ramifications of wave after wave of military conflict and how this has shaped the Middle East, including the Babylonian Exile, the conquests of Alexander the Great, and the Jewish Revolts against the Romans. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Humanities - Hist & Phil
Cultural Studies - Western

CMN 232 - Intro to Intercultural Communication

Introduction to the study of intercultural communication in a variety of contexts, including domestic and international; examines theory and research to explain what happens when people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds interact. Requires students to think critically about the ways in which "taken-for-granted" ways of thinking, acting, and interacting are culturally specific. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Cultural Studies - Non-West, Social & Beh Sci - Soc Sci

CWL 202 - Literature and Ideas

Analysis of several important world-views in Western civilization (such as classical, Romantic, modern, and so forth), studied comparatively and in relation to selected figures in Western literature. Prerequisite: CWL 241 and CWL 242; or one year of college literature; or consent of instructor. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Humanities - Lit & Arts, Cultural Studies - Western

CWL 211 - War and Peace in Israeli Lit

War has been a constant shadow over the lives of Israelis. We will examine the history of attitudes to war and peace in Israel as presented through poetry, film and short stories, and explores the plurality of voices and experiences in Israel. Same as JS 211 and SAME 211

CWL 221 - Jewish Storytelling: From the Russian Shtetl to New York 

Course will introduce the great Jewish storytellers such as Nachman of Bratslav, Scholem-Aleichem, and I. B. Singer through readings of Yiddish tales, short stories, poetry, drama and excerpts from novels and autobiographies from the 19th and 20th centuries. In addition, Yiddish films and folklore will be used to exemplify the variety of Jewish cultural expression in Eastern Europe, Russia, and America. Course will also present a sample of critical approaches to Yiddish literature. Taught in English translation. Same as ENGL 223, REL 220, YDSH 220. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Humanities - Lit & Arts, Cultural Studies - Western

CWL 271 - The Holocaust in Context - ACP

Jewish contributions to German Literature from 1200 to the present day. Includes trips to the University Library's Rare Book Room. Same as GER 261. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Advanced Composition, Humanities - Lit & Arts, Cultural Studies - Western

CWL 320 - Literary Responses to the Holocaust 

Course introduces a variety of Jewish literary responses to the Holocaust written during and after the Second World War (from 1939). The discussion of Holocaust memoirs, diaries, novels, short stories, poems, and other texts will focus on the unique contribution of literary works to our understanding of the Holocaust. In addition, the works and their authors will be situated in their Jewish cultural-historical context. Taught in English translation. Same as ENGL 359, REL 320, YDSH 320. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Humanities - Lit & Arts, Cultural Studies - Western

CWL 421 - Jewish Life-Writing 

Jewish life-writing from the late 18th century until today. Emphasis on cultural-historical context, literary styles, and forms. All texts will be available in English translation. Same as HIST 436, REL 420, SLAV 420, and YDSH 421.

CWL 571 - Seminar in Literary Relations

Investigation of the impact of one literature upon another, or of some specific works upon others (the role of English literature in continental Europe, the influence of Russian novelists on French and German writers, etc.).

CWL 581 - Borders

Our world is filled with borders. Borders and borderlands play a key role in the production and contestation of national and cultural identities. They offer insights into the status of citizenship and the nation in the age of globalization, and they also shape long-standing debates about cross-cultural encounter, exchange, and conflict.

This course will offer a critical introduction to border studies, an interdisciplinary field that draws upon cultural studies, anthropology, geography, and political science in order to reflect on the cultural, political, social, and economic impact of geopolitical borders. The course will begin with readings from recent theoretical work on borders, and then it will be divided into three units devoted to the cultural production from and about three significant border spaces: U.S./Mexico, Spain/Morocco, and Israel/Palestine. All literary texts and films will be taught in English translation, but students will be encouraged to read the texts in their original languages: Spanish, Arabic, Hebrew, Catalan, and English. Meets with SPAN 590.

EPS 310 - Race and Cultural Diversity

Study of race and cultural diversity from Colonial era to present; the evolution of racial ideology in an ethnically heterogeneous society; the impact of race on the structures and operations of fundamental social institutions; the role of race in contemporary politics and popular culture. Same as AAS310, AFRO310, and LLS310. Prerequisite: Completion of campus Composition I general education requirement. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Advanced Composition, Cultural Studies - US Minority

ENGL 284 - Modern Jewish Literature 

Surveys imaginative literature by Jewish authors from the Enlightenment to the present, including fiction, poetry, drama, and autobiography written in English or translated from other languages. Same as CWL 284, REL 284. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Humanities - Lit & Arts

ENGL 359 - Literary Responses to the Holocaust

Course introduces a variety of Jewish literary responses to the Holocaust written during and after the Second World War (from 1939). The discussion of Holocaust memoirs, diaries, novels, short stories, poems, and other texts will focus on the unique contribution of literary works to our understanding of the Holocaust. In addition, the works and their authors will be situated in their Jewish cultural historical context. Taught in English translation. Same as REL 320 and YDSH 320. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Humanities - Lit & Arts, Cultural Studies - Western

ENGL 460 - Literature of American Minorities

Advanced topics seminar exploring literary expressions of minority experience in America. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. May be repeated with permission of English advising office to a maximum of 6 undergraduate hours. Graduate students may repeat as topics vary. Prerequisite: One year of college literature or consent of instructor.

See terms offered.

GER 201 - German Popular Culture 

Introduction to the study of modern and contemporary german culture through examining examples of popular culture from the late-eighteenth century to the present. Looks at texts and films as a mirror and critique of modern German society. Topics to be discussed: nationalism, gender, ethnicity, minority cultures, Jewish life in Germany, German images of other cultures, etc. Course taught in English. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Cultural Studies - Western and Humanities – Lit & Arts

GER 261 - The Holocaust in Context 

Jewish contributions to German Literature from 1200 to the present day. Includes trips to the University Library's Rare Book Room. Same as CWL 273, and ENGL 269.

GLBL 100 - Intro to Global Studies

Foundation course for understanding a range of contemporary issues and learning to analyze them from multiple disciplinary perspectives. Students consider globalizing trends within themes of wealth and poverty; population, cultures, and human rights; environment and sustainability; and governance, conflict, and cooperation. Course objectives are to enhance knowledge of human cultures, their interactions and impacts on the world; develop skills for successfully negotiating realities of contemporary societies; and promote values for global learning, diversity, and sustainable futures. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Social & Beh Sci - Soc Sci, Cultural Studies - Western

GLBL 392 - Int. Diplomacy and Negotiation

Examines the complexities of international diplomacy and negotiations among states and other actors. Focuses on three main subject areas: negotiation analysis, applied negotiation, and the interaction of practical considerations that affect negotiations. Utilizes theoretical, case-based, and active-learning approaches during the semester as topics are explored in detail. Issues and topics include security, public health, economic development, human rights, and the environment. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria in Spring 2019 for: Advanced Composition

GCL 143 - Mapping Inequalities

Grand Challenge Learning course in Inequality & Cultural Understanding. Immerses students in the history of Inequality in the United States through mapping the geographic, historical, and/or social movement of minority cultures using quantitative and social science methods. Topics vary by section, but each section emphasizes experiential learning through community-engaged scholarship, field-trips, or computer programming projects. No previous computer programming experience is required. No previous computer programming experience is required.This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Quantitative Reasoning II, Social & Beh Sci - Soc Scic Cultural Studies - US Minority

HEBR 199 - Undergraduate Open Seminar  

May be repeated.

HEBR 201 - Elementary Modern Hebrew, I

Acquaints students with the fundamental principles of the Hebrew Language. Develops all four language skills; reading, writing, listening and speaking. 

HEBR 202 - Elementary Modern Hebrew, II

Continuation of HEBR 201, with introduction of more advanced grammar and with emphasis on more fluency in speaking and reading.

HEBR 205 - Intensive Biblical Hebrew 

Acquisition of reading knowledge of biblical Hebrew and a familiarity with all major aspects of biblical Hebrew grammar. Same as RLST 205.

HEBR 403 - Intermediate Modern Hebrew, I

Continuation of HEBR 202. Advanced examination of the fundamental principles of the Hebrew language.

HEBR 404 - Intermediate Modern Hebrew, II

Continuation of HEBR 403. Concentration on ability to engage in reasonable fluent discourse in Hebrew, comprehensive knowledge of formal grammar, and an ability to read easy Hebrew texts.

HEBR 405 - Advanced Modern Hebrew, I

For students who have mastered the fundamental principles of the Hebrew language. Develops competence through reading Hebrew fiction and studying Israeli newspapers and television programs.

HEBR 406 - Advanced Modern Hebrew, II

Continuation of HEBR 405. Course for advanced knowledge of spoken and written standard Modern Hebrew with emphasis on Modern Hebrew literature and language, Israeli newspapers and Israeli television programs.

HEBR 407 - Topics in Modern Hebrew Language and Literature, I

Selected readings from modern Hebrew authors, with emphasis on the novel and short story; lectures and discussions on Hebrew literature and aesthetics; and detailed analysis of formal Hebrew grammar.

HEBR 408 - Topics in Modern Hebrew Language and Literature, II

Selected readings from Modern Hebrew literature with emphasis on short stories and plays, lectures and discussions on Hebrew literature and other fine arts in Hebrew. 

HEBR 414 - Advanced Biblical Hebrew

In-depth study of the grammar and syntax of selected texts from the Hebrew Bible. Texts to be studied will change from year to year. Selections will cover the full range of biblical genres and styles, including prophecy, law, historical narrative, psalms, and wisdom literature. 

HIST 135 - History of the Islamic Middle East

Introduction to fourteen centuries of Middle East history from the rise of Islam to modern times. Examines the development of Islamic thought, and of religious, social, and political institutions, as well as the transformations of the 19th and 20th centuries, in the area consisting of Egypt, the Fertile Crescent, Arabia, Turkey, and Iran.This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Cultural Studies - Non-West, Humanities – Hist & Phil

HIST 252 - The Holocaust

Exploration of the Holocaust in historical perspective by examining European anti-Semitism, political developments in Germany, the rise to power of the Nazis, and the origins of the Holocaust with first-hand accounts, films, and historical texts, concluding with the legacy of the Holocaust in the contemporary world. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Humanities - Hist & Phil, Cultural Studies - Western

HIST 262 - Zionism: A Global History

Examines the history of Zionist movement. The Course is designed for students with no prior knowledge of Jewish, European, or Middle Eastern history.  The goal is to survey how Zionism emerged as a widespread political movement and, in the process, helped create an independent state for the Jewish people. In Addition to familiarizing students with the backstory of a globally significant movement, the class will teach students historical interpretation skills. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Cultural Studies-Western, Humanities-Hist & Phil

HIST 269 - Jewish History since 1700

Explores how life was lived by Jewish women and men through the past three centuries. Will also focus on wider place of the Jews in European society, and the achievements and tragedies of the modern Jewish- non-Jewish relationship. Same as REL 269. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Cultural Studies – Western, Humanities – Hist & Phil

HIST 281 - Constructing Race in America

Interdisciplinary examination of the historical, cultural, and social dimensions of race and ethnicity in the United States. Explores the complex and intricate pursuit of multiracial and multicultural democracy. Same as AAS 281, AFRO 281, and LLS 281. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Humanities - Hist & Phil, Cultural Studies - US Minority

HIST 312 - Immigrant America 

History of immigration and immigrant groups in the United States from 1830 to 1980. Covers major waves of immigration and focuses on the diverse cultural heritage, social structure, and political activism of immigrants from Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

HIST 334 - Modern Palestinian History

Examines the main themes of Palestinian history since 1800. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict frames the latter part of this history, but it is not the central issue. The focus of the course is Palestinian political, social, and cultural history.

HIST 335 - The Middle East 1566-1914

Political, social, cultural, and ideological developments in Egypt, Arabia, the Fertile Crescent, Iran and Turkey from the mid 16th century to the eve of World War I. Premodern society and institutions, the question of "decline" and "awakening", encounters with Europe and self-strengthening reforms, relations between Muslims, Christians, and Jews, the role of women and the family, and class formations.

HIST 337 - The Middle East in the Twentieth Century

Political and ideological developments in Egypt, Arabia, the Fertile Crescent (including Israel), Iran, and Turkey from World War I to the present, with emphasis on the period to the 1960s; economic, social, and cultural trends in the region also addressed.

HIST 355 - Soviet Jewish History

An examination of how Jewish life and culture contributed to the creation of the world's first socialist society. Makes use of primary sources, scholarly essays and monographs, archival documents, literature, memoirs, film, and visual culture as a way of introducing students to Soviet Jewish History, from the reign of the last tsar, Nicholas II, to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. Special topics to be examined include: the breakup of the Pale of Settlement during the Great War; the role of Jews in revolution and revolutionary culture; Soviet nationality policy; shtetl culture; antisemitism; everyday life; the purges of the 1930s; the Jewish experience in World War II; the Holocaust; and mass emigration.

HIST 433 - The History of the Jews in the Diaspora

Deals with the history of the Jewish people from the destruction of the Jewish state by Rome to the reestablishment of a Jewish state in 1948. The emphasis is on the interaction between the Jewish and non-Jewish worlds as well as changes internal to the Jewish communities. Same as REL 434.

HIST 456 - Twentieth-Century Germany

Political upheavals of twentieth-century Germany; topics include the First World War's impact on German society, the war's revolutionary aftermath, the political struggles and cultural achievements of the Weimar Republic, the rise of Hitler, the Third Reich, the Holocaust, the Second World War, and the divided postwar Germanies; novels and films complement readings.

HIST 472 - Immigrant America

History of immigration and immigrant groups in the United States from 1830 to 1980. Covers major waves of immigration and focuses on the diverse cultural heritage, social structure, and political activism of immigrants from Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

HIST 495/498 - Family in History

The family is in flux. The legalization of same-sex marriage in a number of countries is the latest in a series of developments since the mid-twentieth century that have re-shaped family ideology and family life itself in much of the world. However, there never was a "traditional family" to be undone. Instead, there was an older family ideal, only occasionally realized in practice, which was invented two centuries earlier. In this course we will be surveying historic Euro-American family ideals and practices, their export to the non-Western world, and recent developments from no-fault divorce to same-sex marriage. In addition to readings and discussions, students will research and present on a topic related to the family in history - as practiced, as idealized, as legislated, and so on.

HIST 551 - Jews and Their Neighbors in Global Contexts

This course is an interdisciplinary graduate-level introduction to the encounter between Jews and their neighbors. It focuses on the significations and transformations of Jewishness through a wide range of recent writings by historians and cultural theorists. We will consider the pre-modern roots of the position of Judaism and Jews in Christian thought and society, but will more closely focus on the modern re-articulation of this relationship in the aftermath of the Enlightenment. Key themes will include the varied pathways of Jewish modernization, the emergence of modern Jewish political, cultural and religious formations, constructions of Jewish otherness, everyday neighborly relations, and both Jewish and non-Jewish responses to the Holocaust. Students are required to lead two seminars. The writing assignments include on short response paper and a longer critical review essay or an annotated bibliography project. The bibliography project is designed to help students prepare for preliminary examinations and/or begin preliminary background reading for a future, long-term research project. (Topics will be listed in the department's course guide at http://history.illinois.edu.)

ITAL 510 - Seminar in Italian Studies

The course explores the rise of nationalism and racism and the resistance against nationalism and racism in the Italian cultural tradition in the 19th and 20th century. The main goal of the seminar is to challenge Italian narratives that present Italian nationalism as immune from racial connotations and racism as foreign to the Italian nationalist tradition. The course analyses both literary and non literary sources. A crucial emphasis will be placed on the rise of fascism, the Holocaust and the resistance to fascism. The class is in English.

JS 201 - History of Antisemitism

Studies the negative representations of Judaism and Jews from antiquity to the modern world. Topics include: Greco-Roman concepts of the Jewish religion; medieval Christian symbolization of the demonic Jew; Jews and negative attitudes to capitalism; blood purity and blood libel; the rise of racial prejudice in the modern nation state; totalitarianism and genocide; antisemitism and anti-Zionism. Same as REL 212. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Humanities - Hist & Phil and Cultural Studies - Western

JS 209 - Jewish American and US Minority Literatures in Dialogue

Using a combination of careful reading with historical contextualization we will discuss how the field of Jewish American literature emerged, and get a sense of where it might be heading. We will address topics such as what makes a literary work Jewish American other than the Jewishness of its author; in what ways the field of Jewish American literature has changed over time; and what might be the underlying trends/themes of this field of literature. Same as CWL 209 and ENGL 222. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Cultural Studies - US Minority and Humanities – Lit & Arts

JS 399 - Special Topics

Faculty offer special topics in their areas of expertise that provide an opportunity for undergraduates to be exposed to some of the most current developments in faculty research. May be repeated in the same or separate term to a maximum of 9 hours.

JS 501 - Grad intro to Jewish Culture

Interdisciplinary graduate-level introduction to the study of Jewish culture and society. Focuses on the significations of Jewishness in modern history through a wide range of recent writings by historians, anthropologists, philosophers and cultural theorists. Key themes will include the relationship of Judaism to the other monotheistic religions, the varied pathways of Jewish modernization, the construction of Jewish Otherness in Europe and beyond, and responses to the Holocaust and the creation of the state of Israel.

LLS 596 - Graduate Seminar in LLS

Examination of specific topics in Latina/Latino Studies. Topics vary.

May be repeated in the same or subsequent semesters to a maximum of 12 hours.

MACS 503 - Historiography of Cinema

Seminar on historical perspectives on cinema as an institution, a body of signifying practices, a product to be consumed, a phenomenon of modernity, and a cultural artifact, and on cinema in relation to other screen media.

Same as CWL 503 and ENGL 503.

MUSE 500 - Core Problems in Museum Theory and Practice

A critical examination of both historical and current theoretical issues in museum practice. Addresses the development of museums within varied social, cultural and intellectual contexts, and the conceptualizations and criticisms of museums in terms of paradigmatic, institutional, symbolic and other theories. In addition to surveying the broad range of theoretical frameworks adopted in contemporary museum scholarship, students will examine and evaluate curatorial and institutional strategies for responding to the myriad external pressure (including multiple constituencies, standards and best practices) currently placed on museums.

PHIL 230 - Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion

Introduction to philosophical analysis of religious thought and experience. Same as REL 230. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Humanities - Hist & Phil

PS 152 - The New Middle East

Discussion of contemporary sociopolitical change and current events in the Middle East. We will explore the background to these events, the factors that are driving them, and the short-term and long-term implications for the region and the world. Course reflects diverse fields of study, including cultural studies, economics, education, history, law, linguistics, literature, media, religion, political science, and sociology. Same asSAME152 and SOC152. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Cultural Studies - Non-West, Social & Beh Sci - Soc Sci

PS 201 - US Racial and Ethnic Politics

Examines efforts by racial and ethnic communities to organize politically and by society to allocate resources based on race or ethnicity. Topical focus includes African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and white ethnics. The primary goal of the course is to develop a more comprehensive understanding of racial and ethnic politics by identifying commonalities and differences among these groups and their relationship to the state. Same as AAS201, AFRO201, and LLS201. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Social & Beh Sci - Soc Sci, Cultural Studies - US Minority

PS 347 - Government and Politics of the Middle East

Analyzes the transformation of Middle Eastern society from Morocco to Iran, as case studies in political modernization. The politics of the area are studied with special reference to causes and character of modernization, role of leadership, ideologies and institutions, methods and theories for analyzing political systems undergoing fundamental transformation, and implications for U. S. policy. Same as ASST 347.

See terms offered.

PSYC 207 - Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination

Examines the psychological causes and social consequences of prejudice and discrimination in society. Learn about the current state of prejudice and discrimination in the U.S., empirical methods for studying prejudice and discrimination, and psychological interventions for reducing prejudice and discrimination. Topics include stereotyping, cognitive biases, group conflict, ideology, implicit associations, subtle and benevolent forms of prejudice, and microaggressions. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Social & Beh Sci - Beh Sci

PSYC 308 - Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination

Examines major topics in the psychology of religion and spirituality to promote reflection on how religion shapes attitudes, behavior, and contemporary U.S. society. Through the lens of psychology, we explore questions such as: Why are some people religious and spiritual? How do we study religion and spirituality from a psychological perspective? What do religion and spirituality look like across the lifespan? Does religion shape prejudice, morality, violence, or altruism? What is the role of religion in promoting health? Overall, we will examine these and other questions to promote greater understanding regarding the role of religion and spirituality in the lives of individuals and larger society. Same as REL308. Prerequisite: PSYC100 or equivalent.

REL 101 - The Bible as Literature

Themes and literary genres in the Bible, emphasizing content important in Western culture. Same as CWL 111, ENGL 114.This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Humanities - Lit & Arts

REL 106 - Archaeology and the Bible

Examination of archaeological evidence, especially from Syria-Palestine, and discussion of its use in the interpretation of Biblical literature. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Advanced Composition, Humanities - Hist & Phil

REL 108 - Religion and Society in the West I

Introduction to classic writers and texts in Western religious and social thought from antiquity to the Enlightenment, with emphasis on their social and historical contexts. Same as ANTH 108, PHIL 108, and SOC 108.This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for:
Humanities - Hist & Phil, Cultural Studies - Western

REL 109 - Religion and Society in the West II

Introduction to classic writers and texts in Western religious and social thought from the Enlightenment to the present, with emphasis on their social and historical contexts. Same as ANTH 109, PHIL 109, and SOC 109.This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Humanities - Hist & Phil, Cultural Studies - Western

REL 110 - World Religions

Survey of the leading living religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; examination of basic texts and of philosophic theological elaborations of each religion. Same as PHIL 110.This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Humanities - Hist & Phil, Cultural Studies - Non-West, Cultural Studies - Western

REL 116 - Faith and Self in Global Context

Whether in fourth-century North African, tenth-century Japan, fourteenth-century Spain, or twentieth-century America, men and women have wrestled with the question of who they are and how they are to relate to the world. Through autobiographic writings, by reading the words of women and men attempting to make sense of the world and their place in it, we hope to focus attention on the personal dimensions of faith and of cross-cultural contact at the same time that we provide an introduction to the worlds' major religions. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Cultural Studies - Western

REL 120 - A History of Judaism

Conceptions of the Holy-Man and His Holiness within the Judaic tradition: the Man of God, the worldly Scribe, the Philosopher-king, Holiness through the heart, the mind and the law, Holiness through study, Holy Land, Holy Tradition, and the New Holy Man. Same as HIST 168. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Advanced Composition, Humanities - Hist & Phil

REL 130 - Jewish Customs and Ceremonies

The major festivals and life-cycle rituals of Judaism; focuses on sacred time, interaction of external and internal factors producing change and conservatism, relationship of ritual and theology, and the thematic development inherent in the rituals.

REL 201 - Hebrew Bible in English

Analyzes the critical issues in the interpretation of the literature of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament; surveys the history and religion of Ancient Israel with special reference to Israel's setting in the ancient Near East. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Humanities - Hist & Phil

REL 220 - Jewish Storytelling

Course will introduce the great Jewish storytellers such as Nachman of Bratslav, Scholem-Aleichem, and I.B. Singer through readings of Yiddish tales, short stories, poetry, drama and excerpts from novels and autobiographies from the 19th and 20th centuries. In addition, Yiddish films and folklore will be used to exemplify the variety of Jewish cultural expression in Eastern Europe, Russia, and America. Course will also present a sample of critical approaches to Yiddish literature. Taught in English translation. Same as CWL 221 and YDSH 220. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Humanities - Lit & Arts, Cultural Studies - Western

REL 221 - American Judaism

Forms of Judaism in America: Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, Orthodox, and Hasidic Judaism; the American rabbi; Zionism in America; American Jewish communal life; national Jewish organizations; the American synagogue; and the secular Jew. Prerequisite: Completion of campus Composition I general education requirement. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Advanced Composition

REL 235 - History of Religion in America

Examines the religious history of the lands that have become the United States and the people who have become known as Americans through texts written by and about people of all races and creeds. From the precontact era through the twentieth century, this course emphasizes the diversity of American religion, the discord caused by and present in American religion, and the many instances of dialogue that have been a part of America's religious history. Same as HIST 289.This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Humanities - Hist & Phil

REL 242 - The Holocaust: Religious Responses

The theoretical foundation for ideas of national and racial superiority which attended the holocaust and responses to this phenomenon by major Jewish and Christian thinkers, including Rubenstein, Buber, Fackenheim, Berkowitz, Reuther, and Wiesel.

REL 283 - Jewish Sacred Literature

Literary study of the major post-biblical sacred texts of Judaism; includes readings in translation from Mishnah, Tosefta, Talmudim, midrashim, piyyutim, and mystical treatises. Emphasizes nature, history, function, and development of literary patterns and forms and the relationships between form and content in these texts. Same as CWL 283, ENGL 283. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Humanities - Lit & Arts

REL 320 - Literary Responses to the Holocaust

Course introduces a variety of Jewish literary responses to the Holocaust written during and after the Second World War (from 1939). The discussion of Holocaust memoirs, diaries, novels, short stories, poems, and other texts will focus on the unique contribution of literary works to our understanding of the Holocaust. In addition, the works and their authors will be situated in their Jewish cultural historical context. Taught in English translation. Same as ENGL 359 and YDSH 320.This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Humanities - Lit & Arts, Cultural Studies - Western

REL 415 - Introductory Readings of the Talmud

Introduces students to the rhetoric, vocabulary, grammar, and argumentation of the Babylonian Talmud. The students will read, translate, and analyze portions of the Babylonian Talmud daily in class.

REL 416 - Readings in Rabbinic Midrash

Introduces students to the rhetoric, vocabulary, grammar, and argumentation of the Rabbinic Midrashic Collections, especially Mekhilta, Sifre Deuteronomy, and Bereshit Rabbah. The students will read, translate, and analyze portions of these collections daily in class.

REL 442 - History of Early Judaism

The history of Judaism from Ezra to the rise of Islam: Hellenism and Judaism, varieties of Judaism, Palestinian Judaism and its documents, Babylonian Judaism, the rabbis, and popular Jewish culture. Same as HIST 432.

REL 458 - Christians and Jews 1099-1789

Examines the complex relations between Christians and Jews in Europe from the high Middle Ages through the Enlightenment. Among our topics are the religious and social roots of medieval persecutions of Jews; the history of Jewish banishments; construction of myths to foment hostilities; Renaissance humanism (especially the Christian absorption of Jewish scholarship); the impact of the Christian reform movements, both Protestant and Catholic, on the status of Jews; mercantilism and the re-admission of Jews; and the emergence of a discourse of religious tolerance in the Enlightenment. Same as HIST 458.

REL 496 - Topics in the History of Judaism

Examination of two or three of the most important practices, beliefs, icons, texts, myths, and spiritual encounters that have and continue to shape Judaism as a religion. Same as JS 496.

REL 498 - Topics in Biblical Studies

Detailed interpretation of selected books of the Bible.

REL 515 - History of Jewish Theology

Study of Israelite and Jewish thought from the biblical to modern period. Particular attention will be paid to theological matters and to the historical, cultural and intellectual challenges that engendered a re-thinking and re-conceptualization of the Jewish faith.

RUSS 261 - Introduction to Russian-Jewish Culture

Introduction to the interaction of the intellectual, artistic, political, social, and religious life of the Jewish community in Russia through film, literature, art and historical record. Same as HIST 261. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Humanities - Hist & Phil, Cultural Studies - Western

RUSS 465 - Russian-Jewish Culture

Study of Russian-Jewish cultural, social, and political life through literature and film.

SOCW 300 - Diversity: Identities & Issues

This introductory course explores multiple dimensions of diversity in a pluralistic and increasingly globalized society. Using a social work strengths perspective as well as historical, constructivist, and critical conceptual frameworks; the course examines issues of identity, culture, privilege stigma, prejudice, and discrimination. The social construction and implications of race, class, gender, sexual orientation, and other dimensions of difference is examined at individual, interpersonal, and systems levels. Students are expected to use the course material to explore their personal values, biases, family backgrounds, culture, and formative experiences in order to deepen their self-awareness and develop interpersonal skills in bridging differences. Finally, students apply learning from the course to identify characteristics of effective social work and other health and human service provision among people culturally different themselves; and to identify opportunities for change contributing to prejudice reduction and cross-cultural acceptance at home, work and in society. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Advanced Composition, Cultural Studies - US Minority

SOCW 473 - Immigration, Health & Society

This interdisciplinary seminar examines the social determinants of US racial and ethnic health inequalities through the lens of (im)migration. Topics to be addressed include: conceptualizations of race and ethnicity, immigrant-adaptation theories, discrimination, place, and the intersections of race, ethnicity, poverty, immigration, gender and health. Same as LLS 473, SOC 473, and CHLH 473.

SOC 225 - Race and Ethnicity

Sociological and social-psychological analysis of minority groups; illustrative material drawn from representative racial, ethnic, and status groups. Prerequisite: SOC100, SOC101, OR SOC163. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Social & Beh Sci - Soc Sci, Cultural Studies - US Minority

SPAN 254 - Introduction to Cultural Analysis

Introduction to the analysis of culture as concept, practice and representation, including consideration of the debates that the idea of culture has provoked in different contexts. Provides analytical and methodological tools to discuss a full range of cultural forms. Special emphasis on issues of culture and representation, as well as on the notion of cultural difference(s). The theoretical and critical texts studies will represent diverse geographical and cultural locations. Examples and discussion will emphasize cultural issues in the context of Spain, Latin America and U.S. Latinas/os. (This course is taught in Spanish).  

SPAN 535 - Seminar in Spanish-American Literature

Special problems in methodology and research; includes other prose fiction.

Same as CWL 562. 

YDSH 101 - Elementary Yiddish, I

Course develops basic conversational and reading skills as well as the essentials of Yiddish grammar.

YDSH 102 - Elementary Yiddish, II

Continuation of YDSH 101 focusing on comprehension and reading skills.

YDSH 103 - Intermediate Yiddish, I

Continuation of YDSH 102. Develops more advanced conversational, comprehension, reading and writing skills as well as introducing more advanced features of Yiddish grammar.

YDSH 104 - Intermediate Yiddish, II

Continuation of YDSH 103.

YDSH 220 - Jewish Storytelling

Course will introduce the great Jewish storytellers such as Nachman of Bratslav, Scholem-Aleichem, and I.B. Singer through readings of Yiddish tales, short stories, poetry, drama and excerpts from novels and autobiographies from the 19th and 20th centuries. In addition, Yiddish films and folklore will be used to exemplify the variety of Jewish cultural expression in Eastern Europe, Russia, and America. Course will also present a sample of critical approaches to Yiddish literature. Taught in English translation. Same as CWL 221 and REL 220. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Humanities - Lit & Arts, Cultural Studies - Western

YDSH 320 - Literary Responses to the Holocaust

Course introduces a variety of Jewish literary responses to the Holocaust written during and after the Second World War (from 1939). The discussion of Holocaust memoirs, diaries, novels, short stories, poems, and other texts will focus on the unique contribution of literary works to our understanding of the Holocaust. In addition, the works and their authors will be situated in their Jewish cultural-historical context. Taught in English translation. Same as ENGL 359 and REL 320. This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for: Humanities - Lit & Arts, Cultural Studies - Western

YDSH 420. Jewish Life-Writing

Jewish life-writing from the late 18th century until today. Emphasis on cultural-historical context, literary styles, and forms. All texts will be available in English translation. Same as CWL 421,HIST 436,REL 420, and SLAV 420.