JWST 090 A-Z - (HP) Special Topics in Jewish StudiesSemester Hours: 3
Once a Year
Designed to treat special subjects or themes dealing with some major spiritual, political, and social issues facing the Jewish people. The subject is chosen at the discretion of the department but with the students’ interest in view. Such themes as the dynamics of rabbinic Judaism; philosophy of ancient Israel; foundations of Jewish mysticism, etc., are considered.
Current Special Topics
JWST 090J WHAT IS JUDAISM?
The course introduces students to major themes in the study of Jewish experiences throughout the world and serves as an overview to the field. During the semester we will explore the following questions: What is Judaism? What is a Jewish text? What is a Jewish context? and What is Jewish Studies? Students will end the course with knowledge and tools to explore the diversity of Jewish experiences through a variety of disciplinary lenses that can help them in majors and careers in health, psychology, law, politics, public policy, media, communications, arts, and advocacy, among others.
JWST 090P: Conspiracy Theories
Conspiracies seem to be everywhere … but are they? For some, they explain what is hidden in the world, and for others, they are a misguided interpretation of this same world. Discrimination, persecution, attacks against political systems, and even murders have followed these theories. This course will explore what is behind this phenomenon. We will explore the histories, politics, media, and social media discourses; possibilities, and problems behind conspiracy theories; and why some religious, racial, and gender collectives seem to be usual targets. Students will be able to understand not only how conspiracy theories came to be and changed through time, but also to discern between them and sound social critique.
JWST 090W: (HP) Introduction to Western Religious Traditions
Survey course concentrating on Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Students compare various forms of myth, ritual and sacred scripture, and analyze the structure of religious community and experience.
Prerequisite(s)/Course Notes:
As individual subjects are selected, each is assigned a letter (A-Z) which is affixed to the course number. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Specific titles and course descriptions for special topics courses are available in the online class schedule.
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