Course Descriptions: JDST, HEBR | UMBC Undergraduate Catalog 2012-2013

Judaic Studies

JDST 100 (3.00)

Introduction to Judaic Studies

A survey of the Judaic experience and expression, including varieties of religious expression, philosophical issues, literary and artistic dimensions, the role of Jewish law and the contemporary status of Jewish intellectual activity.

	Course ID:	055027
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Lecture
	Attributes:	Arts and Humanities (GEP), Culture (GEP), Arts and Humanities (GFR), Culture (GFR)

JDST 200 (3.00)

Israel and the Ancient Near East

A survey of the cultures of the ancient Near East including Assyria, Persia, and especially the development of ancient Judaism.

	Course ID:	050041
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Lecture
	Same as Offering:	ANCS 200, RLST 201
	Attributes:	Arts and Humanities (GEP), Culture (GEP), Arts and Humanities (GFR), Culture (GFR)

JDST 201 (3.00)

Judaism in the Time of Jesus and Hillel

This course surveys the history of Judaism and the Jewish people from the onset of Hellenism through the second Jewish revolt against the occupation by the Roman Empire. This formative period in the history of Judaism, of early Christianity and of Jewish-Christian relations is interpreted in light of extant primary and secondary literary and archaeological sources.

	Course ID:	050038
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Lecture
	Same as Offering:	ANCS 220, RLST 202
	Attributes:	Arts and Humanities (GEP), Culture (GEP), Arts and Humanities (GFR), Culture (GFR)

JDST 230 (3.00)

Introduction to the Jewish Bible (TaNaKH)

An examination of the structure and content of the Jewish Bible (the Torah, the Prophets and the Writings). Topics include the Bible's historical and socio-cultural background, translations, exegesis, and classical and contemporary commentaries. Recommended Preparation: JDST 100 or the consent of the instructor.

	Course ID:	055028
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Lecture
	Attributes:	Arts and Humanities (GEP), Culture (GEP), Arts and Humanities (GFR), Culture (GFR)

JDST 273 (3.00)

History of the Jews in Modern Times, From the Middle Ages to1917

Political and socioeconomic forces at work in Europe and within the Jewish community during this period. Hassidism and enlightenment, emancipation and reform. The French and Russian revolutions. Jewish existence in Eastern Europe. Zionism and Aliyah.

	Course ID:	050160
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Lecture
	Same as Offering:	HIST 273, RLST 273
	Attributes:	Culture (GEP), Social Sciences (GEP), Culture (GFR), Social Sciences (GFR)

JDST 274 (3.00)

Contemporary Jewish History: 1917 to the Present

Jewish civilization in the 20th century with attention to interwar years, the attempted destruction of European Jewry in World War II and the resistance of the Jews. Post-war issues are examined: including the Allies and the United Nations, the emergence of new centers in Europe and Israel, Jews in the former Soviet Union, Jewish identity struggle in America and post-Holocaust thought.

	Course ID:	050147
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Lecture
	Same as Offering:	HIST 274, RLST 274
	Attributes:	Culture (GEP), Social Sciences (GEP), Culture (GFR), Social Sciences (GFR)

JDST 290 (3.00)

Topics in Judaic Studies

Topics will be announced each semester.

	Course ID:	055029
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Lecture
	Topics:	Judaism &Christian Begin, Intro Jew Phil Thought, Topics In Judaic Studies, Jewish Interpretation, Jewish Great Books, Yiddish:Lang/Lit/Culture, Jewish American Lit, Images Of Jewish Women, Interpret The Torah, Intro Jewish Phil Tought, The Holocaust in American Memory

JDST 310 (3.00)

Modern Israel: The Land, Its People, Culture, and Society

A multidisciplinary study of the historical background and current issues in the modern State of Israel. Topics may include physical and cultural geography; population demographics; immigration and absorption; religious and ethnic diversity; social and political structures; the economy and economic institutions, including the Kibbutz and Moshav; the Israeli educational system; and Israeli international relations.

	Course ID:	055030
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Lecture
	Attributes:	Culture (GEP), Social Sciences (GEP), Culture (GFR), Social Sciences (GFR)

JDST 311 (3.00)

Modern Israel in Film

From its founding to the present, films (features and documentaries) about Israel have shaped public opinion and been molded by it. The course explores issues and problems addressed by these films and those that have been ignored. Recommended Preparation: One of the following: JDST 100, 274, 310, or consent of the instructor

	Course ID:	055031
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Lecture
	Attributes:	Culture (GFR)

JDST 320 (3.00)

Literature of the Holocaust

An examination of the experiences of the Holocaust through works of poetry, drama, autobiography and/or the novel. Most of the selections relate the Holocaust as it was experienced after the writers translated those experiences into art, including film and video, making their personal tragedies into recognizable truths. Recommended Preparation: Junior standing or consent of the instructor

	Course ID:	055032
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Lecture

JDST 321 (3.00)

Jewish Writing in World Literature

This course will study the development of modern Jewish writing from its beginnings in the Yiddish works of Eastern Europe through its diasporic extension into Western Europe, North Africa, Latin America, North America and Israel. Special attention will be given to the analysis of Jewish humor, in literature as well as other cultural forms, from the novels of Sholom Aleichem to the films of Woody Allen. Jewish literary responses to the Holocaust also will be discussed. The course will emphasize the cross-cultural nature of Jewish diasporic writing in its attachment both to common Jewish traditions and to diverse national, historical, geographical and linguistic contexts.

	Course ID:	050179
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Lecture
	Same as Offering:	MLL 321
	Attributes:	Culture (GEP), Culture (GFR)

JDST 323 (3.00)

Modern Hebrew Literature

A survey of various forms of Hebrew literature in English translation from throughout the world since the 19th century. In addition, modern Hebrew literature is compared to, and contrasted with, pre-modern Hebrew literature and Yiddish literature. Recommended Preparation: An English or world literature course in any language at the 200 level or above or consent from the instructor

	Course ID:	050178
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Lecture
	Same as Offering:	MLL 323
	Attributes:	Arts and Humanities (GEP), Culture (GEP), Arts and Humanities (GFR), Culture (GFR)

JDST 330 (3.00)

Jewish Ethics

An examination of the sources on Jewish ethics; Jewish ethical analyses of issues in medicine, business, sexual behavior and politics; Jewish approaches to dilemmas raised during the Holocaust. Recommended Preparation: JDST 100 or PHIL 150 or consent of the instructor

	Course ID:	055034
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Lecture

JDST 340 (3.00)

Origins of Antisemitism

The evolution of anti-Jewish sentiments in the pagan and later Christian world are examined, along with images of the Jew as evil, devil consort and Christ-killer, and the development and spread of myths about Jews, such as their involvement in well-poisonings, the blood libel and host desecration. Study of the changes in beliefs in the modern era includes analysis of how pseudoscientific race theories produced the modern phenomena of anti-Judaism and anti-Semitism.

	Course ID:	055036
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Lecture
	Attributes:	Arts and Humanities (GEP), Culture (GEP), Arts and Humanities (GFR), Culture (GFR)

JDST 370 (3.00)

History of the Jews in the United States

The history of the Jews in the United States from the earliest settlements to the present. The course focuses on political, economic, religious and cultural developments, anti-Semitism, and the rise of American Jewry to a position of leadership and responsibility in the world Jewish community. Special emphasis is placed on comparing and contrasting the American-Jewish historical experience with prior Jewish historical experiences in Europe. Recommended Preparation: One course in American or European history or permission of instructor

	Course ID:	050167
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Lecture
	Same as Offering:	HIST 370
	Attributes:	Social Sciences (GEP), Social Sciences (GFR)

JDST 371 (3.00)

The Jewish American Experience in Film

This course explores the experiences of Jews in twentieth century America as portrayed in film through various themes that have helped to shape American Jewish identity. By examining cinematic representations in light of historical background, students will evaluate stereotypes and fictional images presented of Jews. Students will acquire critical movie-viewing skills as well as insight into the contemporary popular Jewish imagination. Recommended Preparation: HIST 102 or JDST274 or JDST370 or permission of the instructor.

	Course ID:	050169
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Lecture
	Same as Offering:	HIST 377
	Attributes:	Social Sciences (GEP), Social Sciences (GFR)

JDST 373 (3.00)

History of the Holocaust

An interdisciplinary examination of the attempted destruction of the Jews of Europe and their culture, as well as the persecution of others on the basis of physical and emotional disabilities, ethnicity, politics, religion and sexual orientation at the hands of the Nazis and their collaborators during WWII. The course will briefly survey the migration of Jews to Europe, the history of anti-Semitism and "scientific" racism the circumstances in Europe that allowed the rise of the National Socialist movement and the pre-WWII Nazi policies of discrimination. It then will focus on the perpetrators, victims and bystanders of the "Final Solution" and conclude with an analysis of the legacy of the Holocaust. Recommended Preparation: Any 100-level social science course or junior/senior status.

	Course ID:	050155
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Lecture
	Course Equivalents:	HIST 373H, JDST 373H
	Same as Offering:	HIST 373
	Attributes:	Culture (GEP), Social Sciences (GEP), Culture (GFR), Social Sciences (GFR)

JDST 373H (3.00)

History of the Holocaust

	Course ID:	100340
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Lecture
	Course Equivalents:	HIST 373, JDST 373
	Same as Offering:	HIST 373H
	Attributes:	Culture (GEP), Social Sciences (GEP), Culture (GFR), Social Sciences (GFR)

JDST 390 (3.00)

Topics in Judaic Studies

Topics will be announced each semester.

	Course ID:	055037
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Lecture
	Topics:	Top:Biblical Archaeology, Top:Jewish Mysticim, 20Th Cent Jew Amer Exp, US- Israel Relations, The Rise Of Amer Jewry, Temples,Churches,Synagog, Top:Intro To The Tanakh, Top:Israel&Ancnt Nr East, The Problem Of Job, Top:Immig,Destruct&Btwen, Contemp Jewish Ethics, Topics:Jewish Legends, Top: Bernard Malamud, Topics In Judaic Studies, Top:Themes Jewish Cimema, Jewish Music, Holocaust & Forgiveness, Jewish Phil & Mysticism, 20Th Cent Jew Amer Exper, Intro To Old Testament, Top: French Jewish Exper, Top: Amer Jewish Exper, Top:Holocaust-Iss&Person, Jdst Top: Modern Israel, Contemporary Judaism, Top:Lit Of The Holocaust, Cntmp Jewish Rel Thought, Intro Jewish Mysticism, Arab-Israeli Conflict, Yiddish Literature, Arch Of Anct Egypt&Israe, Top: Jewish Music, Modern Israel In Film, Top:The Dead Sea Scrolls, Black-Jewish Relations, Topic: Old Testament, Holocaust:Soc Psyc Issue, History Of The Holocaust, Judaism Tm Jesus/Hillel, Judaism: Jesus & Hillel, Yiddish:Lang/Lit/Cult, Beyond Emancipation, Archaeology & The Bible, Jewish Creativity in 20th Century Arts, Literature, Jews in Crime and Detective Fiction

JDST 400 (1.00 - 3.00)

Special Study or Project in Judaic Studies

Tutorial or independent study, archival or empirical research, or field placement.

	Course ID:	055040
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Lecture

JDST 410 (3.00)

Dynamics of the Arab-Israeli Conflict

The course starts with a focus on the development of the Arab-Israeli conflict from its beginnings in the period when Palestine was controlled by the Ottoman Empire. The growth of Arab nationalism and Zionism will be compared, as will the conflicting promises made by the British to both Zionists and Arab nationalists during World War I. Next is a review of British rule over both Arabs and Zionists during the Palestine Mandate. The second half of the course is an examination of the Arab-Israeli wars since 1948, the Camp David and Oslo peace processes, the Al-Aksa Intifadah and developments since then. The conflict is analyzed against the background of great powers intervention in the Middle East, and the dynamics of intra-Arab politics, political Islam and oil. Recommended Preparation: One of the following: JDST 274, 310, POLI 280 or 373

	Course ID:	050185
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Lecture
	Same as Offering:	POLI 485

JDST 463 (3.00)

Jews, Christians and Muslims in the Middle Ages

This course examines moments of contact and conflict between the three major monotheistic faiths of the medieval period: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Topics will include an examination of the scriptural foundations of the three faiths and their influence on topics such as law, violence, conversion, ritual, and legend. The course provides an overview of how individuals and leadership within the three faiths interacted with each other. Recommended Preparation: HIST 100, HIST 110, or HIST 111, JDST 100, RLST100 or 200-level course, and junior/senior standing, or permission of the instructor.

	Course ID:	050151
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Lecture
	Same as Offering:	HIST 463, RLST 463

JDST 490 (1.00 - 4.00)

Topics in Judaic Studies

Topics, prerequisites and the number of credits will be announced each semester.

	Course ID:	055041
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Lecture
	Topics:	Arab-Israeli Conflict

Hebrew

HEBR 101 (4.00)

Elementary Modern Hebrew I

An introduction to Hebrew as it is spoken and written today. Listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing skills are developed. Introductory exposure to Israeli society and culture is included

	Course ID:	054603
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Discussion, Lecture
	Attributes:	Language (GFR)

HEBR 102 (4.00)

Elementary Modern Hebrew II

Continuation of HEBR 101. The course focuses on extending Hebrew language skills. Additional exposure to Israeli society and culture.

	Course ID:	054605
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Discussion, Lecture
	Attributes:	Language (GFR)
	Requirement Group:	You must complerte HEBR 101 with a C or better before taking this class or have completed 2 years of high school Hebrew.

HEBR 201 (4.00)

Intermediate Modern Hebrew I

Further development of listening comprehension and speaking skills and increased emphasis on reading, writing and cultural knowledge. Focus on everyday life in Israeli society.

	Course ID:	054607
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Discussion, Lecture
	Attributes:	201 Level Language Requirement (GEP), Culture (GFR), 201-Level Foreign Language (GFR)
	Requirement Group:	You must complete HEBR 102 with a grade of C or better before taking this class or have completed 3 years of high school Hebrew.

HEBR 202 (4.00)

Intermediate Modern Hebrew II

Reading, writing and oral use of Hebrew, with an emphasis on contemporary Israeli society.

	Course ID:	054609
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Discussion, Lecture
	Attributes:	Culture (GEP), Culture (GFR), Language (GFR)
	Requirement Group:	You must complete HEBR 201 with a grade of C or better before taking this class or have completed 4 years of high school Hebrew.

HEBR 301 (3.00)

Advanced Hebrew I

This advanced Hebrew language course focuses on sociocultural issues and current events in Israeli life as reflected in newspapers, contemporary journals and literature. Language will be developed through such class activities as reading, discussion, composition and oral presentations in Hebrew. Recommended Preparation: HEBR 201 with a grade of C or better or permission of instructor.

	Course ID:	054611
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Lecture
	Attributes:	Culture (GEP), Culture (GFR), Language (GFR)

HEBR 302 (3.00)

Advanced Hebrew II

This course is a continuation of HEBR 301 with increased attention to the development of reading and writing skills. The evolution of Israeli culture will be traced through a survey of 20th-century Hebrew literature. Class activities will include intensive reading, discussion and writing. A short critical paper will be required. Recommended Preparation: HEBR 301 or permission of instructor.

	Course ID:	054612
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Lecture
	Attributes:	Arts and Humanities (GEP), Culture (GEP), Arts and Humanities (GFR), Culture (GFR), Language (GFR)

HEBR 323 (3.00)

Selected Hebrew Authors

The emphasis of this course is on expanding Hebrew language skills. Exploration of the work of one or two authors serves as the basis for more advanced work in Hebrew comprehension, as well as in writing and speaking the language. Literary critique and analysis through class discussions and writing assignments are the foci of class activities. The author(s) to be studied will be selected by the instructor. Authors such as S.Y. Agnon, C.N. Bialik, C. Hazaz or A. Oz may be chosen. Recommended Preparation: HEBR 201 or permission of instructor.

	Course ID:	054613
	Consent:	No Special Consent Required
	Components:	Lecture
	Attributes:	Language (GFR)