{"id":14940,"date":"2024-09-26T14:33:41","date_gmt":"2024-09-26T18:33:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/jewishstudies\/?page_id=14940"},"modified":"2025-04-08T12:58:37","modified_gmt":"2025-04-08T16:58:37","slug":"spring-2025-js-courses","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/jewishstudies\/academics\/spring-2025-js-courses\/","title":{"rendered":"Spring 2025 Jewish Studies Courses"},"content":{"rendered":"

Click HERE<\/a> for a flyer with all of our Spring 2025 Jewish Studies courses.<\/h3>\n

Interdisciplinary Courses<\/span><\/h1>\n

World Cultures of the Jews<\/span><\/h2>\n

CAS JS 100 (4 Credits)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

MWF 10:10-11<\/span><\/p>\n

Introduces students to the study of Judaism in its many forms, by exploring Jewish communities across the globe today, their different historical origins and cultural contexts, and strategies of preserving cohesion and transnational solidarity. Effective Spring 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas:<\/span> The Individual in Community<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>Teamwork\/Collaboration<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instructor: <\/span>Professor Matthew Creighton<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Jewish Literature and Thought<\/span><\/h1>\n

Jewish Mysticism<\/span><\/h2>\n

CAS JS 246 (4 Credits) Mts w\/ RN 326, RN 626, STH TX 818<\/span><\/p>\n

MWF 10:10-11:00<\/span><\/p>\n

Undergraduate Prerequisites: First-Year Writing Seminar (CAS WR 120 or equivalent)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This course explores the rich world of Jewish Mysticism from its earliest roots to its contemporary expressions in the 21st century. We look at the interaction between Jewish mystics and major western schools of thought such as Gnosticism, Neoplatonism, Aristotelianism, and Sufism. The course also introduces students to the Kabbalistic tradition and its various historical manifestations. No prior knowledge of Hebrew or other themes in Jewish studies required. Effective Spring 2022, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: <\/span>Writing-Intensive Course<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>Aesthetic Exploration<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>Teamwork\/Collaboration<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instructor: <\/span>Professor Yair Lior<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Maimonides<\/span><\/h2>\n

CAS RN 420\/PH 409 (4 Credits) Mts w\/ RN 720, PH 609, STH TX 879<\/span><\/p>\n

M 6:30-9:15<\/span><\/p>\n

A study of major aspects of the thought of Maimonides. Primary focus on the Guide of the Perplexed, with attention to its modern reception in works by Baruch Spinoza, Hermann Cohen, Leo Strauss, and others. Also offered as CAS RN 420. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: <\/span>Philosophical Inquiry and Life’s Meanings, Oral, and\/or Signed Communication.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Instructor: <\/span>Professor Michael Zank<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

History and Holocaust<\/span><\/h1>\n

Survey History of Judaism<\/span><\/h2>\n

CAS JS 252 (4 Credits) Mts w\/ RN 322<\/span><\/p>\n

TR 12:30-1:45\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This class surveys Jewish history from the classical period to modern times. It covers: the destruction of the 1st Temple; the encounter with Hellenism; the Roman period; the destruction of the 2nd Temple; the rise and influence of rabbinic Judaism; the medieval era under Muslim and Christian rule; medieval antisemitism; Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah); and philosophy (Maimonides). For the modern era we discuss: the Renaissance; the Reformation; the complex issue of Emancipation; coming to America; the growth of American Judaism; religious reform; modern antisemitism; and Zionism. Effective Spring 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: <\/span>Historical Consciousness<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>Critical Thinking<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instructor: <\/span>Professor Steven T. Katz<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Representations of the Holocaust in Literature and Film<\/span><\/h2>\n

CAS JS 261 (4 Credits) Mts w\/ XL 281, RN 685, COM CI 269, STH TX 899<\/span><\/p>\n

MWF 11:15-12:05\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How can we understand the impact of the Holocaust and its ongoing legacies? Holocaust representation in literature, film and memorials, including discussions of bystander complicity and societal responsibilities, testimonial and fictive works by Wiesel and Levi, documentaries and feature films. Effective Fall 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: <\/span>Ethical Reasoning<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>Historical Consciousness<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instructor: <\/span>Professor Matthew Creighton<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Music of the Holocaust<\/span><\/h2>\n

CAS JS 365 (4 Credits)<\/span><\/p>\n

M 2:30-5:15\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Undergraduate prerequisite: First-Year writing seminar (CASWR 100 or 120.)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

History and music of composers targeted during the Holocaust: classical music, jazz, and cabaret musical styles banned as “degenerate” by the Nazis. Particular focus on the art and music created in the Terez\u00edn (Theresienstadt) concentration camp.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instructor: <\/span>Mark Ludwig<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Fascism and the Holocaust in Italy<\/span><\/h2>\n

CAS JS 366 (4 Credits) Mts w\/ LI 386, CI 386<\/span><\/p>\n

TR 11-12:15<\/span><\/p>\n

The Fascist regime and the Holocaust in Italy: how the civic status of Italian Jews changed from the beginnings of discrimination against them to deportations of 1943, posing larger questions about bigotry and racism, and the role of bystander complicity. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: <\/span>Aesthetic Exploration<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>Historical Consciousness<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instructor: <\/span>Professor Nancy Harrowitz<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Seminar on the Holocaust<\/span><\/h2>\n

CAS JS 460 (4 Credits) Mts w\/ RN 460<\/span><\/p>\n

TR 3:30-4:45<\/span><\/p>\n

This course will examine historical, ethical and religious issues arising from the Holocaust. We will discuss antisemitism and ideology; what communities were considered “other”; human motivation regarding collaborators, perpetrators and bystanders; the role of individuals, organizations and governments; the treatment of women; the ethics of resistance; the behavior of the Jewish Councils; and attitudes to the existence of God during and after the Holocaust. We will also compare the Holocaust to contemporary crises now occurring around the world. Effective Spring 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: <\/span>Oral and\/or Signed Communication<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>Ethical Reasoning<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>Historical Consciousness<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instructor: <\/span>Professor Steven T. Katz<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Contemporary Jewish Societies and Cultures, including Israel Studies<\/span><\/h1>\n

Israeli Popular Music<\/span><\/h2>\n

CAS JS 280 (4 Credits) Mts w\/ LH 330<\/span><\/p>\n

MWF 12:20-1:10 PM\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASLH212) or equivalent.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Advanced-intermediate Hebrew language and culture course for those who have completed at least four semesters’ college Hebrew or equivalent.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Introduction to Israeli cultural history through music. Students expand vocabulary and further develop writing, reading, listening, and conversational skills in Hebrew. Effective Spring 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: <\/span>Digital\/Multimedia Expression<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>Creativity\/Innovation<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instructor: <\/span>Professor Mira Angrist<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Israeli Culture Through Film (in English Translation)<\/span><\/h2>\n

CAS JS 283 (4 Credits) Mts w\/ LH 283, CI 270<\/span><\/p>\n

TR 12:30-1:45<\/span><\/p>\n

Undergraduate Prerequisites: First-Year Writing Seminar (WR 120 or equivalent)<\/span><\/p>\n

Israeli society, from its origins to contemporary times, through the medium of film. Topics include immigration; war; the ongoing impact of the Holocaust on Israeli society; trials of women; war; the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Introduction to film analysis and interpretive methods. Effective Fall 2022, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: <\/span>Writing-Intensive Course<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>Aesthetic Exploration<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instructor:<\/span> Professor Abigail Gillman<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Israel: History, Politics, Culture<\/span><\/h2>\n

CAS JS 285 (4 Credits) Mts w\/ HI 392, LH 284<\/span><\/p>\n

TR 9:30-10:45<\/span><\/p>\n

Undergraduate Prerequisites: First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Using a broad array of readings, popular music, documentaries, film and art, this course explores Israel’s political system, culture, and society, including the status of minorities in the Jewish state; post-1967 Israeli settlement projects; and the struggle for Israel’s identity. Effective Fall 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: <\/span>Writing- Intensive Course<\/span><\/i>,<\/span> The Individual in Community<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>Critical Thinking<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instructor: <\/span>Professor Lotner Lev<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict<\/span><\/h2>\n

CAS JS 286 (4 Credits) Mts w\/ HI 393<\/span><\/p>\n

A1 MWF 11:15-12:05, Instructor: Dr. Dotan Greenvald<\/span><\/p>\n

B1 MWF 12:30-1:45, Instructor: Dr. Dotan Greenvald<\/span><\/p>\n

C1 TR 2-3:15, Instructor: Professor Nahum Karlinsky<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

History of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, analysis of conflicting narratives through primary sources and film. Students present their own reflections on the conflict and debate possibilities of resolution. Counts toward majors and minors in History, International Relations, Middle East & North Africa Studies, and Jewish Studies. Effective Spring 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: <\/span>Historical Consciousness<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Islamophobia and Antisemitism<\/span><\/h2>\n

CAS JS 379 (4 Credits) Mts w\/ RN 249<\/span><\/p>\n

MWF 11:15-12:05 PM\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Explores historical and contemporary manifestations of Islamophobia and Antisemitism. Students are exposed to wide range of relevant written and visual texts as well as theoretical approaches. Includes active learning component and collaborative presentations by students. Effective Spring 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: <\/span>Ethical Reasoning<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>The Individual in Community<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>Teamwork\/Collaboration<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instructor: <\/span>Professor Adam Seligman<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Environmental Law in Israel and the Mediterranean<\/span><\/h2>\n

CAS JS 387 (4 Credits) Mts w\/ EE387<\/span><\/p>\n

TR 3:30-4:45<\/span><\/p>\n

Principles, theories and tools for environmental law and regulation, and implementation through cases in Israel and the Eastern Mediterranean. Through case studies, students critically analyze a range of environmental issues: nature protection, air pollution, marine protection, climate change and more. Effective Spring 2024, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU HUB areas: <\/span>Ethical Reasoning<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>Critical Thinking<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instructor: <\/span>Professor Lotner Lev<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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