A thematic survey of Jewish history and thought from the 16th century to the present, examining Jews as a minority in modern Europe and in global diaspora. We analyze changing dynamics of integration and exclusion of Jews in various societies as well as diverse forms of Jewish religion, culture and identity among Sephardic, Ashkenazic and Mizrahi Jews. Readings include major philosophic, mystical and political works in addition to primary sources on the lives of Jewish women and men, families and communities, and messianic and popular movements.

A survey of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh/OldTestament) and its historical and cultural context. Readings and discussions of narrative, legal, prophetic and wisdom texts with an eye toward understanding how the Bible developed and has been interpreted by Jews and Christians.

Same as REL 108. This course asks the big question, “What is the Meaning of Life?” and explores a range of answers offered by philosophers and religious thinkers from a host of different traditions in different eras of human history. We explore a variety of forms of philosophical and religious thinking and consider the ways in which philosophical and religious thinking can be directly relevant to our own lives.

Same as PHI 108. This course asks the big question, “What is the Meaning of Life?” and explores a range of answers offered by philosophers and religious thinkers from a host of different traditions in different eras of human history. We explore a variety of forms of philosophical and religious thinking and the ways that they can be directly relevant to our lives.

Major themes addressed by Muslim thinkers since the 18th century, such as Islamic reform and revival, the encounters with colonialism and imperialism, nationalism and other modern ideologies; and Islamic discussions of modernity, liberalism, conservatism, fundamentalism and militancy. Reading of primary sources in translation.

Commonly associated with pre-modern societies, the term “blasphemy” has taken on new life in today’s technologically-connected world. This course examines the notion of blasphemy—its meanings, the invisible boundaries it presupposes both in some of the world’s major religious traditions and in secular contexts, and the different ways of seeing it often signifies. Based on case studies, it explores contemporary public uses of the term, the competing understandings of the “sacred” it often assumes, and the cultural and political challenges the term presents in a globalized society.

How does a culture conceptualize its natural environment in aesthetic, political, and even religious terms, and what does a landscape “mean” in this context? This interdisciplinary course explores how Russian writers, filmmakers, and artists have represented the vast territory comprising Imperial Russia, the USSR, and the Russian Federation, from the Enlightenment to present. In addition to considering how artistic production has reflected and shaped understanding of the Russian “anthropocene,” we will compare these works with cultural production of the Western tradition.

Same as RES 242. How can we explain the power and aura of the devotional object, political symbol, and art commodity known as “the Russian Icon”? Revered as sacred, vilified as reactionary, displaced and sold as masterpiece, this course examines the life and language of this art form, and its role in shaping Russia’s turbulent history.

Same as REL 242. How can we explain the power and aura of the devotional object, political symbol, and art commodity known as “the Russian Icon”? Revered as sacred, vilified as reactionary, displaced and sold as masterpiece, this course examines the life and language of this art form, and its role in shaping Russia’s turbulent history.

The second half of a two-semester sequence. Students continue to practice all four language modalities: reading, listening, writing and speaking. The course incorporates a variety of activities that are based on a range of topics, text types and different socio-cultural situations. Authentic texts (poems, short stories, TV programs, films, songs and articles) are used to create the context for reviewing and expanding on grammar, syntax and vocabulary. Prerequisite: RES 221 or equivalent.