This course explores the world of midrash, a genre of rabbinic biblical interpretation. In this course, students define the word midrash, speculate about the origins of midrash and learn about various midrashic genres and techniques. Students see how the creation of midrash allowed the rabbis to explore vital moral, theological and literary concerns in daring and imaginative ways. Ultimately, the study shows how the rabbis transformed their Bible, the TaNaKh, into a living document that had continued relevance in their own times and which continues to be relevant today. (E)

Offered as REL 125 and JUD 125. Who are the Jews? What is Judaism? How have Jews understood core ideas and texts, and put their values into practice, from biblical times until today? An interdisciplinary introduction to the dramatic story of Jewish civilization and its conversation with different cultures from religious, historical, political, philosophical, literary and cultural perspectives, organized around different themes.

The first half of a two-semester sequence introducing modern Hebrew language and culture, with a focus on equal development of the four language skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening. Learning is amplified by use of online resources (YouTube, Facebook, newspapers) and examples from Hebrew song, television and film. No previous knowledge of modern Hebrew is necessary. This course is available to Mount Holyoke College students through a simultaneous video-conferencing option. Enrollment limited to 18.

Development of high intermediate proficiency in speech and reading through study of varied prose pieces and audio-visual materials. Prerequisite: JPN 221 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 15.

Course focuses on further development of oral proficiency, along with reading and writing skills. Students attain intermediate proficiency while deepening their understanding of the social and cultural context of the language. Prerequisite: JPN 111 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 15.

Course focuses on further development of oral proficiency, along with reading and writing skills. Students attain intermediate proficiency while deepening their understanding of the social and cultural context of the language. Prerequisite: JPN 111 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 15.

Course focuses on further development of oral proficiency, along with reading and writing skills. Students attain intermediate proficiency while deepening their understanding of the social and cultural context of the language. Prerequisite: JPN 111 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 15.

Course focuses on further development of oral proficiency, along with reading and writing skills. Students attain intermediate proficiency while deepening their understanding of the social and cultural context of the language. Prerequisite: JPN 111 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 15.

An introduction to spoken and written Japanese. Emphasis on the development of basic oral proficiency, along with reading and writing skills. Students acquire knowledge of basic grammatical patterns, strategies in daily communication, hiragana, katakana and about 90 Kanji. Designed for students with no background in Japanese. Enrollment limited to 15.