Beginning Korean I is the first half of a two-semester introductory course in spoken and written Korean for students who do not have any previous knowledge of Korean. This course improves students’ communicative competence in daily life, focusing on the four language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Some of the activities include oral dialogue journals (ODJ), expanding knowledge of vocabulary, conversation in authentic contexts, in-depth study of grammar, listening comprehension, pronunciation practice, mini- presentations, Korean film reviews and Korean film making.

Offered as JUD 287 and HST 287.The history of the Final Solution, from the role of European antisemitism and the origins of Nazi ideology to the implementation of a systematic program to annihilate European Jewry. How did Hitler establish a genocidal regime? How did Jews physically, culturally and theologically respond to this persecution?

Offered as JUD 235 and MES 235. What is in dispute between Israelis and Palestinians? What has prevented a resolution to the conflict, and why does it continue to arouse such regional and global passions? Considers key issues such as dueling national narratives and territorial claims, the status of Jerusalem, refugees, religious extremism and terrorism, security, international law, and the shifting role of regional and international players and activists. No prerequisites. Open to students at all levels interested in moving beyond the headlines.

Offered as JUD 228 and HST 228. How does the medieval period influence or complicate contemporary understandings of race, religious cooperation and rivalry, and constructions of otherness?  Explores intellectual and cultural cross-pollination in the Islamic Middle East and North Africa, the Iberian Peninsula, and Europe, including crises reflected in disputations, crusades, exile and murder. Open to students at all levels. 

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 and television/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.