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)

How did early Jewish communities imagine mothers, and what does this reveal about communal ideas of gender, family and identity in early Judaism? This course considers various manifestations of mothers in early Judaism through exploration of such literary sources as the Bible, rabbinic literature and the pseudepigrapha, as well as artifacts from material culture such as Aramaic incantation bowls, synagogue wall paintings and other archeological evidence. No prior knowledge of Judaism is expected (E).

The second 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. By the end of the year, students are able to comprehend short and adapted literary and journalistic texts, describe themselves and their environment, and express their thoughts and opinions. Learning is amplified by use of online resources (YouTube, Facebook, newspapers) and examples from Hebrew song and television/film. Prerequisite: JUD 101 or equivalent.

A continuation of JPN 301. Prerequisite: JPN 301 or equivalent.

A continuation of JPN 220. Prerequisite: JPN 220 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 15.

A continuation of JPN 220. Prerequisite: JPN 220 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 15.

A continuation of JPN 220. Prerequisite: JPN 220 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 15.

A continuation of JPN 220. Prerequisite: JPN 220 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 15.

A continuation of JPN 110. Development of utilization of grammar and fluency in conversational communication. About 150 more kanji are introduced for reading and writing. Prerequisite: JPN 110 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 15.

A continuation of JPN 110. Development of utilization of grammar and fluency in conversational communication. About 150 more kanji are introduced for reading and writing. Prerequisite: JPN 110 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 15.