Judaic Studies

Introduction

Judaism is a religious and cultural tradition with a history that spans more than three thousand years. Since the Jews’ exile from their homeland in the 6th century BCE, Jewish life and culture has thrived in a variety of geographical settings and historical periods in both western and non-western societies.

Judaic Studies explores the many varieties of Jewish experience, viewing Judaism not just as a religion but also as a living civilization. To pursue Judaic Studies is to open a window onto a world which has influenced our own in many important ways: Judaism’s pivotal role in the development of major world religions (Christianity and Islam), its importance for understanding the politics of the modern Middle East, and its relevance as a paradigm for understanding the complexity of cultural Diaspora are among a number of important examples.

Judaic Studies is an interdisciplinary major. Coursework drawn from a variety of academic departments allows students to appreciate the diversity of Jewish life and culture. A major in Judaic studies is founded on the study of Hebrew language and classical Jewish texts, including the Hebrew bible and Rabbinic commentaries. Students contextualize their work with primary sources through additional coursework focusing on Jewish culture and history. Majors are expected to pursue coursework that spans a variety of historical time periods. Students investigate such diverse topics as Gender and Judaism, Judaism and the Environment, Ethnography of Jewish Experience, American Jewish Fiction, Jewish Women Writers, Jewish Mysticism and Arab-Israeli Conflict. RELGN 103 Hebrew Scriptures in Context should also be elected early on. All courses unless otherwise noted, are suitable for first-year students.

Courses appropriate for Prospective Majors Potential majors are urged to begin the study of Hebrew as soon as possible.

New students who present evidence of successful Hebrew studies may begin at levels beyond HEBRW 101. Other AP courses may serve as prerequisites for Judaic Studies courses on higher levels, consult with Prof. Lieber lieber@dickinson.edu

Courses that fulfill Distribution Requirements

Language Requirement: Successful completion of HEBRW 112 fulfills the College's language requirement.

Division 1A: philosophy or religion - Any of the religion courses required for the major.

Division 1B: literature – JUDST 216 Jewish Women Writers

Other Courses Students are encouraged to take courses according to their interest. Pre-law students are encouraged to take RELGN/JUDST 260 Dynamics of Jewish Law as pre-professional exposure to a generally neglected side of the Western legal tradition.

Course descriptions, requirements for the Major Refer to the College Bulletin: Judaic Studies or www.dickinson.edu/bulletin/judaic.html

Course offerings: see www.dickinson.edu/departments/reg/

Independent Studies

Examples of Independent Studies (some of which might substitute for certain requirements): The Book of Joel, A History of Reform Judaism in the United States, Franz Kafka, Psychology and Religion, Advanced Biblical Reading, Women in Judaism, Rabbinic Literature. For information contact Prof. Andrea Lieber.

Opportunities for Off-Campus Study

Students are encouraged to spend one semester or one year in Israel and have done so through programs at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and at Tel Aviv and Haifa Universities. Many course offerings at these institutions could be incorporated into the Judaic Studies major. In addition, Dickinson's summer program in Jerusalem, "Jerusalem Layer by Layer," affords students the opportunity to explore ancient and modern dimensions of Israel's history.

Departmental Policy Statements

Advising: Advising is carried out by Prof. Lieber in consultation with members of the Religion Department.

Related Activities: Dickinson's Hillel Organization is an activity related to Judaic Studies.

Career Directions: Judaic Studies majors develop strong critical skills with an emphasis on communication, analytic thinking, reading and interpretation. Majors are well prepared for careers in social services, business, education, non-profit organizations, government agencies and the religious vocations. A major in Judaic Studies is distinctive among the scores of English and business majors competing in similar job areas.

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Updated June 22, 2005