CSUN Search CSUN Homepage

Naigation Bar Jewish Studies Program Homepage Jewish Studies Program Homepage The Bachelor or Arts Degree in Jewish Studies The Minor in Jewish Studies Course offerings in Jewish Studies Jewish Studies Faculty Jewish Studies Service Learning Course Jewish Studies Scholarships Essay Contest Program Forms Jewish Studies Program Sponsored Events Contact Information Visiting Lecturer Position in Jewish Studies Program

JS 200 · Introduction to Judaism

(General Education: S-2 or C-3)

M. Paskow           TTh 9:30-10:45    

3 units                    Sierra 285

Course #13292         

An examination of the historical development of Judaism’s fundamental religious concepts and practices in their cultural and international setting.

·CORE COURSE FOR THE JEWISH STUDIES MINOR

 

JS/HIST 210 · History of the Jewish People

(General Education: S-5 or F-2)

E. Goodfriend

3 units          MWF 10-10:50

JS Course #13502              JR 354

HIST Course #11719

 

A study of the Jewish people from their beginnings in the ancient Near East to the establishment of the modern State of Israel.

 

JS 300 · Humanities in Jewish Society: Ancient and Medieval

(General Education: S-2 or C.  Fulfills Information Competence requirement.)

M. Paskow 

3 units         TTh 11-12:15                       

Course #13293         Sierra 307

 

A study of ancient and medieval Jewish culture examining literature, art and architecture, law, music, philosophy and science. 

·CORE COURSE FOR THE JEWISH STUDIES MINOR

 

JS 330  · Women in the Jewish Experience

(General Education: S-5 or F-2)

E. Goodfriend

3 units           TTh 12:30-1:45    

Course  #13577         JR 201

The social, cultural, and religious lives of women in Jewish communities from antiquity to present.  The course perspective is international, with significant focus on Mediterranean, West Asian, and American Jewish societies. 

·FULFILLS THE ETHNIC STUDIES AND DIVERSITY ELECTIVE IN THE WOMEN’S STUDIES MAJOR       

 

JS 496E · Natural Environment and Judaism  with

RTM 151F · Wilderness Survival

G. Goldman                  

1 + 2 units    6 meetings (Tues 7-9 p.m.) and 3-day field trip             

Course #18656 + Course #16973

On campus classroom  Redwood Hall 153

 

Students who take this course must also take the RTM 151F section linked to it.  The combined experience will integrate Jewish ecological beliefs and practices with an introduction to backcountry camping and travel, basic survival and navigational skills, and environmental awareness.  Includes a wilderness field trip.  For class meeting times and requirements, click here

 

RS 375 · Classical Jewish Texts

J. Myers

3 units         Mon 7-9:45 p.m.

Course #17763            Sierra 314

 

A study of the Jewish literary classics: the Mishnah, Talmud, Midrash, philosophy, and mysticism.  Readings will focus on the theme of dealing with and understanding and resolving differences of opinion between people.  

 ·FULFILLS THE SACRED TEXTS REQUIREMENT IN THE RS MAJOR

 

 HIST 357 · History of the Holocaust

B. Cohen

3 units            Mon 4:20-6:50 p.m.

Course #17194              Sierra 186

 

This course examines the Jewish experience under Hitler from its historical genesis to it final catastrophe.  It also surveys various historical interpretations of the events, and through original documents helps students to comprehend the enormity of this crime against humanity.

 

 

HIST 406  · Jews in the Ancient World

E. Goodfriend

3 units               TTh 2-3:15 

Course #17204          Sierra 234     

      

The use of the Hebrew Bible as a historical document will be explored at length, as will the use of archeological evidence.  Among the hotly debated issues we will cover in this class is that of Israel's origins (indigenous to the land of Canaan or an immigrant group?), as well as the historicity of the David's kingdom.

 

 

RS 378 · American Jewish Experience

(General Education: S-5 or F-3.  Fulfills Information Competance requirement.)

A. Shevitz

3 units          MWF 11-11:50 (Friday is on-line)

Course #13407            Sierra 314

 

This course describes the experience of the Jewish religio-ethnic community in America with reference to its own historical background and development, and the relationship of the community to the general American culture and to other particular subcultures or ethnic groups.

RS 356 · Contemporary Religious Thought

(General Education: S-2 or C-3)

J. Myers      

3 units       TTh 9:30-10:45      

Course #13405      Sierra 314

 

Religious exploration and innovation in American religion, with a significant emphasis on Judaism.  Special emphasis will be placed on rituals, doctrines, and social units outside of the mainstream of organized religion; including new forms of spirituality, religious healing, and mysticism.

 

 

HEB 101/101C · Elementary Hebrew and Conversation

(General Education: S-5 or F-2)

M. Rosenthal

4 units            TTh 2:00-3:45                     

Course #13113 + 13114   Oviatt Library 001

 

First semester of a beginning level Hebrew course focusing on basic vocabulary, grammar, reading and practice in the spoken language.

 

 

RS 101 · The Bible

(General Education: S-2 or C-3)

3 units

 

E. Goodfriend      MWF 11-11:50

Course #13365           Sierra 384

 

J. Brown   MWF 10-10:50

Course #13364         BH 313

 

J. Brown  MWF 1-1:50

Course #13366            Sierra 390                       

 

This course provides a survey of the content and major themes of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), New Testament, and Apocryphal writings.

 

SOC 306 · Jewish Communal and Family Structure

(General Education: S-5 or F-2)

L. Yellin      

3 units             MWF 11:00-11:50 (Friday is on-line)

Course #17915          Sierra 102

The study of Jewish communal and family structure in an international context as a function of religious requirements and social circumstances.

 

 

SOC 335  · Jewish Identity in the U.S.

(General Education: S-5 or F-3)

T. Hatkoff

3 units             W 3:00-5:45

Course #12098            Sierra 182                       

An examination of social institutions and processes involved in Jewish identity, and comparison with other American cultural groups.

 

 

JS 499A-C · Independent Study

1-3 units

 

Arrange with Coordinator or Instructor

 

 

JS 699A or C · Independent Study

1 or 3 units

 

Arrange with Coordinator or Instructor