This course exposes students to major approaches and issues in the interdisciplinary field of Jewish Studies, through a unique, local lens: the experiences of Jewish students at Wellesley College throughout its history. We will learn about the college’s requirement, for many decades after its founding, for every student to take a Hebrew Bible class each semester; examine pioneering roles played by Wellesley alums in the rabbinical profession; and consider a variety of positions for and against Zionism held by Jewish students at Wellesley over the past century. We will read and conduct oral histories of alums, examine materials in the College Archives, and meet alums working in Jewish communal life and in the field of Jewish Studies. By the end of the semester, students will have a solid grounding in the field of Jewish Studies as a whole and a roadmap for pursuing the study of Jews, Judaism, and Jewish culture at Wellesley and beyond.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 18

Crosslisted Courses:

Prerequisites: None.

Distribution Requirements: REP - Religion, Ethics, and Moral Philosophy

Typical Periods Offered: Spring

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring

Notes: