This seminar, specifically designed as the ‘integrative course’ for students pursuing the Designated Emphasis in Jewish Studies, will offer an in-depth introduction to some of the central trends and personalities in modern Jewish historiography. We will read (and read about) the founders of modern Jewish historiography, and then explore some contemporary trends in Jewish scholarship, according to the disciplinary affiliations of the students in the class. Students will need to write a 5000-word article to complete the course, using a bibliography that includes Jewish Studies materials. A subject-relevant seminar paper from another course may be used to fulfill this requirement, subject to approval by Jewish Studies faculty.

The course will explore the topics of Jewish ritual and Jewish law from the interconnected perspectives of both halakhah and minhag, i.e. normative and non-normative Judaism, across legal and literary texts, music, and material culture, leveraging the holdings of UC Berkeley's Magnes Collection.

This class will take place off-campus at The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life, 2121 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA.

Repeat Rules