Jewish Studies: An Overview (210-0-1)
Instructors
David Shyovitz
847/467-1967
Harris Hall - Room 314
David Shyovitz is Associate Professor of History at Northwestern University, and Director of NU's Crown Family Center for Jewish and Israel Studies. His research focuses on medieval European cultural and intellectual history, with a particular emphasis on Jewish history and Jewish-Christian relations. He is the author of the 2017 book A Remembrance of His Wonders: Nature and the Supernatural in Medieval Ashkenaz.
Meeting Info
Harris Hall L06: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM
Overview of class
Jewish Studies encompasses the study of Judaism, Jewish history, Jewish culture and the lives of contemporary Jews. This course offers an introduction to the field through seminar-style discussions, and guest presentations by members of Northwestern's Jewish Studies faculty. Students will become familiar with the methodologies scholars use to research, understand, and analyze Jewish culture while gaining knowledge of specific topics in Jewish Studies. Open to students of all backgrounds.
Registration Requirements
None.
Learning Objectives
Learn and assess some of the ways that "Jewishness" and "Judaism" have been understood across different historical periods and literary genres; Gain a foundational understanding of some key figures, events, texts, and ideas that have shaped Jewish history and culture; Practice analyzing primary sources; Learn to read and evaluate secondary sources critically; Engage in reasoned and respectful discussion and construct thoughtful, evidence-based arguments—orally and in writing—from course readings and lectures.
Evaluation Method
% of each TBA
Class Materials (Required)
Provided by the instructor.
Class Attributes
Ethics & Values Distro Area