Portland State University announces summer Judaic Studies courses

By JEWISH REVIEW

article created on: 2009-05-28T00:00:00

The Harold Schnitzer Family Program in Judaic Studies at Portland State Univerisity has announced its schedule of summer classes. For more information, visit www.Judaic.pdx.edu or contact Judaic Studies Director Michael Weingrad at weingrad@pdx.edu. To register for classes, visit www.summer.pdx.edu.

Israeli Society Through Drama
Eng 199 (1 credit)
Sacha Reich
T 7-9:20 pm, June 23-July 14
Non-credit (Jst 099) fee: $80
Journey with complex characters through controversial issues in works by three contemporary Israeli playwrights.  Gain an appreciation of Israeli drama and a deeper understanding of the Israeli experience. Includes attendance at three Israel Onstage productions.

Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls
Hst 410/510 (1 credit)
Robert Cargill, an archaeologist and biblical scholar at UCLA
M-Th 10:30 am-12:50 pm, June 15-18
Non-credit (Hst 099) fee: $100
An intensive introduction to the most important archaeological discovery of the twentieth century. Explore how the library of documents discovered in caves on the shores of the Dead Sea influence our understanding of ancient and modern Judaism and Christianity.

Jerusalem in Antiquity
Hst 410/510 (2 credits)
Hagith Sivan, , alumna of Columbia, Yale and Tel Aviv University
M,W 8-10:20 am, June 22-July 15
Non-credit (Hst 099) fee: $180
Delve into the ancient history of Jerusalem, from the mythic foundation of the city by King David to the golden Dome of the Rock. Explore the biblical, Hellenistic, Roman, and early Islamic phases of the city’s history. Gain unique insights into the formation of monotheistic religions and the sanctification of space.

Jewish Music
Mus 199/399 (2 credits)
Alexander Knapp, who held the Joe Loss Lecturership in Jewish Music at the University of London before retiring in 2006
M/W 7-9:20 pm, June 22-July 15
Non-credit (Mus 099) fee: $100
Sample from the thrillingly diverse history of Jewish music from the ancient Temple in Jerusalem to the present day.  Follow developments in liturgical, folk, popular, and classical musics among Ashkenazi, Sephardi, Oriental, and modern European and Israeli Jews. Special attention to the unique genius of modern composer Ernest Bloch.

First-Year Modern Hebrew
Heb 101, 102, 103 (12 credits)
Ayal Yariv
M – F 8-10:20 am, June 22-Aug. 26
Non-credit (Heb 099) fee: $750
Have you ever wanted to learn Hebrew? In these nine dynamic and enjoyable weeks you can complete the entire first-year university sequence in modern Hebrew.

Family and Identity Through Film
Soc 410/510
Robert Liebman
M, W 5:30-9:40 pm
June 22-July 15
Non-credit (Soc 099) fee: $180
Probe intergenerational dynamics, marriage, and gender roles in the experience of Jews, Hispanics, and Asians, through readings and documentary and narrative films from Europe, the Americas, and Israel.