Religious Studies

Judaism

This four-semester course provides an introduction to basic Jewish practices and beliefs.

Holidays, rituals, and traditions are explored. A thread that runs through the entire course is the examination of how living as Jews shapes our lives as a particular group, as well as our experiences as human beings. Students reflect on specific primary texts from the Jewish bible and other sacred Jewish texts. They also are encouraged to put the principles of Jewish living to work in their lives. In addition, students learn rudimentary Hebrew reading skills.

The primary resources are The Book of Jewish Belief by Louis Jacobs, Why Be Jewish? By David J. Wolpe, Our Sacred Texts Discovering the Jewish Classics by Ellen Singer, and Aleph Isn't Tough by Linda Motzkin.

Christianity

This one semester course provides an introduction to the New Testament scriptures illuminating early Christian thought through Old Testament themes. Students receive an overview of the historical Jesus and will be able to locate biblical regions and cities of the Holy Land. The following themes are also investigated: From oral tradition to written form, Jewish religious practices, and the political scene of Jesus's time. The course concludes with a detailed study of the Gospel of Mark.