Jewish Studies 010: Jewish Civilization

Jews have existed as a people for at least 3,200 years.  During that time they have lived in many places throughout the world, in communities large and small.  During most but not all of those years, Jews have lived in states governed by non-Jews.  Jewish identity and sense of cohesiveness have persisted (for the most part) despite minority status, migration, and repeated changes to culture, religion, and ways of making a living.  Jews have become an integral part of many different societies; yet often have maintained a degree of separateness from those among whom they have lived. 

This course will present a broad overview of Jewish history and culture, and will use the notion of identity as a window through which to view those processes.  We will trace continuity and change in Jewish identity from ancient to modern times, and across different regions.   We will explore diverse Jewish experiences and how they have shaped a variety of Jewish identities.  In addition, we will consider the many ways that identities mold everyday social interactions, affecting lives for both better and worse.

Not long ago the Dalai Lama (the leader of a people exiled from their homeland during the 20th century) invited Jewish scholars to suggest ways to preserve Tibetan identity.  He saw the persistence of Jewish identity across time, space, and historical conditions as uniquely instructive.  We will ask whether that is, indeed, the case and, if so, why.

What will I learn in this course?

This is a 3-credit overview of the life of the Jewish people from biblical times that emphasizes cultural, religious, and institutional developments.

This course meets the General Education Humanities (GH) requirements, the International Cultures (IL) requirement, and the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.  It is also cross-listed with Hebrew (HEBR).  See your advisor if you have questions about how this course can be used in your program of study.

Are there any prerequisites for this course?

No specific classes are required before taking J ST 010.

I've never taken an online course before. What is it like?

This course is taught completely online. We'll use Penn State's course management system, ANGEL, for JST 010, and you will be able to communicate with the professor and your classmates through chat, e-mail, and threaded discussions within ANGEL.

You do not need to come to campus at any time, and you do not need a proctor or remote testing site.

An online course, however, is not easier than on-campus course. In fact, it takes a lot more self-discipline. You must be willing and able to commit the same amount of time as you would for attending class and studying for a traditional course. You must also be a motivated, organized student who feels confident about reading to learn and who is comfortable working independently. If you're wondering whether an online course is right for you, take this short survey to find out more about how online learning is different.

What are the technological requirements for this course?

To complete this course, you must have the following equipment or capabilities:

  • Have access to a computer that meets the ANGEL technological requirements.
  • Have the Flash player installed on your computer to view some of the files for this course.
  • Be comfortable with navigating the Internet.

How is the course structured?

J ST 010 has fifteen lessons. Each lesson has a short online quiz, and ten of these quizzes will be required.  You can choose which ten quizzes to complete.  In addition, you will need to post a comment and response for five online discussions throughout the semester.  There are also two required five page papers.  In the papers, you will be asked to apply the course’s central theme of Jewish identity to the course materials. 

Where can I get more information?

For more information about J ST 010 Online, see a recent course syllabus. To register, visit the Office of the University Registrar. At the beginning of each semester, all enrolled students should access J ST 010 at the site of Penn State's course management system, ANGEL.

 


Jews praying in the Synagogue on Yom Kippur.

1878 painting by Maurice Gottlieb

"Asked to make a list of the men who have most dominated the thinking of the modern world, many educated people would name Freud, Einstein, Marx and Darwin. Of these four, only Darwin was not Jewish. In a world where Jews are only a tiny percentage of the population, what is the secret of the disproportionate importance the Jews have had in the history of Western culture?"

- Ernest van den Haag, The Jewish Mystique
New York: Dell Publishing Company, 1971, pg. 13



Under the Imperial Russian coat of arms, traditionally dressed Russian Jews, packs in hand, line Europe's shore as they gaze across the ocean. Waiting for them under an American eagle holding a banner with the legend "Shelter us in the shadow of Your wings" (Psalms 17:8), are their Americanized relatives, whose outstretched arms simultaneously beckon and welcome them to their new home.

Hebrew Publishing Company, between 1900 and 1920.