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Departmental Notes
Subject Code for Hebrew: HEBR
Subject Code for Jewish Studies: JWST
World Wide Web Address: www.queensu.ca/jewishstudies
Departmental Office: Theological Hall, Room 211
Telephone: 613-533-2106
E-Mail Address: jewish.studies@queensu.ca
Director of Jewish Studies & Academic Adviser: Dustin Atlas
Program Assistant: Grace Ebiekpi
Overview
Jewish civilization has a recorded global history of 4,000 years. Drawing from texts spanning from the Hebrew Scriptures to post-modern writing, the study of the Jewish diasporas in their transnational historical and cultural contexts provides students with insight into the complexities of global culture, identity, religion, and politics. All Jewish Studies courses are offered in the History Department.
Advice to Students
Students considering a minor in Jewish Studies should consult with the Director of Jewish Studies. Those considering any advanced work related to Jewish Studies or Jewish professional work are encouraged to study Hebrew at Queen’s and abroad, especially in Israel, with prior approval of the Director.
No specific background is required to enrol in many Jewish studies courses. Students wishing to take advantage of the opportunity to study Jewish life in the context of the surrounding cultures are urged to consider a degree in Religion as a Major, Joint Honours, or Minor.
Special Study Opportunities
Courses taken at Israeli universities, subject to Faculty of Arts and Science regulations on credit for courses taken elsewhere, may be counted toward a Minor in Jewish Studies with the prior permission of the Director, toward credit in other departments, or toward general electives. Consult the International Programs Office as well as the Director for more information on Israeli and other universities, programs and scholarships.
One of the special features of the Jewish Studies Program at Queen’s is dialogue courses, particularly courses about Jewish-Muslim and Palestinian-Israeli relations. These seminar courses are taught by two instructors with training in parallel fields who engage narratives from different perspectives about historical situations and contemporary situations.
Future Prospects
In addition to providing an undergraduate program, Jewish studies, like History, offers a background for many careers requiring liberal arts training, especially strong writing, research, and speaking skills. These include public service, government, education, law, business, social work, clergy, graduate study, journalism, and communal service. A minor in Jewish Studies equips you to navigate an increasingly interconnected and multicultural world with greater sensitivity, respect, and awareness. It provides a unique lens through which you can examine historical, sociological, and religious issues, allowing you to develop a nuanced understanding of complex topics and hone your analytical abilities. This interdisciplinary approach fosters adaptability and a well-rounded perspective, traits that are highly desirable in today's rapidly changing job market. Furthermore, a minor in Jewish Studies equips you with strong research, writing, and communication skills, which are valuable assets in today’s professional settings.
Courses
Hebrew (HEBR)
For students with no (or a minimal) background in Hebrew. Introduces elements of grammar and vocabulary of modern Hebrew.
Provides a basic introduction to reading and understanding biblical Hebrew prose. No prior knowledge of Hebrew assumed.
NOTE This course replaces the first semester of HEBR 191.
Focus is on reading prose portions with comprehension in biblical texts. Certain extra-biblical second Temple literature may also be read (e.g., texts from the Dead Sea Scrolls).
NOTE This course replaces the second semester of HEBR 191.
Readings in biblical Hebrew prose and poetry.
An extensive grammar review with practice in speaking, writing and translation, based on the reading of texts by modern Hebrew writers. HEBR 295, when offered, is a direct continuation of HEBR 294.
For a complete description, see HEBR 294.
Specialized study, as circumstances permit, of a particular author, genre, theme, movement, literary form or some combination of these elements. Course details to be announced on website.
Selections from current Israeli media including music, newspapers and television, as well as from modern Hebrew prose and poetry (e.g., Ahad Haam, Bialik, Tchernichowski, Agnon, Amichai, Oz, Yehoshua). The selections are studied in Hebrew; written assignments may be submitted in English.
Directed Hebrew reading of material not covered in other courses, appropriate to the student's level.
Jewish Studies (JWST)
A topic of current interest in Jewish Studies not covered in other available courses. Seminars offered by regular and visiting faculty on topics related to their own research or interest. Consult the Jewish Studies website.
A topic of current interest in Jewish Studies not covered in other available courses. Seminars offered by regular and visiting faculty on topics related to their own research or interest. Consult the Jewish Studies website.
Directed reading on topics in Jewish Studies not covered in other courses available to the student.
Directed reading on topics in Jewish Studies not covered in other courses available to the student.