Senate Document Number 2199S
Date of Senate Approval 2/11/99
Statement of Faculty Senate Action:
APC Document 13: HIST 387: History of Judaism
Effective Date: Fall 1999
Add: on page 132 after the course description for HIST 386, the following
HIST 387: History of Judaism (3).
A study of the historical development of Judaism from its biblical origins and the rabbinic revolution, through the medieval Jewish renaissance and the impact of the enlightenment, to modern and contemporary developments. Among the modern and contemporary issues to be examined are Zionism and the rise and history of the State of Israel; varieties of contemporary American Judaism; and religious and philosophical reflections on the Holocaust. The course will be offered every other year. Odd year, Fall.Add: on page 143 in the course listings under the heading "Interdisciplinary Studies: Religious Studies (RELS)," after the entry for HIST 386, the following
HIST 387 History of Judaism
Impact Statement: At present, our students may take courses in either or both the History of Christianity and the History of Buddhism. These courses serve as elective courses for students majoring in History and/or minoring in Religious Studies. The proposed course, History of Judaism, will give students an opportunity to study another of the world's major religions. This particular course will also complement several other courses currently offered on a regular basis: LIT 360: Modern Jewish Writers, and HEB I and II for General Education.
At present, there is at least one qualified member of the full-time faculty who could teach this course. Because of other teaching responsibilities, however, she will not be available on a regular (bi-annual) basis to do so. There is, however, at least one highly qualified adjunct professor, with the courtesy title of Research Professor of Jewish Studies, whose degree is in the field of Jewish Studies and who has made a long-term commitment to teach one course a year at UNCA. Full funding for this position is available on a permanent basis through the Jewish Studies endowment for faculty and curricular development. Therefore, there will be no adverse impact on full-time faculty and no financial impact on the university.Rationale: This course will fill a significant gap in the course offerings for the Religious Studies minor. It will also help diversify our curriculum, enabling our students, many of whom know very little about Jewish civilization, to study in an academically credible way, one of the world's significant cultures.