Courses Taught

Ideology and Culture: Racism and Sexism

An introduction to the concepts of Racism and Sexism as practiced in American culture. Parallel practices in Japan also considered. Site visits to various ethnic groups in local area.

Contemporary Religious Ethics: Judaism and Christianity

An introduction and representative survey of contemporary religious ethical thought in Judaism and Christianity. Covers such topics as Medical Ethics; Sexual attitudes; Ecology; Business Ethics.

World Religions

A survey of the major religious traditions in the world community: American Indian, African, Hinduism, Buddhism, Chinese Philosophies, Sikhism, Shintoism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Baha'i.'

Shintoism and Japanese Traditions

A consideration of Shinto from its earliest formation to its interaction with Buddhism, Religious Taoism, Confucianism and Folk Religion. Covers early, Tokugawa, Meiji, and modern periods.

Messianic Expectations in Judaism

An exploration of the idea of the Messiah in Judaism from Biblical days onward, with a concentration on the period of the Rabbinic and Middle Ages and early modern period.

Judaism

A general introduction to Jewish history, Jewish life and thought, Jewish festivals and practices.

Religion in America

The role of religion in America, its history from pre-Colonial times to the present day. The growth and change of religious life in America. Uses primary sources.

Heritage: Civilization and The Jews

A course based on the award-winning series sponsored by the Public Broadcasting System, narrated by Abba Eban. Lectures, primary sources and the PBS videotapes.

Israel: Hopes, Dreams and Fears

A review of Zionist history; Israel's economy; Arab-Israeli conflict; geography; the political system; and possibilities for peace in the future.

Jewish Bible

An introduction to the history, literature and people of the Jewish Bible. Includes sections on geography, comparative literature; law.

The Biblical Prophets

Major emphasis on the classical period. Places them within historical context and introduces their thought and literary contribution. Considers how Judaism and Christianity deal with these prophets.

Genesis: An Introduction

An introduction to Genesis; comparison with Babylonian Creation and Flood Epics. Consideration of Genesis as literature; uses of Genesis in the Christian Scriptures; Genesis on film.

Biblical Hebrew

A two year course in Biblical Hebrew concentrating on grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.

Western Intellectual and Literary Traditions

A year's introduction to classic writings in literature and philosophy from the ancient world to modern times. Utilizes primary sources.

Asian Religions

A survey of the philosophies, historical development and spread of Buddhism (primarily Mahayana and Theravada); and Chinese Religions/Philosophies, primarily Taoism and Confucianism. Also features sections on Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism.

Modern Jewish History and Philosophy

An introduction into Judaism since the Seventeenth century. Major events and a consideration of the philosophies of Rosenzweig, Buber, Kaplan, Heschel; Zionism; and modern Orthodox, Conservative, Reconstructionist and Reform thought.

Jewish Life in Modern America

This study is a survey of the American Jewish community in the late 20th century. It covers demographics, religious practices, community concerns, and reviews some of the major issues facing Jews today. The course includes visits to local synagogues and community organizations.

Women in The Bible: Role Models and Heroines

Many of the women in the Bible were extremely powerful, resourceful, and wise. Often they played a key role in determining and shaping the future of the people Israel. This course seeks to recover their voices, to read not only the text, but to read between the lines, to understand their pivotal role in history.

Western World Faiths

An overview of the Western world's major religious traditions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It considers their history and some major qualities and philosophies. Course included a tour some of the local places of worship of these faiths.