JWST/IAFS/GSLL 3600
Contemporary Jewish Societies
University of Colorado Boulder
This course uses a transnational lens to explore contemporary debates about Jewish people, places, and practices of identity and community; places that Jews have called “home,” and what has made, or continues to make, those places “Jewish”; issues of Jewish homelands and diasporas; gender, sexuality, food, and the Jewish body; religious practices in contemporary contexts. Readings drawn primarily from contemporary journalism and scholarship.
Students' written assignments take the form of journalistic writing as well: you'll learn to write an op-ed, and a longform essay on a cultural or social issue of your choice (the latter will include various steps involved in researching and reporting the topic).
Approved for the core curriculum: Human Diversity
What students have said about this course and the professor:
"Dr. Senderovich is a great instructor; he really pushed me to read on a higher intellectual level than I had previously. Because of this course I am better prepared to engage intellectual topics and I am better at understanding the tactical aspects of good writing." (2015 student)
"This has been an unbelievable class between all the informative readings and class discussions. [...] Topics such as food, sexualities, etc. were all great and memorable classes. I always leave [the class] learning something new. I highly recommend this class." (2015)
"It was difficult at first to find critical points in assigned articles, but the professor was great at explaining the context." (2015 student)
"This has been one of my favorite classes that I have taken at this university. [...] The topics were on point and so were the readings. I am really glad I took this class." (2015)
"This class has taught me to think much more critically. The weekly readings and comments (loved doing those!) taught me how to look for not so obvious meanings. [...] Dr Senderovich is [a] compelling [professor] and is great at getting students engaged." (2015)
"Sasha is a great professor with a great ability to motivate students. I really enjoyed the seminar-style class as there were fewer than 20 of us in the class. We could have meaningful discussions in which everyone could participate. I enjoyed the style of the class and we learned different styles of writing." (2015 student)
"Sasha was great at encouraging critical thinking and discussion. We carried the goal of reading articles with a thesis with an eye toward identifying their main arguments throughout the entire course, and I feel I learned a new way to read things." (2015)
Students' written assignments take the form of journalistic writing as well: you'll learn to write an op-ed, and a longform essay on a cultural or social issue of your choice (the latter will include various steps involved in researching and reporting the topic).
Approved for the core curriculum: Human Diversity
- In Spring 2015 the course will be offered on Mondays 3:30 - 6 pm
- This is a once-weekly seminar that is relatively small in size (15 students max), where the group develops close working relationship with one another, through concentrated discussion and presentations. Students in the past (Fall 2013 and Spring 2015) appreciated the seminar's friendly and intimate feel.
- Download the flyer for the course here and spread the word.
- Spring 2015 syllabus (CU Boulder)
Spring 2013 syllabus (CU Boulder)
What students have said about this course and the professor:
"Dr. Senderovich is a great instructor; he really pushed me to read on a higher intellectual level than I had previously. Because of this course I am better prepared to engage intellectual topics and I am better at understanding the tactical aspects of good writing." (2015 student)
"This has been an unbelievable class between all the informative readings and class discussions. [...] Topics such as food, sexualities, etc. were all great and memorable classes. I always leave [the class] learning something new. I highly recommend this class." (2015)
"It was difficult at first to find critical points in assigned articles, but the professor was great at explaining the context." (2015 student)
"This has been one of my favorite classes that I have taken at this university. [...] The topics were on point and so were the readings. I am really glad I took this class." (2015)
"This class has taught me to think much more critically. The weekly readings and comments (loved doing those!) taught me how to look for not so obvious meanings. [...] Dr Senderovich is [a] compelling [professor] and is great at getting students engaged." (2015)
"Sasha is a great professor with a great ability to motivate students. I really enjoyed the seminar-style class as there were fewer than 20 of us in the class. We could have meaningful discussions in which everyone could participate. I enjoyed the style of the class and we learned different styles of writing." (2015 student)
"Sasha was great at encouraging critical thinking and discussion. We carried the goal of reading articles with a thesis with an eye toward identifying their main arguments throughout the entire course, and I feel I learned a new way to read things." (2015)
