Approaches to Jewish Studies: Teaching a Methods Class

Like religious studies, Jewish studies is an academic exploration of literature, ritual, history, philosophy, and experience across disciplinary boundaries. As with all area studies, Jewish studies balances itself - often precariously - as a bridge across that range of methodological options. The breadth of theories employed by each has complicated the teaching of an upper level seminar in Jewish studies. Conceived as a cross between a parade of scholars course and a senior capstone experience, the class employed the broad thematic principle of "identity." In doing so, it exposed the biases of the students, the subject, and the instructor. (The appendix - abbreviated syllabus mentioned in this essay can be found on the Wabash Center Web site <http://www.wabashcenter.wabash.edu/journal/hochman.html>.)