Courses

The development and cultural influence of Anime which represents the post WWII societal and psychological states of Japan and the Japanese people. The students will explore Japanese creation-myths, religion, westernization/socio-economic changes after the Edo-period and the impact of the Pacific War through screenings of carefully selected films and a variety of readings. Lectures and students work will be in English; films will be shown in their original language with English subtitles.

The development of skills and techniques in the use of various jazz idioms and their application to individual creative expression.

The music and lives of the major contributors of improvised jazz music from 1917 to the present.

A beginner studio course in jazz dance techniques with emphasis on developing an awareness of rhythm and control. Students are introduced to jazz movement shapes, improvisation, and the discovery of a personal style.

An intermediate studio course in jazz dance techniques with continued emphasis on developing an awareness of rhythm and control. Includes a more in-depth exploration of improvisation and personal style.

An advanced studio course in jazz dance techniques. Individual creativity and quality of performance are emphasized.

The sociological and folkloristic roots of jazz; its history and widespread influence on twentieth-century music.

This course intends to offer a general and introductory overview of the history of medieval Arabic and Jewish philosophy, with particular reference to key authors and their works.

A study of ethical principles in the Bible, Talmud, and post-Talmudic literature; rational prerequisites in ethical judgment; personal morality and social ethics; the ethics of justice and the ethics of love, with special attention to Jewish ethical teachings on racism, capital punishment, divorce, birth control, abortion, and euthanasia.

The development of Jewish music. Emphasis on Biblical cantillation and the liturgy of the synagogue. Other topics include Yiddish art songs and folk songs, Hebrew folk music, Hebraic elements in Western art music, contemporary trends.