Genesis University (formerly Association for Hebraic Studies Institute)
Overview
Genesis University (formerly known as Association for Hebraic Studies Institute), an NCCRS member since 2005, was founded in 2000 to provide students with coursework in a classroom format or through distance learning or proficiency examinations.
The primary curriculum is designed to give students both a broad and in-depth view in areas of religion and education. Theoretical and practical applications are stressed and emphasis is placed on using the traditional and contemporary texts and original sources.Traditional Jewish religious colleges, in cooperation with Genesis, can also use the curriculum under the auspices of Genesis. In this way, students of these religious educational institutions can benefit from the credit recommendations established by NCCRS for Genesis learning experiences. Official transcripts documenting successful completion of Genesis learning experiences are sent directly from the Genesis Registrar's office.
Genesis University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, which is listed by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
Students and admissions representatives please note: NCCRS does not provide transcripts. Transcript requests and inquiries should be directed to the organization offering the courses, examinations or apprenticeship. See the Source of Official Student Records in the sidebar near the top right side of this page.
Source of Official Student Records
Titles of all evaluated learning experiences
Art - Genesis University
Bible - Genesis University
Business - Genesis University
Education - Genesis University
History - Genesis University
Inactive Learning Experiences - Genesis University
Jewish Law - Genesis University
Jewish Thought - Genesis University
Language Courses (Hebrew and Yiddish)
Philosophy and Ethics - Genesis University
Psychology and Sociology - Genesis University
Talmud - Genesis University
Tax and Accounting - Genesis University
Course Categories
Descriptions and credit recommendations for all evaluated learning experiences
Art - Genesis University
Classroom-based or distance learning course administered through Genesis University.
January 2022 – Present.
Upon successful completion of this learning experience, students will be able to;: identify the characteristics of spaces of Jewish worship in the early Roman Empire and the imagery that adorned them; recognize the engineering principles and symbolic importance of the Roman triumphal arch; explain the role of the Arch of Titus from both a Roman and Jewish perspective; gain a greater understanding of the historical context of the first century CE, including the reign of the Flavian Dynasty, the dynamics of the Great Revolt, and the resulting destruction/triumph that led to the Arch of Titus’ creation; trace the evolution of the triumphal arch form and its meaning over the course of history; and trace the evolution of the menorah and its meaning over the course of history.
Emphasis is placed on narratives of the ancient Roman Arch of Titus and the imagery of the menorah that it displays. Topics include: context and design of the Arch of Titus, exploring how the imagery of that arch bore different meanings for Roman and Jewish people, explore the meaning of these images, and the menorah specifically.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Art, Judaic Studies, Religion, or History (11/22).
Classroom-based or distance learning course administered through Genesis University.
January 2022 – Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: discuss Jewish beliefs, laws, values, history, and identity, as applied to teaching children through the visual arts; recognize and identify the roots of ceremonial objects and symbols associated with and depicted in Jewish art; apply knowledge of various learning styles, child developmental stages, and art education methodology to creating developmentally appropriate Judaic lessons that can be used interchangeably; identify the message of the subject or manual goal the teacher is imparting with each lesson; identify the tools, materials, and vocabulary of art and their applications; apply learning to art exercises and assignments to experience the art-making process; understand the creative process, acknowledging and encouraging the inborn natural creativity in young children; emphasize the classroom environment and visual art-making as a standard and safe environment to strengthen the child’s self-perception and the connection to religious heritage with the visual enrichment of art and crafts; develop a personal definition of art; create lesson plans for early childhood learners that considers the various learning styles, developmental stages, and art vocabulary for art making experiences; define and defend a definition of art developed through personal reflection; recognize characteristics and the unique values of Jewish art and its meaning as expressed in art history and contemporary examples; understand the vocabulary of art including visual qualities, tools, and types of art; understand the importance of art education to support creativity for kids, experience making art using specific art strategies; and explore Jewish identity through art making.
Through reading, projects and presentations students explore methods of teaching Judaic values, beliefs, laws and traditions to students at the early childhood level through visual art Topics include: What is art, Jewish identity and art, art education, creativity and growth, and the language of visual art.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Art, Education, Early Childhood Education, or Child Development (11/22).
Classroom-based or distance learning course administered through Genesis University.
January 2022 – Present.
Upon successful completion of this learning experience, students will be able to: identify the basic chronology of the Jewish Temple, with an emphasis on its furnishings - their materials, their forms, their placement, and their functions; read primary sources to reconstruct the Temple and its furnishings to analyze what types of information they contain and what types of information they leave out, to understand where they leave room for human imagination; analyze memorialization’s of the Temple and its furnishings in order to interpret their meanings to Jews from Antiquity through to the present day.
Emphasis is placed on the lessons and insights found in the text and its application to contemporary society. Topics include: themes, events, and personalities; moral and ethical lessons; parallel texts; and contemporary society.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Art, Judaic Studies, Religion, or History (11/22).
Classroom-based or distance learning course administered through Genesis University.
January 2022 – Present.
Upon successful completion of this learning experience, students will be able to; recognize a range of Jewish objects, artists, and genres (categories or depictions of everyday life); use historical art terminology to reference artistic elements, styles, and genres; discuss issues related to the concept of Jewish art; and demonstrate familiarity with the historical and social contexts in which Jewish art developed.
The course explores objects and ideas that contribute to understanding of Jewish art.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Art, Judaic Studies, or Religion (11/22).
Classroom-based or distance learning course administered through Genesis University.
January 2022 – Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: identify the key components of the synagogue, understanding their symbolism/significance and when they entered the architectural vernacular of Jewish worship; consider the evolution of the synagogue from its earliest examples in the ancient world to the contemporary realm; examine how the elements of the European synagogue expanded into synagogue design in the Americas; and situate the entirety of this evolution within the historical context of each era, noting in many cases the resilience of the Jewish population to define their space of worship despite persistent repression, expulsion, or attack.
Topics include: sacred space, the synagogue in the ancient world, and synagogues from medieval times to the present in Europe and America.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Art, Judaic Studies, Religion, or History (11/22).
Bible - Genesis University
Classroom-based or distance learning course administered through Genesis University.
January 2012 – Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: discuss the major themes of the narrative; apply interpretive techniques to texts utilizing medieval and modern commentaries; extract moral, ethical and theological insights from the text and its commentaries; and apply lessons and insights studied to the growth and development of people and community.
Emphasis is placed on the lessons and insights found in the text and its application to contemporary society. Topics include: themes, events, and personalities; moral and ethical lessons; parallel texts; and contemporary society.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Bible Studies, Jewish Thought, Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (9/16) (11/22 revalidation).
Classroom-based or distance learning course administered through Genesis University.
January 2012 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: discuss the major themes of the narrative; apply interpretive techniques to texts; identify and discuss moral and ethical insights; and identify and discuss thematic events.
Emphasis is placed on the text and guided by the classical commentaries. Discussion includes themes, events, and personalities; textual difficulties; and thematic events.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Bible Studies, Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (9/16) (11/22 revalidation).
Business - Genesis University
Education - Genesis University
Distance learning course administered through Genesis University.
April 2015 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: explain the challenge of educating young children with special needs; summarize partnerships with families; develop individualized intervention plans and programs and monitor progress; design instructional programs; explain considerations for teaching children with specific disabilities; understand emotional and social development; help young children develop motor and self-help skills; summarize how educators can nurture communication skills; describe the development of cognitive skills and literacy; and outline various teaming, collaboration, problem solving, and consultation.
This course provides an overview of how to adapt early childhood curricula for children with special needs by focusing on educating young children with special needs, partnership with families, developing individualized intervention plans and programs and monitoring progress, designing instructional programs, considerations for teaching children with specific disabilities, promoting emotional and social development, helping young children develop motor and self-help skills, nurturing communication skills, encouraging the development of cognitive skills and literacy, and teaming: collaboration, problem solving, and consultation.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Elementary Education, or Special Education (5/15) (11/22 revalidation).
Distance learning course administered through Genesis University.
September 2016 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: explain the physical development of adolescents; explain the cognitive and Intellectual development of adolescents; explain the social and moral development of adolescents; summarize the identity and self-perceptions of adolescents; understand the impact families have on adolescents; describe the impact technology and media have on adolescents; analyze the impact peers have on adolescents; explain how motivation can support adolescents in the classrooms; and summarize the mental health, coping strategies, and problems that adolescents encounter.
Topics include: adolescent development; physiological and physical development; theories of cognitive development; social and moral development; factors influencing identity and behavior; family dynamics; technology and media in the lives of adolescents; motivation; and mental health issues and concerns.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Education, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Psychology, or Adolescent Psychology (9/16) (11/22 revalidation).
Distance learning course administered through Genesis University.
April 2015 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: explain the legal and ethical basis for assessment practices and procedures; examine assessment as a comprehensive process for collecting information to inform the teaching, evaluation, and placement of children birth through age 8; describe the role and value of families as partners in a comprehensive assessment system; summarize the importance of a culturally responsive approach to assessment and evaluation; plan formal and informal assessment techniques and methods in order to collect information that determines children’s progress and levels of performance; evaluate assessment tools based on the purpose of the assessment being conducted; demonstrate how technology can be used in the assessment process, including how to use assistive technology for children with disabilities.
Major topics include: assessment as an ongoing and systematic process for collecting information to evaluate the development and make decisions to address the needs of the young child in a variety of childcare and learning environments; selecting appropriate assessment tools and processes; appropriate practices in selecting and evaluating a variety of formal and informal assessments; processes for organizing, analyzing, interpreting and sharing assessment information with appropriate individuals.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Special Education (5/15) (11/22 revalidation).
Distance learning course administered through Genesis University.
September 2016 - Present.
Upon successful completion, students will be able to: describe how to treat all students; summarize how to communicate with students; explain how to recognize abuse; compare and contrast the difference between male and female students; evaluate the responsibility of a teacher to a student; describe personalities in the classroom; tell about the brain and how it learns information; identify multiple intelligences; understand motivation in students; describe students' special needs; and summarize how to relate to parents of students.
Topics include: child development; children as people; hierarchy of needs; constructive communication; detecting abuse; gender differences; teachers’ responsibility; unique personalities; forms of intelligence; intrinsic and extrinsic motivation; and communicating with parents.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Education (9/16) (11/22 revalidation).
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Education, Early Childhood Education or Psychology (4/11) (9/16 revalidation).
Distance learning course administered through Genesis University.
September 2016 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: summarize the problems of control; explain how to establish presence; describe how discipline can be as “easy as p.i.e.”; effectively synthesize reward and discipline; establish classroom routines; understand the effects of climate in the classroom; evaluate the importance of hygiene in education; illustrate how first-year teachers can prepare for a new career; and justify the rewards of being a worthy educator.
Topics include: classroom management; the role of the teacher; establishing presence; discipline and behavior in the classroom; effective discipline and reinforcement theory; class routines and procedures; hygiene in education; teacher training; and teaching as a profession and calling.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, or Special Education (9/16).
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education (4/11) (9/16 revalidation) (11/22 revalidation).
- Formerly The Exceptional Child (EDU 304)
Distance learning course administered through Genesis University.
February 2011 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: discuss federal regulations related to children with exceptionalities; describe the characteristics of various types of exceptionalities, including those with health impairments and their special healthcare needs; practice various instructional approaches appropriate for exceptional children; utilize educational programming and resources, including assistive technologies and adaptive equipment appropriate for various types of exceptionalities; discuss the role of the IFSP and IEP in the educational planning process for young children; use screening and assessment to support the learning and service needs of exceptional children; discuss the function of Child Find Program for Early Intervention and teacher's roles in that process; facilitate school, family, and community collaboration strategies to serve the needs of exceptional children; create learning environments that support the learning and development of exceptional children; and facilitate the development of children in inclusive and segregated learning environments.
Topics include: characteristics and educational needs of exceptional learners, including physical, intellectual, and special healthcare needs; understanding students with specific exceptionalities and the appropriate instructional approaches and resources to serve their needs; collaboration of teachers and families to serve the needs of exceptional children.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Elementary Education or Special Education (4/11) (9/16 revalidation) (11/22 revalidation).
Classroom-based or distance learning course administered through Genesis University.
September 2022 – Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: apply disciplinary knowledge from the humanities and social sciences to interpret the meanings of education and schooling in multiple cultural contexts; discuss normative perspectives on education and schooling; use critical perspectives to analyze various aspects of education and schooling; explain how key events in educational history influence current educational practices; articulate a personal philosophy of teaching and learning; discuss democratic principles and how they inform and direct schooling practices, leadership, and school governance; describe the impact of diversity on instruction, schooling leadership, and governance; demonstrate a basic understanding of the legal status of teachers and students, including how the rights of teachers and students are impacted by rules, laws or regulations at the federal, state, and district levels; explain different school reform movements and how they impact teaching, learning, and the curriculum; and demonstrate a basic understanding of how schools are governed and financed.
This survey course is designed to help students develop an understanding of the social, cultural, historical, legal, and philosophical bases for education in the United States.
In the graduate degree category, 3 semester hours in Education (11/22).
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Early Childhood Education (4/11) (9/16 revalidation) (11/22 revalidation).
Distance learning course administered through Genesis University.
April 2015 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: develop knowledge and dispositions in the theoretical perspectives and contexts of language development; summarize language development among children of diversity; explain language development and ways to enhance language development of infants and toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarten students; identify language development and ways to enhance language development of children in the primary years; examine various language assessments; and outline the importance of fostering language development through school-home connections.
This course develops knowledge in the theoretical perspectives and major concepts of language development, including five aspects of language knowledge, levels of language knowledge, oral and written language modes, and the critical role of oral language competencies throughout the early childhood years and beyond. Additionally, students are exposed to language development and how teachers can enhance language development at each level. Students learn how to assess language development with a wide variety of assessment tools. This course also highlights how teachers can enhance language development among children with communicative disorders.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Language and Literacy, or Special Education (5/15) (11/22 revalidation).
Distance learning course administered through Genesis University.
September 2016 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: recognize models that explain challenging behavior; evaluate positive behavior interventions and supports; describe rules and procedures to prevent challenging behaviors; recommend effective use of scheduling, climate, and classroom planning and organization to prevent challenging behavior; explain high-quality instruction to prevent challenging behavior; describe behavioral monitoring to prevent challenging behavior; justify reasons to implement functional assessment; summarize how to effectively implement social skills instruction; and explain how to effectively prevent challenging behavior through reinforcement strategies.
This course prepares special educators to manage learning environments and student behaviors in the special education classroom, as well as the inclusive classroom setting. Instruction focuses on the theoretical foundations of classroom management by providing a physical, emotional, and social environment that is safe, supportive, and conducive to learning. This course emphasizes positive behavior interventions and supports, or PBIS, an umbrella term that refers to a wide array of individual and systemic strategies to teach and strengthen appropriate behavior and to reduce challenging behavior. Abundant research supports the effectiveness of these techniques with all types and ages of students in all types of situations. For the most part, these techniques are relatively easy to use, mesh seamlessly with instruction, can be used with minimal training, and can be expected to produce desirable outcomes when used correctly.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Child Development, Education, or Special Education (9/16) (11/22 revalidation).
Distance learning course administered through Genesis University.
September 2016 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: understand the importance of having and stating a teaching objective; explain how to assess whether the objective was met; create an anticipatory set; summarize how to teach; recommend how to perform guided practice; support the importance of closure; evaluate the importance of creativity; describe why independent practice is not a part of the lesson; explain how to involve all students in the lessons; and synthesize how students retain what they have learned.
Topics include: importance of lesson objectives; assessing objectives; components of teaching; guided practice; lesson creativity; independent practice; student engagement; and retention and learning.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Elementary Education (9/16) (11/22 revalidation).
Distance learning course administered through Genesis University.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: identify and describe the skills and personality traits of effective teachers and explain their importance; use professional language to describe curriculum, instruction, and assessment; use principles of effective teaching to evaluate their teaching and the teaching of others; apply principles of effective teaching to make wise professional judgments; plan clear, coherent, and standards-based lessons; describe and evaluate examples of research-based teaching strategies for teachers; and apply principles of assessment and classroom management to practical classroom situations.
Topics include: characteristics of effective teachers; knowing diverse students; instructional planning; differentiating instruction; teacher-centered and student-centered instructional strategies; strategies to promote student understanding, thinking, and engagement; managing lesson delivery; classroom management and discipline; assessing and reporting student performance; and working with colleagues and parents.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Education, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Special Education (9/16) (11/22 revalidation).
Classroom-based or distance learning course administered through Genesis University.
January 2022 – Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: explain the concept of Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) and the different forms of PLA; define college-level learning; explain how learning styles are used in in PLA; explain Bloom's Taxonomy and relate it to PLA and learning; identify factors that lead to PLA success; reflect on their areas of expertise and draw conclusions about whether accomplishments in these areas constitute college-level learning; identify appropriate next steps based on a self-evaluation; identify significant life learning experiences; select experience and learning that could correlate to coursework; extract course-specific knowledge and theoretical understanding from experience and apply the principles to problem-solving situations and experiences; and organize evidence or documentation that supports learning claims.
Emphasis is placed on identifying experiences and areas of knowledge and supporting evidence to build a portfolio. Topics include: prior learning; college- level learning; and learning principles.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Prior Learning Assessment, Education, or Adult Learning (11/22).
History - Genesis University
Classroom-based or distance learning course administered through Genesis University.
January 2022 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: examine and analyze complex historical themes, events, and trends with a focus on identifying their global context and connection to the modern world; explain and analyze significant political, socioeconomic, and cultural developments in modern Middle Eastern History; explain the contributions that different cultures have made to modern Middle Eastern society and be able to critically analyze the different approaches that different regions took when seizing and wielding power; examine and analyze information from a variety of resources, including primary and secondary resources.
Topics include: Middle East, Modernity and Tradition; Rise of Nationalism; Arab-Israeli Conflict; and Islamic Revival.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in History, Middle Eastern Studies, or Political Science (11/22).
Inactive Learning Experiences - Genesis University
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: a
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: describe Biblical and Rabbinic ordinances applicable to food preparation and consumption; differentiate between Biblical and Rabbinic ordinances and effects on dietary laws; discuss and analyze the status of mixtures of permissable and impermissable foods; analyze scenarios dealing with contemporary situations, that deal with issues related to heat, steam, and soaking, as well as foods touching one other and vessels, as applied to kosher and non-kosher products.
Classroom-based or distance learning course administered Genesis University.
September 2016 - September 2022.
Upon successful completion, students will be able to: name sacred and secular musical traditions employed throughout the history of Judaism; recall the identifying characteristics of major genres of Jewish music; discuss Jewish music in the context of political, religious and cultural influences; recognize significant historical events and their impact on the evolution of Jewish music; identify varied musical styles and techniques within the spectrum of Jewish music; compare common musical characteristics; and describe the evolution of Jewish music from antiquity to the present day.
Topics include: Musical terminology; pre and post temple period music; Hasidic music; Cantorate; folk songs; and the evolution of Jewish music.
In the upper division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Jewish Studies, History, or Musicology (9/16).
Distance learning course administered through Genesis University.
April 2015 - September 2022.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: develop knowledge and dispositions in meeting the cognitive, physical, and social-emotional needs of children; explain how the environment and the learning curriculum enhance learning; describe the importance of movement and music in the curriculum for young children; express the importance of involving the childrens' families and community in developing learning activities for young children; and summarize the importance of standards and assessment in improving learning.
This course develops knowledge, skills, and dispositions in developing movement and motor activities for young children through the use of readings, Movement and Music (M2 Fun) activities, discussion topics, learning activities, and assessment quizzes. The knowledge, skills, and dispositions gained provide greater understanding of individual needs of each child, the importance of the interaction between the environment and the curriculum in learning, the valuable connection between movement and music, the critical influence of family and community involvement in learning, and the significance of using standards and assessment to provide guidance in learning.
In the lower division baccalaureate degree category, 2 semester hours in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Special Education (5/15).
Jewish Law - Genesis University
Classroom-based or distance learning course administered through Genesis University.
June 2005 - Present.
Upon succcessful completion of the course, students will be able to: discuss the laws of the Festivals as found in the Code of Jewish Law; compare and contrast the laws of the Sabbath with those of the Festivals; define the legal Halachic terminology pertaining to the laws discussed; trace the laws to their biblical roots; differentiate between Biblical and Rabbinic rulings; and apply legal reasoning to contemporary issues and scenarios.
This is an in–depth study of the laws of the Festivals governing issues found in the Code of Jewish Law. Emphasis is placed on differentiating the laws of the Festivals with those of the Sabbath and applying legal theory to practical and contemporary situations and scenarios, using contemporary texts, as well as journal articles and essays. Major topics include: analyzing prohibited labors; positive commandments relating to the Festivals; and preparations done for and on the Festivals.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Near Eastern Studies, or Religion (5/06) (3/11 revalidation) (9/16 revalidation) (11/22 revalidation).
Jewish Thought - Genesis University
Language Courses (Hebrew and Yiddish)
Classroom-based or distance learning course administered through Genesis University.
January 2022 – Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: unpack the major (and minor) challenges facing translators from Yiddish; analyze some of leading Yiddish stories of the early 20th century alongside their English translations; analyze the interplay of cultural influences of the milieu in which Yiddish stories are set; describe the perspectives of various translation theorists over the last century; and evaluate the differences among the same translations of particular texts.
Topics include: history of translation and its evolution, translator’s responsibilities, challenges for translators, role of language and culture, and choosing a project for translation.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 4 semester hours in History, Jewish Studies, Linguistics, Literature, Yiddish, or Eastern European Studies (11/22 revalidation).
Classroom-based or distance learning course administered through Genesis University.
January 2022 – Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: understand the linguistic principles of the ancient classical (Tiberian) form of Hebrew and Aramaic; explain the thousand year continuum of Ashkenazic culture and apply its two sacred languages to this continuum; and evaluate the history and impact of Ashkenazic on Jewish life, creativity, culture, and education; recognize the centrality of language to Jewish culture of Ashkenazic origin communities and beyond; identify the role and impact that Ashkenazic Hebrew and Aramaic had on the Jewish religious and political experience; recognize that Jewish culture and creativity are very often products of religious ideas and practice; trace the continuous Ashkenaz language chain from Biblical times until today; recognize the influence of Ashkenazic behind the creation of modern Israeli Hebrew; and identify the historical relationship between Hebrew, Aramaic and Yiddish.
Through readings and discussions students explore Jewish history and Hebrew using the multidisciplinary tools of linguistics, history, sociology and religious and secular movements. Topics include: what is Ashkenazic Hebrew and Aramaic, debates about standard vs. dialect in Ashkenazic, the campaign to obliterate Ashkenazic, and Ashkenazic today.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 4 semester hours in History, Jewish Studies, Linguistics, Hebrew Languages and Literature, Yiddish, or Eastern European Studies (11/22).
Classroom-based or distance learning course administered through Genesis University.
January 2022 – Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: apply their knowledge of the thousand-year history to the development of the Yiddish language and literature; analyze the impact of Jewish and non-Jewish history and cultural forces on today’s East European Jewish civilization; identify the various cultural confrontations and explain their impacts; and critically identify and evaluate the mainstream stereotypes that flourish today.
Topics include: Origins of Yiddish, Rabbinic Debates on Yiddish, anti-Yiddish campaigns, Yiddish Dialectology, Religious Literature in Older Yiddish, and Recent History and Current Trends.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 4 semester hours in History, Jewish Studies, Linguistics, Literature, Yiddish, and Eastern European Studies (11/22 revalidation).
Classroom-based or distance learning course administered through Genesis University.
January 2022 – Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: read and write names using Hebrew and Yiddish spelling systems (for birth and bar/bat mitzvah documents, ketubot, gravestones, etc.); recognize the similarities and differences in names and naming practices in various Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Mizrachi communities; discuss the meanings and origins of common Ashkenazi family names and have the tools to look up less common names; discuss the history of Jewish names, including evolving trends in popularity and American Jews’ name changing; advise people on Jewish naming practices, including various traditions of naming in honor of deceased or living relatives; discuss various ways of calling Jews in ritual contexts, including aliyot and names for converts.
Topics include names in Jewish Law and thought, significance of a name, and issues in choosing a name.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Language, or Sociology (11/22).
Classroom-based or distance learning course administered through Genesis University.
January 2022 – Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: identify the major languages and cultures of Jewish people and its myriad branches; explain how the great “secular” Yiddish literature is based on the language of traditional Yidishkeit and the Jewish life based on halacha over the ages; and analyze how Yidishkeit views the world, universe, and history, and the relative importance or triviality of phenomena. Various registers of the Yiddish language will be appreciated for their unique expressive force and degrees of differentiation that are not readily replicable in other languages.
This course provides a survey of the components, specificities, and structure of the Yiddish language focusing on their spiritual, cultural, religious, dialectal, and social content with reference also to formal grammar and its dialect and community-based variations.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 4 semester hours in History, Jewish Studies, Linguistics, Literature, Yiddish, or Eastern European Studies (11/22).
Philosophy and Ethics - Genesis University
Classroom-based or distance learning course administered through Genesis University.
September 2016 – Present.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: discuss the ethical and moral issues of communication; identify and discuss the sources and issues that dictate ethical communication in interpersonal relationships; use their theoretical knowledge to assess whether specific forms of contextual communication is permitted or forbidden; and present alternative permissible and appropriate ethical responses for the various situations and involved parties.
Topics include: the pervasive power of speech and its effects on interpersonal relationships; biblical sources delineating forbidden communication; prohibitions of speaking and accepting forbidden speech; gossip; libel; slander; rebuke; tacit speech; degrading comments; and communication in the context of the workplace.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Ethics, Humanities, or Judaic Studies (9/16) (11/22 revalidation).
Psychology and Sociology - Genesis University
Classroom-based or distance learning course administered through Genesis University.
January 2022 – Present.
Upon successful completion of this learning experience, students will be able to identify the sources of kosher food laws in the Torah; explore the meaning and purpose of kashrus (fitness) as it has evolved and been interpreted over time; explore the symbolism and meanings of the foods eaten by Jews on Shabbat and holidays; identify the role of food in Biblical stories, identify the different rabbinic enactments to ensure the continuity of the Jewish community, identify the role of halacha -- especially kashrus -- in shaping the Jewish religious and political experience.
Emphasis is placed on the role of food in Jewish religion, culture, and history, how Jewish people relate to food, and why are the dietary laws are so important. This course explores these topics by approaching Jewish food from the perspectives of religion, history, and industry. Topics include the Jewish dietary laws, the symbolism of Jewish foods, the struggle for the observance of kashrus, the evolution of Jewish cuisine throughout history, and the heroism of the Jewish community on behalf of the Jewish dietary laws.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Sociology, Judaic Studies, or Culinary Arts (11/22).