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Near Eastern & Jewish Studies
The degree course in Near Eastern and Jewish Studies explores the historical experience, the literary, religious and cultural expression and the political and material life of Jewish, Islamic, and Near Eastern civilizations. Our programme is unique in Ireland because it integrates Jewish studies with the study of Islam. Whether you favour the study of literature, religion, history, or politics you will find in our courses a way to deepen your appreciation of these complex and diverse societies and cultures. You will also be encouraged to explore the interaction of Jews and Muslims with neighbouring societies and cultures in the Middle East, Europe, North Africa, and other parts of the world. Encountering these cultures is not confined to the classroom and we organise various activities that include study tours (E.g., to Poland, Berlin and Budapest).
Judaism and Islam have been deeply influential in the development of European, Middle Eastern, North African and North American societies. Studying their origins and cultures provides us with an insight into the challenges of diversity and multiculturalism that faces Ireland and European societies today. |
Student Activities
To complement our courses and enrich the learning experience for our students, the Centre organises course-related activities throughout the year. From celebrating festivals (in cooperation with Trinity's Jewish Student Society), to hosting visiting speakers and arranging study trips in Dublin and to destinations overseas, the Centre aims to provide a broad educational experience.
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Students with Tomi Reichental who spent part of his childhood in Bergen Belsen concentration camp. We are very grateful to him for taking the time to talk with us about his experiences. |
Visiting Scholars
Each year, visiting scholars contribute to our undergraduate programme by offering seminars or evening lectures and we have also welcomed into the classroom rabbis, authors, and a Holocaust survivor.
In 2007-2008, Prof. Daniel Schwartz (Hebrew University Jerusalem) and Prof. Hanan Eshel (Bar Ilan University) provided special seminars for the students.
In 2006, in their very first week of Jewish Studies, students were treated to introductory lectures on Jewish Civilization by Prof. Isaiah Gafni of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. To compliment the new courses on Diaspora and the Jews of Egypt, Prof. Gafni also spoke on "Jewish Diaspora: Punishment, Blessing, or Universal Mission."
Also in 2006-2007...
Prof. Michele Murray of Bishop's University spoke about her work on magic in early Judaism and Christianity to our Junior Sophister students enrolled in a course on "Apocalyptic, Magic and Mysticism in Early Judaism." Thanks to the British Friends of the Hebrew University, our first year students were able to enjoy the distinctive lecturing style of Prof. Yair Zakovitch, of the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, who spoke on "The Giving of the Torah: The Jewish Big Bang."
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| Dr Yair Zakovitch with one of the students | Dr David Newman leading a seminar for undergraduates | Dr Hannah Lerner lecturing on "Judaism and Democracy" |
Dr. Hannah Lerner of Tel Aviv University also visited and addressed a group of first and second year students on "Judaism and Democracy"' while a geopolitical understanding of conflict in the Middle East was offered by Prof. David Newman of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev who lectured on "'Borders, Conflict and Peace in the Middle East."
Contact: jwelch@tcd.ie | Last updated: Oct 26 2008 | Back to top