Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies | Evaluated Learning Experience
The Modern Chassidic Society (SOC 306)
Varies; self-study format.
March 2021 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the learning experience, students will be able to: identify the primary norms and behaviors of modern chassidic Jews; compare and contrast Chassidic society to its non-Chassidic counterpart; compare and contrast Chassidic society to other religious minority groups; recognize behavioral patterns; clarify the goals and motivations driving the chassidic communities; describe the religious background to Chassidic life; generate hypotheses about the Chassidic Community based on focused research; identify the ways the Chassidim of Williamsburg have changed with time and familiarize themselves with essential terms and phrases used by the Chassidic Community.
Major topics include: the Jews of Williamsburg their history and origins, community structure in Europe as compared to the United States, the family unit, and social organizations, the economic activities of the community including shops and stores, merchandise, and advertising techniques, religious and professional services, as well as nonprofessional occupations, and the role of the Chassidic Rebbe as both a religious figurehead and a political leader.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6 semester hours in Sociology, Judaic Studies, Religion, United States History, General History, or as General Elective (8/21).
