I Can't Wait for Next Semester!

I just finished up my JanTerm class on Prenatal Development, where I wrote my final paper on the importance of long-term exclusive breastfeeding to the development of healthy infants. I also finished up JanTerm by changing where I live, to a single room in Enfield (one of the nicest on-campus neighborhoods.)

Next semester I'm taking a class on evolution, one on an HIV/AIDS media campaign, and another class on economics and capitalism. However, what I'm really excited about is my Independent Study. I'm doing "Jewish Text Study Through a Feminist Lens." I'm working with a Jewish studies professor who is awesome and our Campus Rabbi. Here's the course description and expectations:

This course will be an in-depth study of Jewish texts, primarily the Torah, through feminist, queer and women-focused lenses. We will read the Torah parsha (weekly reading), discuss it in hevruta (paired learning), and write a dvar (response) every week. Students will be expected to prepare and lead shiurim (learning discussions) for the rest of the class. In addition, there will also be weekly reading from relevant articles and books, and we will write responses to them. The course will culminate with the hosting of a Shabbaton open to the whole Five College community, where will we share our learning. This course will require participants to think critically about Jewish texts, both the Torah and modern commentary on it and Jewish life. Participants will be expected to do high quality work and to engage with the texts. We are expected to be present, both physically and mentally at class meetings, and to inform the class in advance if we need to be absent. Due to the nature of this independent study, it is very important that we do the reading and come prepared to class. We will also hold each other accountable for responsible behavior during class (i.e. no Facebook.)

I can't wait!!