COMM 2254 Introduction to Jewish Culture and Civilization
This course may be used to satisfy one of four electives required within the Communication major. This course introduces students to the study of Jewish culture and civilization and serves as the gateway course for Boston College's Jewish Studies minor. The course is divided into three core sections: core Jewish texts and beliefs, Jewish geography and languages, and Jewish cultural production. The course presumes no previous knowledge of the subject matter and welcomes students from every discipline. Objects of study will range from the Hebrew Bible and the Talmud to Ladino music, Superman comics, and Seinfeld. The course will feature guest lectures from across Boston College's Jewish Studies faculty and will include off-site learning opportunities ranging from trips to museum exhibitions to dinner at an area kosher restaurant.
Course overview
- Department
- Communication
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Periodically
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.31 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 4.41 / 5 · Very Good
- Terms evaluated
- 3
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Ruth Langer | 4.0 | 3.8 | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.7 | 1–3 hrs/week | 6 of 8 |
| Spring 2025 | Matthew Sienkiewicz | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4–6 hrs/week | 11 of 14 |
| Spring 2024 | Matthew Sienkiewicz | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.6 | 1–3 hrs/week | 14 of 16 |