Jewish Music (MUS 400)
This course is a chronological overview of Jewish musical tradition from antiquity to the present, with a special focus on Hasidic music. Included is a brief survey of the major genres of Jewish music, together with listening to and discussion of representative works of selected composers from each genre.
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 all major genres of Jewish music, including Hasidic, Neo-Hasidic, Yiddish, Israeli folk song, and the music of the American Cantorate; Understand Jewish music in the context of political, religious and cultural influences; Recognize significant historical events and their impact on the evolution of Jewish music; Recognize and identify varied musical styles and techniques within the spectrum of Jewish music; Compare common musical characteristics, not only among various Jewish traditions, but also among but also among other cultural and religious traditions; Describe the evolution of Jewish music from antiquity to the present day; Predict the continuing evolution of Jewish music into the future.

Cantillation I (MUS 420)
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: demonstrate knowledge of the musical system of the bible; read the bible utilizing the cantillation system; identify the cantillation signs; discuss the legal/Halachic aspects involved in the public reading of the Bible; and use appropriate Hebrew grammar.
Instruction:
This is a study of the music of the Bible, the cantillation system. This course focuses on the music of the Torah and Haftorah texts. While focus is placed on the musical system, emphasis is also on general rules and laws pertaining to the reading of the bible in the synagogue; errors made during readings; Hebrew grammar as it pertains to reading.

Cantillation II (MUS 422)
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: demonstrate knowledge of the musical system of the bible for special readings; read the bible utilizing the cantillation system; distinguish between the modes for various occasions; identify the cantillation signs; discuss the legal/Halachic aspects of the special public reading of the Bible; and use appropriate Hebrew grammar.
Instruction:
The course surveys the special cantillation system of the High Holidays and Books of Esther, Lamentations, Ruth, Song of Songs and Kohelet. While focus is placed on the musical system, emphasis is also on general rules and laws pertaining to special readings in the synagogue; distinguishing between the various readings and corresponding holidays; Hebrew grammar.