Curriculum
Tikvah’s program for rising freshmen, Jews and Politics on Campus, is an opportunity for ambitious, curious, and talented future college students to learn from peers and Tikvah faculty about the opportunities–and challenges– they face as Jews on an American college campus. Over a series of discussions, dialogues, and lectures, we will explore the difficulties facing Jewish students, the immense opportunities for character development and intellectual growth at university, and what the Tikvah Fund can offer to help you on your way.
Listed below are a selection from this upcoming year’s program:
Alan Rubenstein, R.J. Snell, and Rabbi Mark Gottlieb: The Purpose of Higher Education
In many circles, college is simply another step on the way to a career and professional life. Whether or not that sort of training and credentialing occurs, the years spent in college will inevitably impact the development of students’ character in more fundamental ways. In these sessions, R.J. Snell, Rabbi Mark Gottlieb, and Alan Rubenstein will lead discussions on how one can prepare to grow as a full human being during the college years.
Eric Cohen: What is a Jewish Conservative?
In order to responsibly care about the Jewish future, we must think about strategy; and strategy designed to maximize the well-being of a community requires political thinking in the deepest sense. Tikvah’s Executive Director, Eric Cohen, will discuss his own vision for Jewish politics in America, as he has articulated it in the pages of Mosaic and Commentary magazines. What can those responsible for Jewish communities learn from the conservative tradition of thought?
Jonathan Haidt in conversation with Jonathan Silver: Free Speech and Culture Wars on Campus
The college campus has always been a place of intellectual foment and political activism. But could long-standing trends indicate a tipping point? What will need to be done to secure a place for free-thought and debate on American college campuses? Jonathan Haidt, in conversation with the host of the Tikvah podcast, Jonathan Silver, will discuss the past, present, and future of free thought and free speech on campus, and what students can expect to find when they get there.
Ruth Wisse: Jewish Self-Confidence
In an age of moral confusion, it can be difficult to stand up for what one believes to be true. A weakening of the spine is preceded by creeping doubts. In this session, Dr. Ruth Wisse, lifelong educator, will offer her reflections on Jewish self-confidence. How does love of the Jewish people, nourished by immersion in texts and history, become manifest in the ways we carry ourselves as Jews? Ruth Wisse’s pivotal book, Jews and Power, has recently been released in a second edition, making it perfect preparatory reading.
Take a look at our full 2020 Summer Schedule:
