Genesis Courses
Courses at Genesis are unlike any high school learning experience. The courses examine areas of knowledge that begin with an academic discipline as seen through a uniquely Jewish lens. Our faculty lead you through complex, compelling topics that encourage critical thinking and challenge assumptions. Jewish texts, traditions and perspectives infuse your study of subjects ranging from gender to technology to world religions and cultures.
With intellectual vigor, yet without the stress of grades or papers, Genesis courses prompt questions as much as they provide answers. You will help shape your experience by taking responsibility for parts of the course and getting practical experience in your chosen discipline. Explore the courses listed below to discover more about the intellectual heart of Genesis.
2020 Courses
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Looking to develop and explore your individual writing voice?
In this course, you'll translate your experiences, emotions, and imaginations into literary form; take risks in both content and form; and provide thoughtful, constructive, and supportive feedback to your peers. Together with your course instructor and a vibrant community of fellow teen writers, you'll learn how to integrate Jewish experience and imagination into your work and find authentic expression. Participants will learn from guest speakers and writers.
The written expression of the Jewish experience throughout millenia has formed a foundation from which our newest writers are grounded and thrive. Come join a passionate community of new writers and make it your journey, too.
Nearly sixty years ago, Supreme Court Justice Thomas Clark wrote, "It might well be said that one's education is not complete without a study of comparative religion or the history of religion."
In the Global Religions course, you'll take Justice Clark's words to heart and engage in an academic study of several major world religions. Through engaging lectures and discussions, as well as online group study, you'll develop a new appreciation for both your own Judaism and the values, traditions, practices and leaders of other faiths. This course grows from the scholarly desire to understand the world's inhabitants and cultures and will provide context for how global affairs are influenced and affected by various faith traditions.
Experience a Theater Arts program that goes beyond the expected!
Together with a community of fellow teen actors, you'll refine your technique, develop creative skills and leave with an improved sense of your own process. This course combines technique classes, master classes with guest artists, and the development, rehearsal and performance online of a collaborative original work. Past years included exploration of Viewpoints, Stanislavski, Meisner, Hagen, Laban Effort Actions and Tectonic Theater Project's Moment Work.
Notes acclaimed Jewish-American-Iraqi director Jeremy Aluma: "In Judaism, there is a belief that empathy stirs us to great acts of kindness and generosity, and that those actions can repair the pain and suffering in the world." With this in mind, our students spend the summer honing their skills and bringing about creative Jewish theatrical experiences within the context of a caring and compassionate community.