Date of Award
12-1979
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Education
Department
Education
First Advisor
Boyd Morros
Second Advisor
Harold Zimmerman
Abstract
Sheila F. Radman’s thesis presents a curriculum designed for post-confirmation Jewish high school students in the St. Louis area. The program addresses the lack of formal Jewish education for adolescents and aims to deepen their understanding of Jewish identity, history, and community. Rooted in educational theories, particularly those of Erik Erikson, the curriculum explores identity formation, values, and Jewish heritage.
The course is divided into multiple units covering Sephardic, German, and Eastern European immigration, Jewish life in America, family traditions, and contemporary Jewish identity. It incorporates interactive teaching methods such as role-playing, values clarification exercises, and historical simulations, making learning engaging and relevant. Students explore historical topics like the Spanish Inquisition, Ellis Island immigration, and Jewish contributions to American society. Special projects, including biographical research and community engagement activities, encourage personal connections to Jewish history.
The curriculum also aims to address the challenges of Jewish adolescent education, particularly the disengagement of students after confirmation. By fostering a deeper connection to Jewish heritage, it seeks to empower students to take an active role in their faith and community. The program is both an academic and experiential journey, equipping students with historical knowledge and a stronger sense of Jewish identity.
Recommended Citation
Radman, Sheila F., "The Jewish Experience in America: A Curriculum for Students in the Jewish Weekend School" (1979). Theses. 1268.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/theses/1268
Creative Commons License
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