Perceptions of Primary Source Materials in the Jewish Studies Undergraduate Classroom

In the undergraduate classroom there can be a heavy reliance on primary source materials to meet learning objectives. This is especially true in religion-focused classes where materials are critical to students developing an understanding of the topic. The perception of primary source materials usage in the Jewish Studies undergraduate classroom for both faculty and students at a Southeastern Public University in the United States was studied. It analyzes the experiences of participants with primary source material in the classroom, particularly those accessible through faculty resources. Interviews from participants active in Jewish Studies courses during the Spring 2024 semester were analyzed. Data collected for this research suggests that while students do find value in primary source materials, they do little to illustrate this to their professors in the classroom. I believe this paper will help faculty and students understand the impact primary source materials might play in supplementing undergraduate education.