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Minor

Course Offerings

The Major in Jewish Studies

Goals

The Major in Jewish Studies prepares undergraduate students to treat area studies such as the study of Jews and Judaism from different disciplines, i.e., history, religious studies, language and linguistics, literature, theology, political science, and anthropology. The Major thus combines the Humanities and the Social Sciences in the investigation of Jewish Studies.

The interdisciplinary approach to the Major has two objectives: first, to train students in understanding various aspects of Jews and Judaism and second, to expose students to the serious investigation of topics with different disciplines and methodologies. The program offers a great opportunity to pursue a high-quality liberal arts education. In addition, the Major provides an excellent foundation for students who would like to pursue Jewish Studies in Graduate School, enroll in a rabbinical program, or work in Jewish organizations and communities.

Students who major in Jewish Studies will take nine courses, and will also gain advanced proficiency usually in Hebrew.

Prerequisite for the major

One year of Hebrew (HEBR 101; HEBR 102)

Requirements for the major

Thirty-six credit-hours of course of study as follows:

Core Course

Four credit-hours:

1. JS 101: Introduction to Jewish Civilization

Electives

Twenty-four credits - five courses above the 100-level, one must be a 400-level advanced seminar - including three topical areas and three chronological areas. Note: the same class can fulfill A and B.

A- Topical Areas

1. History and Civilization
2. Language and Literature
3. Religion and Culture

B- Chronological Areas

1. Ancient
2. Medieval
3. Modern

Language

Eight credit hours in Hebrew or another Jewish language, all above the 100 level.

Honors

Students may write an Honors Thesis in accordance with the requirements of the College. In this case they may be required to take one Graduate course which will replace one of the elective courses.

 

 

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