The Jewish Studies major offers a broad liberal arts background combined with intensive preparation in the historical and religious experience of Jewish cultures from antiquity to contemporary times. It can also be combined, as a second major, with various other majors, including Economics, Political Science, Literature, English, Philosophy, and History. Students interested in majoring in Jewish Studies are encouraged to reach out to the Director of Undergraduate Studies as soon as possible.
Requirements of the Major
There are no prerequisites for the major in Jewish Studies.
The major in Jewish Studies requires a total of thirteen (13) term courses, including:
- 3 courses selected from a set of core requirements;
- a language or literature requirement (usually fulfilled through 2 courses);
- 3 courses selected from each of two areas of concentration;
- 2-term senior essay or 1-term senior essay and an additional seminar.
Core Requirements
Each student must elect at least 3 courses from the following:
- a course in Hebrew Bible
- a course in ancient Judaism (second temple or rabbinic literature)
- a course in pre-modern Jewish History
- a course in modern Jewish history
- a course in Jewish thought
- a survey course in Hebrew or Jewish literature
Language or Literature Requirements
Students must complete either HEBR 1110 and 1120 or two courses in Jewish literature in translation. Up to three Hebrew or Yiddish language courses may be counted toward the requirements of the major.
Area of Concentration
Students must select two of the following areas of concentration: ancient Israel/Hebrew Bible; Judaism and Jewish history of the Second Temple and rabbinic periods; Jewish history and culture in the medieval and early modern periods; modern Jewish history and culture; Jewish/Hebrew literature (which requires the study of literature in Hebrew or Yiddish); and Jewish thought. With the approval of the Director of Undergraduate Students, students may also design their own areas of concentration.
In each of the two areas of concentration, students choose three courses, in consultation with the Director of Undergraduate Study. These are expected to comprise one introductory course; one seminar taken in the junior year; and one course requiring a final research paper. One relevant course should be in an area outside the Program in Jewish Studies, such as a course relating to the larger historical, literary, or philosophical context if the concentration is in a historical period, or a course in the theory or practice of literature if the concentration is in Jewish/Hebrew literature.
Senior Essay
Students are required either to complete a two-term senior essay (JDST 4491 and 4492) related to both areas of concentration, or to complete a one-term senior essay (JDST 4491 or 4492) related to one area of concentration and an additional seminar related to the other. The senior essay may build on research conducted for one or both of the student’s junior seminar papers.
