Jewish Studies, BA
The Jewish Studies Program provides an opportunity for students to study the Jewish experience from several perspectives including: language (Hebrew, Yiddish, and Ladino), literature in the original languages and in translation, the history and culture of the Jewish people from Biblical Israel to 21st-century America and modern Israel, the exploration of Jewish law, and the roles of gender and sex in Judaism. Students may specialize in Jewish Studies through a major or a minor, or though one of the following concentrations: Jewish History within the History Department, Hebraica/Judaica within the Department of Near Eastern Languages & Civilizations, and Judaism within the Department of Religious Studies.
The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 34. Double majors may entail more course units.
For more information: http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/jwst/undergraduate
For information about the General Education requirements, please visit the College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum page.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| College General Education Requirements and Free Electives | ||
| Foundational Approaches + Sectors1 + Free Electives | 20 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| Language | ||
| Select 4 course units for proficiency in Hebrew or Yiddish language 2 | 4 | |
| History | ||
| Select 3 course units of History from at least two different periods: | 3 | |
| Jews and Judaism in Antiquity | ||
| Medieval and Early Modern Jewry | ||
| Jews in the Modern World | ||
| Literature | ||
| Select 3 course units of Literature in original language or translation with one course from each of the following periods: | 3 | |
Biblical Period | ||
Rabbinic or Medieval Period | ||
Modern Period | ||
| Religion or Culture | ||
| Select 3 course units of Religion or Culture (NELC, ANTH, FOLK, RELS, HIST) | 3 | |
| Senior Seminar | ||
| JWST 3900 | Senior Research Seminar | 1 |
| Total Course Units | 34 | |
- 1
You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement.
- 2
May be taken as 4 course units of Electives only if the language requirement has been fulfilled.
Honors
Minimum overall GPA must be 3.0 and in major related courses the minimum GPA must be 3.5.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| JWST 3999 | Senior Honors Thesis | 1 |
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.