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 information about the General Education requirements, please visit the College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum page.

College General Education Requirements and Free Electives
Foundational Approaches + Sectors1 + Free Electives20
Major Requirements
Language
Select 4 course units for proficiency in Hebrew or Yiddish language 24
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 3900Senior Research Seminar1
Total Course Units34
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.

JWST 3999Senior Honors Thesis1

 


The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2023 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.