Jewish Studies

Program Overview

The Jewish Studies minor offers a comprehensive exploration of Jewish identity and heritage, fostering interfaith dialogue and understanding. Through interdisciplinary coursework in history, culture, religion, and language, students gain a deep appreciation for Jewish thought, practice, and diversity. The program prepares graduates for careers in various fields, including education, social work, and religious studies, while also providing a foundation for graduate study in Jewish studies.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Jewish Studies minor is a 15-credit, interdisciplinary minor that provides students with an understanding of Jewish identity and heritage, fostering dialogue and understanding between faiths.
• Objectives: Upon completion of the minor, students will have gained:
• An understanding of Jewish history, culture, and traditions
• An appreciation of the diversity of Jewish thought and practice
• The skills to engage in informed and respectful dialogue about Judaism and other faiths
• Program Description: The minor is designed to provide students with a well-rounded understanding of Jewish studies.
Students will take courses in a variety of disciplines, including:
• History:
Courses in Jewish history will provide students with an overview of the Jewish experience from ancient times to the present day, addressing issues such as:
• The development of Jewish thought and practice
• The relationship between Jews and other cultures
• The challenges and triumphs faced by the Jewish people
• Culture:
Courses in Jewish culture will explore the richness and diversity of Jewish cultural expression. Topics covered may include:
• Jewish art, music, and literature
• Jewish holidays and festivals
• Jewish cuisine
• Religion:
Courses in Jewish religion will provide students with a deep understanding of the beliefs, practices, and values of Judaism. Topics covered will range from:
• The nature of God in Judaism
• The role of the Torah
• Jewish ethics
• Language:
Courses in Hebrew will provide students with a basic understanding of this language which plays a fundamental role in Jewish culture, religion and history

Outline:

Required Courses:

• JWST 212 Introduction to the Sacred Scriptures of Ancient Israel
• JWST 271 Anti-Semitism
• SOCI 272 Perspectives on the Holocaust

Elective Courses:

• JWST 283 Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
• PSYC 204B Science, Psychology, and the Holocaust
• JWST 209 Voices from the Holocaust
• JWST 200W Classical Sociological Theory
The program is structured to provide students with a broad understanding of Jewish studies. The required courses provide a foundation in Jewish history, culture, and religion. The elective courses allow students to explore specific topics in more depth.

Assessment:

Assessment methods in the Jewish Studies minor vary depending on the course. Some courses may use traditional methods such as exams and essays, while others may incorporate more creative approaches such as projects, presentations, and portfolios.

Teaching:

The Jewish Studies minor is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are committed to providing students with a high-quality learning experience. The faculty are experts in their fields and are passionate about sharing their knowledge with students.

Careers:

The Jewish Studies minor can open doors to a variety of careers in fields such as:

• Education
• Journalism
• Social work
• Religious studies
• Museum studies
• Nonprofit management
• International development
The minor can also provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue graduate study in Jewish studies or related fields.