The Major

The Major

Bachelor of Arts in Modern Jewish Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Modern Jewish Studies is an interdisciplinary major that consists of courses in a variety of disciplines, including literature, history, religion, geography, Hebrew Language and politics. Students will gain an understanding of Jewish civilizations as the result of interactions of Jewish culture, history, and religion within both societies where Jews have been the dominant majority (the first two Jewish commonwealths and modern Israel) and the minority. Students will explore the constants and diversity of the Jewish experience in different eras and geographical settings. They will be able to define the parameters of the Diaspora and its significance on both Jewish and non-Jewish life. They will understand the significant Jewish beliefs, ethics, philosophies, and religious texts. Students will comprehend the place and role of Israel and Zionism in Jewish life, politics, culture, and religion. They will understand the history of the Holocaust/Shoah and its impact on both the Jewish and non-Jewish worldviews. Students will also gain a basic comprehension of and proficiency in Hebrew.

Requirements (minimum of 40 units)

  1. Core (minimum of 34 units): All Jewish Studies majors must take HIST 141 (3 units), plus an additional 31 units in the following fields:
    1. Language (4 units): HEBW 101A, 101B, or 210 
    2. Culture and Society (6 units): CWL 342 and 344
    3. History (9 units): HIST 304, 344, 345, 393, 432, 434, or 470
    4. Religion and Thought (9 units): R/ST 210, 230, 311, 312, 314, 315, 317, 318, 319, 320A, 320B, or 460
    5. Capstone Course (3 units): to be determined by Program Advisor.
  2. Electives (6 units): Jewish Studies majors may satisfy their electives with GEOG 309I and POSC 367 (both 3 units), any of the other courses listed above in excess of the core requirements, or other courses as determined by the advisor.