Jewish studies approaches the history and culture of the Jewish people from a multicultural and interdisciplinary perspective. The goals of the Jewish studies minor are to foster greater knowledge about Jewish history, religion, and culture and to explore who Jews are in their geographic and cultural diversity, and how they have interacted with other peoples politically, economically, socially, ideologically, philosophically, and artistically. In order to understand Jewish history, it is necessary to investigate the economic, political, and social forces that have affected the lives of Jews in varied cultural settings for thousands of years. The study of Jewish cultures includes religious beliefs and practices, philosophy, literature, folklore, visual arts, music, and the media.

The Jewish studies minor is relevant for students going on to graduate study in any of a number of disciplines, with or without a Jewish studies focus. It is also important for students contemplating professional careers related to Jewish religion, education, or community service (e.g., as rabbis, cantors, Jewish educators, social workers, or administrators of Jewish community programs). More generally, it is a useful minor for a wide variety of students pursuing careers in which multicultural awareness is important.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Foundational Course
Select one course from the following:		3-4
JWST 10300	Hebrew Scriptures
JWST 20100	Jews in the Ancient and Medieval Worlds
JWST 20200	Jews in the Modern World
JWST 20300	Living Judaism
JWST 29400	Contemporary Jewish Identities: Race, Gender, and Nation
Electives
Select four courses with JWST prefix or with the Jewish Studies Electives attribute designation JWST. 1,2		12-16
Total Credits		15-20

¹

No more than 3 credits of internship or independent study will count toward the electives for the Jewish Studies minor.

²

Courses not taken for the Foundational Course requirement may be used as elective courses.

Additional Requirements

1. No more than 8 credits from a student's major or 4 credits from a student's second minor will count toward the Jewish studies minor.
2. No more than 8 credits taken from another institution may be counted toward the Jewish Studies minor.