JDST Major (48 credits)
The Judaic Studies (JDST) major engages students in a focused, interdisciplinary exploration of Judaic culture, thought, and history, with a strong emphasis on the modern and contemporary Jewish experience. The major highlights the diversity of Jewish identities and cultural expressions in the modern era, examining literature, media, gender, diaspora, and the arts through critical and global perspectives. While students begin with a foundational understanding of early and medieval Judaism, the curriculum centers on the transformations of Jewish life from the Enlightenment to the present. Modern Hebrew language study is a key component of the program, providing essential tools for engaging with modern texts and Israeli society. The major consists of 48 credits, distributed across foundation courses, upper-division electives, and Hebrew language study, as outlined below.
I. Foundation Courses: 8 credits
(Choose 2 of the following 3 courses)
- REL 211: Early Judaism (4)
- JDST 212: Medieval and Early Modern Judaism (4)
- JDST 213: The Jewish Encounter with the Modern (4)
II. Upper Division Courses: 16 credits
- JDST 330:American Jewish Cultures (4)
- JDST 352: Jewish Literature and Culture (4)
- JDST 353: Jewish Image and Media (4)
- JDST 354: Jewish History and Thought (4)
III. Modern Hebrew Language: 24 credits
- HBRW 101: Beginning Hebrew I
- HBRW 102: Beginning Hebrew II
- HBRW 103: Beginning Hebrew III
- HBRW 301: Intermediate Hebrew I
- HBRW 302: Intermediate Hebrew II
- HBRW 303: Intermediate Hebrew III