Religious Studies, Judaic Studies (BA in Religious Studies)
The Judaic Studies major introduces students to the history, texts, political and philosophical thought of the Judaic tradition as it has developed throughout the ancient, medieval and modern periods. Students will be exposed to a range of methodological approaches including biblical criticism, comparative analysis, theology, anthropology and history. Students pursuing the major will be encouraged to engage in independent research with the support of faculty in Judaic Studies. Consultation with a Judaic Studies advisor is expected.
Required Credit Hours: 30
Major Writing Requirement:
Students can fulfill the Major Writing Requirement by completing RELG 391 Theory and Method in the Study of Religionwith a C- grade or better.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Core Requirements: | 6 | |
| Religions of the World: The Human Religious Experience | ||
| Theory and Method in the Study of Religion | ||
| Two Courses from Traditions: | 6 | |
Religious literacy is essential for understanding how diverse traditions shape human thought, ethics, politics, and cultural practices. By engaging with at least two major traditions, students gain comparative insight into how different communities construct meaning, authority, and ritual life. These case studies foster critical thinking about global diversity and provide interdisciplinary depth central to the major. | ||
| Introduction to the History of Jewish Thought | ||
Plus one additional course from: | ||
| Introduction to the History of Christianity | ||
| Introduction to Islam | ||
| Introduction to Hinduism | ||
| Buddhism | ||
| Two Courses from Judaism in Antiquity: | 6 | |
This area requirement provides students with a firm grounding in the textual and historical roots of early Judaism. They will gain literacy in the study of biblical texts and its commentary traditions, and examine early Judaism within the wider context of the larger Mediterranean world. | ||
| History and Religion of Ancient Israel | ||
| Christian Origins | ||
| Traditions and Memory in Ancient Israel and Greece | ||
| The Prophetic Books | ||
| Paul, Pharisee & Apostle | ||
| Judaism before the Rabbis | ||
| Rabbis and Fathers | ||
| Two Courses from Judaism in the Medieval and Modern World: | 6 | |
This area requirement will introduce students to developments in the thought and the institutions of Judaism as they change throughout the medieval and modern periods. Students will be introduced to an interdisciplinary approach to the study of Judaism as it is impacted by changing historical conditions. Additionally, students will be exposed to a variety of literary, philosophical, and historical texts, and to the enduring relevance of the study of Judaism in the present. | ||
| Culture and Society in the Middle East and North Africa | ||
| Topics in Religion (Post-Holocaust Jewish and Christian Thought) | ||
| The Holocaust | ||
| Topics in Religion (The Jewish Political Tradition ) | ||
| Modern European Jewish History | ||
| Judaism in America | ||
| Dating, Sex, Love, and Marriage: Gender and Judaism Throughout History | ||
| Modern Jewish and Christian Thought | ||
| Other courses may fulfill this requirement. Consult with your advisor | ||
| Electives | 6 | |
One elective at any level. This can include any of the above courses, select RELG 100s, select RELG 150s, transfer RELG credit in the field of Judaic Studies, or any course that carries the JDST attribute. Consult with your advisor to see if your COLL 100/150 or transfer credit can fulfill this requirement. | ||
Remaining electives at the 300/400 level. These can be any courses at the 300 level included above or any course at the 300 or 400 level that carries the JDST attribute | ||
| Total Hours | 30 | |