Jewish Studies is a vibrant academic program that allows you to explore Jewish life and civilization through a variety of disciplinary perspectives, including history, sociology, political science, religious thought, literature, and the arts.
As a student in Jewish Studies, you will study the intellectual and cultural values of Jews, their religious beliefs and practices, languages, literary creativity, and participation in the larger societies in which they live. You will sharpen your ability to think critically, read closely, and write effectively. And while learning how Jews have lived, survived, and sometimes flourished, you will gain a deeper comprehension of their rich, varied culture and the world they inhabit.
Whatever your background or previous study, we encourage you to pursue a Jewish Studies major or certificate. At the broadest level, Jewish Studies will prompt you to reflect on the meaning of ethnic, racial, and religious identity. By examining one of the world’s oldest peoples, you will come to question preconceived notions about Jews and other minorities and to scrutinize popular and political representations of all marginalized groups.
To sample the variety of Jewish Studies offerings, check out our current courses.
How to Get in
Students interested in a certificate in Jewish Studies should make an appointment with the undergraduate advisor (undergrad-adviser@cjs.wisc.edu) to discuss requirements and courses.
Requirements
The Jewish Studies certificate requires 5 courses, totaling at least 15 credits, in 4 areas (each course may count toward only one required area):
- two courses in an approved Jewish language;
- one course in Literature, Philosophy, or the Arts;
- one course in History or Social Science; and
- one course in Pre-Modern Jewish History, Culture, or Literature.
Language Requirement
Complete two courses in one of the following approved Jewish languages at the appropriate level.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Biblical Hebrew (Select 2 courses): | ||
| Elementary Biblical Hebrew, I | ||
| Elementary Biblical Hebrew, II | ||
| Intermediate Biblical Hebrew, I | ||
| Intermediate Biblical Hebrew, II | ||
| Intensive Elementary Biblical Hebrew | ||
| Biblical Texts, Poetry | ||
| Biblical Texts, Poetry | ||
| Modern Hebrew (Select 2 courses): | ||
| First Semester Hebrew | ||
| Second Semester Hebrew | ||
| Third Semester Hebrew | ||
| Fourth Semester Hebrew | ||
| Introduction to Hebrew Literature | ||
| Introduction to Hebrew Literature | ||
| Topics in Modern Hebrew / Israeli Literature and Culture I | ||
| Topics in Modern Hebrew / Israeli Literature and Culture II | ||
| Yiddish (Select 2 courses) | ||
| First Semester Yiddish | ||
| Second Semester Yiddish | ||
Literature, Philosophy, or the Arts
Complete one course in Literature, Philosophy, or the Arts.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Jewish Law, Business, and Ethics | ||
| Introduction to Judaism | ||
| The Sabbath | ||
| Introduction to Biblical Literature (in English) | ||
| Elementary Topics in Jewish Literature | ||
| Elementary Topics in Jewish Philosophy and the Arts | ||
| Bascom Course | ||
| Yiddish Literature and Culture in Europe | ||
| Yiddish Literature and Culture in America | ||
| Directed Study | ||
| Introduction to Hebrew Literature | ||
| Introduction to Hebrew Literature | ||
| Modern Jewish Literature | ||
| Classical Rabbinic Literature in Translation | ||
JEWISH 332 | ||
| King David in History and Tradition | ||
| The American Jewish Life of DNA | ||
| Jerusalem, Holy City of Conflict and Desire | ||
| Jewish Humor | ||
| Topics in Modern Hebrew / Israeli Literature and Culture I | ||
| Topics in Modern Hebrew / Israeli Literature and Culture II | ||
| Intermediate Topics in Jewish Literature | ||
| Intermediate Topics in Jewish Philosophy and the Arts | ||
| Moral Philosophy and the Holocaust | ||
| Biblical Texts, Poetry | ||
| Biblical Texts, Poetry | ||
| Jewish Literatures in Diaspora | ||
| German-Jewish Culture Since the 18th Century | ||
| Advanced Topics in Jewish Literature | ||
| Advanced Topics in Jewish Philosophy and the Arts | ||
| Directed Study |
History or Social Science
Complete one course in History or Social Science.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Jewish Law, Business, and Ethics | ||
| Introduction to Judaism | ||
| Jews and American Pop. Culture | ||
| The American Jewish Experience: From Shtetl to Suburb | ||
| Introduction to Modern Jewish History | ||
| Elementary Topics in Jewish History | ||
JEWISH 241 | ||
| Directed Study | ||
| The Holocaust | ||
| The American Jewish Life of DNA | ||
| Israeli Politics and Society | ||
| What Is Jewish Studies? | ||
| Modern Jewish Thought | ||
| Intermediate Topics in Jewish History | ||
| Holocaust: History, Memory and Education | ||
| Antisemitism in European Culture | ||
| Arab-Israeli Conflict | ||
| Advanced Topics in Jewish History | ||
| Directed Study |
Pre-modern Jewish History, Culture, or Literature
Complete one course in Pre-Modern Jewish History, Culture, or Literature.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Jewish Law, Business, and Ethics | ||
| Introduction to Judaism | ||
| The Sabbath | ||
| Introduction to Biblical Literature (in English) | ||
JEWISH 241 | ||
| Classical Rabbinic Literature in Translation | ||
JEWISH 332 | ||
| King David in History and Tradition | ||
| Jerusalem, Holy City of Conflict and Desire | ||
| Muslims and Jews | ||
| Biblical Texts, Poetry | ||
| Biblical Texts, Poetry |
Note on Directed Study
With prior consent of the undergraduate advisor in Jewish Studies and the relevant instructor, students may use one Directed Study course (JEWISH 699) to satisfy a requirement for the certificate.
Residence and Quality of Work
- Minimum 2.000 GPA in all JEWISH courses and courses approved for the certificate
- 11 credits, counting toward the certificate, taken in residence
Certificate Completion Requirement
This undergraduate certificate must be completed concurrently with the student’s undergraduate degree. Students cannot delay degree completion to complete the certificate.
Learning Outcomes
- At least two semesters of reading, understanding and conversing in Hebrew or another approved Jewish language.
- Honed critical abilities in close reading, interpretation, and written analysis of ancient and modern Jewish texts.
- Expanded knowledge of Jewish history, culture, philosophy, arts, religious practice, and politics in both the past and present.
- Disposition of increased appreciation for diverse world views, value systems and interactions between Jews and non-Jews, minorities and majorities, in Wisconsin, the US, and across the globe.
Advising and Careers
Declare or Cancel This Certificate
If you are interested in the possibility of declaring a certificate in Jewish Studies, make an appointment with the undergraduate advisor (associate-director@cjs.wisc.edu).
Jewish Studies can prepare one for a variety of career paths. Graduates in Jewish Studies have followed a variety of different career paths, including law, medicine, education, finance, social work, and the nonprofit sector. Jewish Studies students are also well prepared to apply for graduate studies in fields such as law, education, business, and social work, as well as prime candidates for rabbinical or cantorial school, theological studies, and advanced levels of Jewish Studies.
Study Abroad
Learning in Letters & Science emphasizes discovery, growth, understanding different perspectives, and challenging yourself, which makes studying abroad an excellent fit for many L&S students: studyabroad.wisc.edu
As a university with global influence, we have more than 300 study abroad programs in over 80 countries. These vary in length, academic focus, teaching format, language requirements, cost, and level of independence. There are many programs to complement every major and any year of college (including the final semester)—and all meet UW–Madison’s high academic standards. Students admitted into Letters & Science can even choose a short program in the summer before they start college or their whole first year: studyabroad.wisc.edu/launch. Talk with your academic advisor about how studying abroad might fit with your academic plan.
SuccessWorks
SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps you turn the academic skills learned in your classes into a fulfilling life, guiding you every step of the way to securing jobs, internships, or admission to graduate school.
Through one-on-one career advising, events, and resources, you can explore career options, build valuable internship and research experience, and connect with supportive alumni and employers who open doors of opportunity.
- What you can do with your major (Major Skills & Outcomes Sheets)
- Make a career advising appointment
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- Try “Jobs, Internships, & How to Get Them,” an interactive guide in Canvas for enrolled UW–Madison students