From history to political science, sociology to music and the arts, Jewish Studies is a vibrant, interdisciplinary program that allows you to explore Jewish civilization from a variety of perspectives. We encourage all students to consider a Jewish Studies major or certificate, regardless of your background or previous study.
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.
Since Jewish Studies is an interdisciplinary field, many students simultaneously pursue additional majors or certificates including Art, Education, Geography, History, Music, Political Science, Religious Studies, and Sociology. Given the broad history and geography of the Jewish experience, Jewish Studies also pairs well with programs like African Studies; Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies; European Studies; German, Nordic, and Slavic; and Middle East Studies. 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 | ||
| 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 | ||
JEWISH 278 | ||
| Yiddish Literature and Culture in America | ||
| Directed Study | ||
| Introduction to Hebrew Literature | ||
| Introduction to Hebrew Literature | ||
| Modern Jewish Literature | ||
JEWISH 322 | ||
| Classical Rabbinic Literature in Translation | ||
| Prophets of the Bible | ||
| King David in History and Tradition | ||
| The American Jewish Life of DNA | ||
JEWISH 346 | ||
| Jerusalem, Holy City of Conflict and Desire | ||
JEWISH 367 | ||
| 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 | ||
JEWISH 593 | ||
JEWISH 435 | ||
| 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 | ||
| Introduction to Biblical Archaeology | ||
JEWISH 278 | ||
| 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 | ||
JEWISH 451 | ||
| Holocaust: History, Memory and Education | ||
| Anti-Semitism in European Culture, 1700-1945 | ||
| Arab-Israeli Conflict | ||
| Advanced Topics in Jewish History | ||
| Directed Study | ||
| Total Credits | 0 | |
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 | ||
| Introduction to Biblical Literature (in English) | ||
| Introduction to Biblical Archaeology | ||
JEWISH 278 | ||
JEWISH 322 | ||
| Classical Rabbinic Literature in Translation | ||
| Prophets of the Bible | ||
| King David in History and Tradition | ||
JEWISH 346 | ||
| Jerusalem, Holy City of Conflict and Desire | ||
JEWISH 435 | ||
JEWISH 451 | ||
| 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.
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