At a Glance
I’m interested in this field of study. Can you tell me more about it?
Jewish studies is an area studies major, meaning you can pursue any discipline or combination of disciplines within the context of Judaism.
What are some courses appropriate for first-year students interested in exploring this field of study?
This depends on your particular academic interests. If you want to give Jewish studies a theological slant, you might take courses in religious studies or philosophy. If you’re interested in cultural history, you could do coursework in modern architecture, medieval art, or European or Middle Eastern history. There are no specific disciplinary bounds!
If I decide to major or minor in this field, are there certain courses that need to be taken in a specific sequence?
Yes, but that depends on the disciplinary focus you choose.
Can students who major or minor in this field complete a second major or minor (as a double major or a major/minor combination)? If so, what are some common pairings?
Easily done. Any humanities major could pair with Jewish studies, along with several social sciences.
What other useful information should I know about this field of study?
An area studies major like this one allows you to carve out your own coherent field of inquiry.
Jewish Studies is an intercollegiate, interdisciplinary program which offers the student the opportunity to explore the rich culture and the historical experience of the Jewish people, their unique traditions, their interactions with other cultures, and their impact on world civilization. The program draws on the academic expertise of faculty in such disciplines as literature, history, religious studies, philosophy, psychology, and politics. It provides significant preparation for students considering careers in education, social work, public policy, law, business, the rabbinate, Jewish education, and scholarly research.
A Scripps student may petition the Academic Policy Subcommittee for a self-designed interdisciplinary major or minor in Jewish Studies. Courses should be chosen carefully in consultation with the student’s academic adviser and with consideration for the existing resources within The Claremont Colleges.