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Jewish Studies

814-863-8939
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University Park , PA 16802
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PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Jewish Studies major is concerned with the culture, history, literature, philosophy, language, and religious beliefs of the Jewish people across the thousands of years from Biblical times to the present. Through this interdisciplinary major, students are introduced to the methodologies of classics and ancient Mediterranean studies, archaeology, comparative literature, historical inquiry, philosophy, social science , and religious studies.

The Jewish Studies program focuses on two themes : the Bible and its world; and the histories of Jewish life, literature, and religious thought in the Diaspora. Special emphasis is placed on the American Jewish experience. Students are encouraged to pursue courses in both ancient and modern Judaism and in Jewish life in both Israel and the Diaspora. Study of the Hebrew language, both Biblical and Modern, may be incorporated in a student’s course of study.

Jewish Studies may be pursued either as a primary major (Culture and Language option) or concurrent major (Interdisciplinary option). Jewish Studies is also offered as a minor, with an optional concentration in Antisemitism and Holocaust Studies. A minor in Hebrew is also available.

RELATED EXPERIENCES

The Jewish Studies program offers several education abroad opportunities, including courses in Europe focused on the study of the Holocaust. The Penn State Education Abroad Program in Israel will be resumed when political and military conditions in the Mideast improve. At that time, the opportunity to participate in archaeological fieldwork in Israel will also be available.

CAREER DIRECTIONS

Because of the broad variety of courses and the several foci of the major, students are well prepared for advanced work in the humanities, social sciences, and law, as well as careers in international business, teaching, museums, libraries, archives, human rights organizations, and journalism.