Judaic Studies

Introduction

Judaism is a religious and cultural tradition with a history that spans more than three thousand years. Since the Jews’ exile from their homeland in the 6th century BCE, Jewish life and culture has thrived in a variety of geographical settings and historical periods in both western and non-western societies.  

Judaic studies explores the many varieties of Jewish experience, viewing Judaism not just as a religion but also as a living civilization. To pursue Judaic studies is to open a window onto a world that has influenced our own in many important ways: Judaism’s pivotal role in the development of major world religions (Christianity and Islam), its importance for understanding the politics of the modern Middle East, and its relevance as a paradigm for understanding the complexity of cultural Diaspora are among a number of important examples. 

Judaic studies is an interdisciplinary major. Coursework drawn from a variety of academic departments allows students to appreciate the diversity of Jewish life and culture. A major in Judaic studies is founded on the study of Hebrew language and classical Jewish texts, including the Hebrew Bible and Rabbinic commentaries. Students contextualize their work with primary sources through additional coursework focusing on Jewish culture and history. Majors are expected to pursue coursework that spans a variety of historical time periods. Students investigate such diverse topics as Representations of the Holocaust in Germany and the US, Judaism and the Environment, Ethnography of Jewish Experience, American Jewish Literature, Jewish Women Writers of Latin America, Judaism in the Time of Jesus and Arab-Israeli Conflict. All courses unless otherwise noted, are suitable for first-year students. 

Courses appropriate for prospective majors 

Potential majors are urged to begin the study of Hebrew as early as possible.  New students who present evidence of successful Hebrew studies may begin at levels beyond HEBR 103.   

RELG 103, Hebrew Scriptures in Context should also be elected early on. 

Courses that fulfill distribution requirements 

Language Requirement:   

Successful completion of HEBR 116 fulfills the college’s language requirement.  

US Diversity:  

JDST 206, Jews and Judaism in the US  

Comparative Civilizations:   

JDST 316, Middle Eastern Cinema 

Division IA:     

Any of the religion courses required for the major. 

Division IB:     

JDST 216, Love, Sex and Hebrew Texts 

Also for those interested in Sustainability: JDST 215, Jewish Environmental Ethics 

Course descriptions, requirements for the major refer to the College Bulletin: Judaic Studies.  

Independent studies 

Examples of independent studies (some of which might substitute for certain requirements): Women in Midrash, Women’s Peace Movements in Israel, Jews in Italy, Jewish Marriage Contracts, Gay & Lesbian Ordination in American Judaism.  

For information contact Professor Andrea Lieber, lieber@dickinson.edu.   

Opportunities for off-campus study 

Students are encouraged to spend one semester or one year in Israel and have done so through our partner programs at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and Ben Gurion University of the Negev. Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and above are eligible to participate in Dickinson’s partnership with List College of the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) of America in New York City. Students may pursue advanced coursework at JTS during the spring semester of their Junior year. 

Students interested in sustainability studies can participate in our summer program at the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies. For information about this program, contact the Office of Global Education. 

Additional remarks 

Related activities: The Asbell Center for Jewish Life supplements the Judaic studies curriculum with engaging lectures and cultural programs by visiting scholars and artists. In addition, Dickinson's Hillel is a student organization that also plans programming related to Judaic studies. Hillel is open to interested students of all religious and cultural backgrounds. 

Career directions: Judaic studies majors develop strong critical skills with an emphasis on communication, analytic thinking, reading and interpretation.  Majors are well-prepared for careers in social services, business, education, non-profit organizations, government agencies and the religious vocations. Many students interested in careers in Jewish education pursue internships at a local Jewish day school or at one of five synagogue religious schools in the area.  A major in Judaic studies is distinctive among the scores of English and business majors competing in similar job areas.