The Major in Jewish Studies

The major in Jewish Studies allows students to explore Judaism through a range of methodologies and disciplinary approaches, including history, religious studies, language and literature, philosophy, political science, sociology and anthropology. With its emphasis on evidence-based research, critical analysis and the formulation of written arguments, the program embodies the very best of a liberal arts education. The major provides an excellent foundation for graduate work in the humanities, a career in the Jewish community, or any profession that values knowledge of different cultures, societies, and historical eras.

Students wishing to major in Jewish Studies will complete 36 credits, divided among the four components listed below. Up to 15 credits may be transferred from another college and counted towards the Jewish Studies major, provided they correspond to courses offered at Queens College.

1. History Surveys (6 credits). Two of the following courses: HIST 114, HIST 115, HIST 116.

2. Electives (27 credits). Nine additional courses from any of those listed below, five of which must be at the 200-level or higher.

Courses in Social and Intellectual History: HIST 114, HIST 115, HIST 116, HIST 147, HIST 237, HIST 248, HIST 249, HIST 251, HIST 252, HIST 253, HIST 254, HIST 255, HIST 256, HIST 257, HIST 290, HIST 295, HIST 311, HIST 312, HIST 338, HIST 336, HIST 338, HIST 349, MES 240. HIST 160, HIST 200, and HIST 392W have themes that vary from semester to semester and may count if on a Jewish Studies topic. Prior approval from the director of Jewish Studies is required.

Courses in Anthropology, Sociology, Political Life and the Folklore of the Jews: ANTH 224, MUSIC 232, PSCI 240, PSCI 260, RLGST 212, RLGST 221, SOC 211, SOC 221, SOC 241, SOC 242, SOC 348.

Courses in Religious and Philosophical thought: JEWST 202, JEWST 301, PHIL 124, PHIL 250, PHIL 251, PHIL 252, RLGST 103.

Courses in the Languages and Literature of the Jews: ENGL153W, ENGL 381, HEBRW 150, HEBRW 160, HEBRW 190, HEBRW 204, HEBRW  305, HEBRW 307, HEBRW 311, HEBRW 315, HEBRW 317, HEBRW 321, HEBRW 325, HEBRW 328, HEBRW 331, HEBRW 340, HEBRW 341, HEBRW 345, HEBRW 346, HEBRW 351, HEBRW 352, HEBRW 356, HEBRW 361, HEBRW 362, HEBRW 390.

3. Senior Seminar (3 credits). Students must complete an advanced seminar either by undertaking an independent research tutorial approved and guided by a Jewish Studies faculty member, or by enrolling in a senior seminar/colloquium in another department and writing a research paper on a Jewish Studies-related topic. Courses satisfying this requirement include: ENGL 391W, HIST 392, HIST 393, JEWST 365, MES 380, PHIL 383W, PSCI 381W, PSCI 382W, PSCI 383W, PSCI 384W, PSCI 386W, PSCI 387W, SOC 381(W), SOC 382.

4. Language Requirement. Majors are required to demonstrate competence in Hebrew by taking, or placing out of HEBRW 101, 102, 203 and 204. Students placed in these courses may use them as electives and count the credits towards the 36 required for the major. For placement students should contact the director of the Hebrew Program.