INTRODUCTION TO JUDAIC STUDIES AT PRINCETON

The Program in Judaic Studies offers students an opportunity to explore aspects of Jewish history, religion, literature, thought, society, politics, and culture from an interdisciplinary perspective. The program sponsors both a core course and an upper-level seminar and draws the rest of its offerings from several departments in the University. Students seeking the certificate normally enter the Program by the end of the sophomore year, but may seek admission at any time.

PROGRAM OF STUDY

The undergraduate Program in Judaic Studies offers students the opportunity to gain an interdisciplinary perspective on the history, religion, languages, and culture of this dynamic and variegated civilization from Biblical times to the modern day. Students may earn a certificate of proficiency by taking a minimum of five courses in Judaic studies and write a senior thesis that draws significantly on some aspect of Judaic studies. Students are required to take JDS 202 "Great Books of the Jewish Tradition," one course in Jewish religion, one course in Jewish history, and two other courses chosen from the other relevant offerings. A sound program of study will involve both historical range (courses in pre-modern and modern periods) and disciplinary breadth. While a junior paper in the field is not required, students are encouraged to explore the field of Judaic studies in their junior-year independent work. A freshman seminar may count as one of the required courses. Occasionally, after consultation with the program director, a student with a strong grounding in classical Jewish texts may be permitted to substitute another course for JDS 202.

Seniors will participate in the program's noncredit colloquium for thesis writers. Each student's course of study must be approved by the program director as well as by the departmental representative in the student's department of concentration. The certificate requirements are compatible with a concentration in any humanities or social science department; combination with other concentrations is also possible, in consultation with the director.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT

Judaic Studies has no specific language requirement apart from what is normally required by the University. However, when appropriate, students will be expected to use foreign language skills in their senior thesis research. Students are also strongly urged to develop a competency in Hebrew and may use one advanced (300 level) Hebrew course, if they wish, in fulfilling the general course requirements for the certificate.

STUDY ABROAD

The program encourages students to consider studying in Israel, either for a semester or for a summer. Princeton University approves courses at Tel Aviv University, The Hebrew University, and the University of Haifa, providing an excellent opportunity to improve one's knowledge of Hebrew as well as to pursue a wide variety of topics of interest. There are other study abroad programs as well, such as one in Prague, and a number of intensive summer language programs in Hebrew and Yiddish in Israel, Oxford, and elsewhere. Courses taken abroad may count for up to two of the program’s course requirements.

The Dean's Office has also prepared a Handbook for Study Abroad.

NEWSLETTER

The progam publishes an annual newsletter. Contact the Program Office to receive a copy or view the Fall 2008 issue as a pdf document. View archived newsletters: 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003.