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.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

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 choosing one of the options below:

(1) take a minimum of five courses in Judaic studies, which must include JDS 202 “Great Books of the Jewish Tradition” and at least one course from the pre-modern period or

(2) three courses to include JDS 202 “Great Books of the Jewish Tradition” and one course from the pre-modern period plus write a senior thesis that draws significantly on some aspect of Judaic studies.

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. Depending on other coursework, Hebrew language courses may count towards the requirements with the approval of the Director.

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.

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 Spring 2011 issue as a pdf document. View archived newsletters: 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003.