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The Bachelor of Arts in Judaic Studies offers a multidisciplinary exploration of Jewish civilization through its religion, history, culture, languages, and literature. Students engage with diverse periods and geographies of Jewish life, from the ancient world to the modern diaspora. The program encourages critical analysis of primary texts, traditions, and historical transformations, offering a nuanced understanding of Jewish identity and experience across time. Courses draw from departments such as religious studies, history, literature, and anthropology to build a strong intellectual foundation.
Throughout the program, students explore how Jewish communities have responded to and shaped social, political, and intellectual movements. The curriculum promotes a deeper appreciation of both religious and secular expressions of Jewish life while also engaging with broader questions of culture, power, and memory. With opportunities to study Hebrew or Yiddish and access rich archival resources, the program fosters rigorous academic development and cultural literacy, preparing students for careers or further studies rooted in interdisciplinary thinking and global perspectives.
Year 1
• Introduction to Jewish Civilization
• Biblical Literature and History
• Jewish Languages: Hebrew or Yiddish I
• Religion and Identity in Antiquity
Year 2
• Medieval Jewish Thought and Culture
• Jewish Law and Ethics
• Jewish Languages II
• Jewish Diaspora: Migration and Memory
Year 3
• Zionism and the State of Israel
• Jews and Modernity
• Holocaust Studies
• Jewish Literature in Translation
Year 4
• Contemporary Jewish Philosophy
• Capstone Seminar in Judaic Studies
• Research Methods in Jewish Studies
• Independent Research or Thesis
Graduates of this program find meaningful careers across a broad spectrum of fields that value cultural literacy, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary expertise. Many work in non-profit organizations, museums and cultural institutions, Jewish communal service agencies, or pursue roles in education and curriculum development. Some graduates continue into law, public policy, or international relations, while others enroll in graduate programs focusing on theology, religious studies, or cultural history. The analytical and language skills gained throughout the program are particularly beneficial in sectors where cross-cultural understanding and textual interpretation are valued. Additionally, students interested in archival work, translation, or academic research benefit from the program’s emphasis on primary sources and historical context.
This program is ideal for students seeking a rigorous, humanities-based education grounded in the study of religion, language, and culture through the lens of Jewish history and experience. It offers unique access to archival materials, close faculty mentorship, and the opportunity to conduct independent research on topics of personal interest. The curriculum is flexible, intellectually challenging, and culturally enriching, giving students the tools to analyze complex social and historical phenomena through an interdisciplinary framework. By fostering deep engagement with ethical questions, cultural continuity, and minority identity, the program equips graduates to thrive in both academic and professional environments where thoughtful analysis and global awareness are key.
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 401 863 1000
Email: admissions@brown.edu
Address: University of Brown, Providence, RI 02912, United States