From history to political science, sociology to music and the arts, Jewish Studies is a vibrant, interdisciplinary program that allows you to explore Jewish civilization from a variety of perspectives. We encourage all students to consider a Jewish Studies major or certificate, regardless of your background or previous study.
As a student in Jewish Studies, you will study the intellectual and cultural values of Jews, their religious beliefs and practices, languages, literary creativity, and participation in the larger societies in which they live. You will sharpen your ability to think critically, read closely, and write effectively. And while learning how Jews have lived, survived, and sometimes flourished, you will gain a deeper comprehension of their rich, varied culture and the world they inhabit.
Since Jewish Studies is an interdisciplinary field, many students simultaneously pursue majors or certificates in other departments, including Art, Education, Geography, History, Music, Political Science, Religious Studies, and Sociology. Given the broad history and geography of the Jewish experience, Jewish Studies also pairs well with programs like African Studies, Classical and Near Eastern Studies, European Studies, German/Nordic/Slavic Studies, and Middle Eastern Studies. For the same reason, many of Jewish Studies courses fulfill General Education requirements, including Humanities and Literature, Ethnic Studies, Foreign Language, and Communications Part B. To sample the variety of Jewish Studies offerings, check out our current and recent courses.
Building on a strong foundation in the humanities and social sciences, you may go on to pursue a variety of career paths, such as education, library and information sciences, finance and international trade, journalism and mass media, social work, and the nonprofit sector. Our graduates are also well prepared to apply for law school, graduate school, or rabbinical studies.
Questions? Contact the undergraduate advisor.
How to Get in
Declaring the Major
Prospective majors in Jewish Studies should make an appointment with the undergraduate advisor (undergrad-adviser@cjs.wisc.edu) to discuss requirements and courses.
University General Education Requirements
All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.
| General Education |
* The mortarboard symbol appears before the title of any course that fulfills one of the Communication Part A or Part B, Ethnic Studies, or Quantitative Reasoning Part A or Part B requirements. |
College of Letters & Science Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Students pursuing a bachelor of arts degree in the College of Letters & Science must complete all of the requirements below. The College of Letters & Science allows this major to be paired with either a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science curriculum.
Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements
| Mathematics | Complete the University General Education Requirements for Quantitative Reasoning A (QR-A) and Quantitative Reasoning B (QR-B) coursework. |
| Language |
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| LS Breadth |
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| Liberal Arts and Science Coursework | Complete at least 108 credits. |
| Depth of Intermediate/Advanced work | Complete at least 60 credits at the intermediate or advanced level. |
| Major | Declare and complete at least one major. |
| Total Credits | Complete at least 120 credits. |
| UW-Madison Experience |
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| Quality of Work |
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Non–L&S students pursuing an L&S major
Non–L&S students who have permission from their school/college to pursue an additional major within L&S only need to fulfill the major requirements. They do not need to complete the L&S Degree Requirements above.
Requirements for the Major
The Jewish Studies major requires 10 courses, totaling at least 30 credits, in 5 areas: 1) one Gateway Course; 2) two courses in Literature, Philosophy, and the Arts; 3) two courses in History and Social Science; 4) four courses in Modern Hebrew at an appropriate level; and 5) the Core Seminar. Each course may count toward only one required area.
Gateway Course
Complete one Gateway Course.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Gateway Course (complete one): | ||
| Jewish Law, Business, and Ethics | ||
| Introduction to Judaism | ||
| The Sabbath | ||
Literature, Philosophy, and the Arts
Complete two courses in Literature, Philosophy, and the Arts, at least one of which must fulfill the Jewish Diaspora requirement,
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Jewish Diaspora (complete at least one course): | ||
| Yiddish Literature and Culture in Europe | ||
| Food in Rabbinic Judaism | ||
| Yiddish Literature and Culture in America | ||
| Modern Jewish Literature | ||
| The American Jewish Life of DNA | ||
| Jewish Humor | ||
| Jewish Philosophy from Antiquity to the Seventeenth Century | ||
| Muslims and Jews | ||
| German-Jewish Culture Since the 18th Century | ||
| Jewish Literatures in Diaspora | ||
| Literature of Jewish Identity in America | ||
| Complete any additional Diaspora course from the list above, or any of the following: | ||
| Introduction to Biblical Literature (in English) | ||
| Elementary Topics in Jewish Literature | ||
| Elementary Topics in Jewish Philosophy and the Arts | ||
| Bascom Course | ||
| Introduction to Hebrew Literature | ||
| The Bible and Film: Literature and Media | ||
| Introduction to Hebrew Literature | ||
| Classical Rabbinic Literature in Translation | ||
| Prophets of the Bible | ||
| King David in History and Tradition | ||
| Jewish Literature of the Greco-Roman Period | ||
| Jerusalem, Holy City of Conflict and Desire | ||
| Israeli Fiction in Translation | ||
| Topics in Modern Hebrew / Israeli Literature and Culture I | ||
| Topics in Modern Hebrew / Israeli Literature and Culture II | ||
| Intermediate Topics in Jewish Literature | ||
| Intermediate Topics in Jewish Philosophy and the Arts | ||
| Moral Philosophy and the Holocaust | ||
| Biblical Texts, Poetry | ||
| Biblical Texts, Poetry | ||
| Advanced Topics in Jewish Literature | ||
| Advanced Topics in Jewish Philosophy and the Arts | ||
History and Social Science
Complete two courses in History and Social Science, at least one of which must fulfill the Jews in America requirement.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Jews in America (complete at least one course): | ||
| Jews and American Pop. Culture | ||
| The American Jewish Experience: From Shtetl to Suburb | ||
| The American Jewish Life of DNA | ||
| Complete any additional Jews in America course from the list above, or any of the following: | ||
| Introduction to Modern Jewish History | ||
| Elementary Topics in Jewish History | ||
| Introduction to Biblical Archaeology | ||
| Food in Rabbinic Judaism | ||
| The Holocaust | ||
| Israeli Politics and Society | ||
| Modern Jewish Thought | ||
| Intermediate Topics in Jewish History | ||
| Intermediate Topics in Jewish Studies: Social Sciences | ||
| Biblical Archaeology | ||
| Holocaust: History, Memory and Education | ||
| Anti-Semitism in European Culture, 1700-1945 | ||
| Arab-Israeli Conflict | ||
| Advanced Topics in Jewish History | ||
Language Requirement
Complete four courses in Modern Hebrew at an appropriate level.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Modern Hebrew (Complete 4 courses): | ||
| First Semester Hebrew | ||
| Second Semester Hebrew | ||
| Third Semester Hebrew | ||
| Fourth Semester Hebrew | ||
| Introduction to Hebrew Literature | ||
| Introduction to Hebrew Literature | ||
| Topics in Modern Hebrew / Israeli Literature and Culture I | ||
| Topics in Modern Hebrew / Israeli Literature and Culture II | ||
Core Seminar
Complete the Core Seminar.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| What Is Jewish Studies? |
Note on Directed Study
With prior consent of the undergraduate advisor in Jewish studies and the relevant instructor, students may use one Directed Study course (JEWISH 699) to satisfy a requirement for the major.
Residence and Quality of Work
- 2.000 GPA in all JEWISH courses and all courses accepted in the major
- 2.000 GPA on 15 upper-level major credits, taken in residence. Upper-level work includes all Intermediate or Advanced level courses in the Jewish Studies major.
- 15 credits in JEWISH, taken on campus
Honors in the Major
Students may declare Honors in the Major in consultation with the Jewish Studies undergraduate advisor.
Honors in the Jewish Studies Major: Requirements
To earn Honors in the Major students must satisfy both the requirements for the major and the following additional requirements:
- Earn a 3.300 University GPA
- Earn a 3.500 GPA for all JEWISH courses, and all courses accepted in the major
- Complete at least two courses, taken for Honors, in the major, with grades of B or better in each
- Complete a two-semester Senior Honors Thesis, a piece of original research composition, in JEWISH 681 and JEWISH 682, for a total of 6 credits.
University Degree Requirements
| Total Degree | To receive a bachelor's degree from UW–Madison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits. Students should consult with their college or department advisor for information on specific credit requirements. |
| Residency | Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW–Madison. "In residence" means on the UW–Madison campus with an undergraduate degree classification. “In residence” credit also includes UW–Madison courses offered in distance or online formats and credits earned in UW–Madison Study Abroad/Study Away programs. |
| Quality of Work | Undergraduate students must maintain the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, or academic program to remain in good academic standing. Students whose academic performance drops below these minimum thresholds will be placed on academic probation. |
Learning Outcomes
- Proficiency in reading, writing, understanding, and conversing in Hebrew or another approved Jewish language, attained through four semesters of study
- Ability to read Jewish texts closely and to write original, coherent, and compelling arguments that push beyond summary to analysis
- Knowledge of Jewish civilization, culture, and society in both the past and the present
- Development, pursuit, and presentation of original research in Jewish studies culminating in a substantive academic paper that utilizes and cites appropriate sources
- Appreciation for diverse worldviews and value systems, including an understanding of interactions between Jews and non-Jews within the context of minority-majority relationships in Wisconsin, in the United States, and across the globe
Four-Year Plan
This Four-Year Plan is only one way a student may complete an L&S degree with this major. Many factors can affect student degree planning, including placement scores, credit for transferred courses, credits earned by examination, and individual scholarly interests. In addition, many students have commitments (e.g., athletics, honors, research, student organizations, study abroad, work and volunteer experiences) that necessitate they adjust their plans accordingly. Informed students engage in their own unique Wisconsin Experience by consulting their academic advisors, Guide, DARS, and Course Search & Enroll for assistance making and adjusting their plan.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HEBR-MOD 101 | 4 | HEBR-MOD 102 | 4 |
| JEWISH/LEGAL ST/RELIG ST 203 or 211 | 3 | Quantitative Reasoning B | 3 |
| Communication A | 3 | Communications B | 3 |
| Quantitative Reasoning A | 3 | Science Breadth | 3 |
| Elective (Elementary level) | 3 | Elective (Elementary level) | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HEBR-MOD 201 | 4 | HEBR-MOD 202 | 4 |
| JEWISH/HISTORY 219 (meets Ethnic Studies; Jews in America [History/Social Science]) | 4 | Biological Science Breadth | 3 |
| Physical Science Breadth | 3-4 | JEWISH/PHILOS 442 (meets Literature/Philosophy/Arts) | 3 |
| Elective (Intermediate level) | 3 | Electives (Intermediate level) | 6 |
| 14 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| JEWISH/HISTORY 310 (meets History/Social Science) | 4 | JEWISH 350 | 3 |
| Science Breadth | 3 | JEWISH/AFRICAN/MEDIEVAL/RELIG ST 462 (meets Literature/Philosophy/Arts) | 3 |
| Social Science Breadth (if needed) | 3 | Intermediate/Advanced COMP SCI, MATH, or STAT (if BS) | 3 |
| Electives (Intermediate or Advanced level) | 6 | Social Science Breadth (if needed) | 3 |
| Elective (Intermediate or Advanced level) | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Intermediate/Advanced COMP SCI, MATH, or STAT (if BS) | 3 | Electives (Intermediate or Advanced level) | 12 |
| Electives (Intermediate or Advanced level) | 12 | ||
| 15 | 12 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
Advising and Careers
Like other liberal arts majors, a degree in Jewish Studies can prepare one for a variety of career paths. Graduates in Jewish Studies have followed a variety of different career paths, including law, medicine, education, finance, social work, and the nonprofit sector. Jewish Studies students are also well prepared to apply for graduate studies in fields such as law, education, business, and social work, as well as prime candidates for rabbinical or cantorial school, theological studies, and advanced levels of Jewish Studies. For more information, please reach out to academic advising.
The Mosse/Weinstein Center for Jewish Studies encourages our majors to begin working on their career exploration and preparation soon after arriving on campus. We partner with SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science. L&S graduates are in high demand by employers and graduate programs. It is important to us that our students are career ready at the time of graduation, and we are committed to your success.
L&S Career Resources
Every L&S major opens a world of possibilities. SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps students turn the academic skills learned in their major, certificates, and other coursework into fulfilling lives after graduation, whether that means jobs, public service, graduate school or other career pursuits.
In addition to providing basic support like resume reviews and interview practice, SuccessWorks offers ways to explore interests and build career skills from their very first semester/term at UW all the way through graduation and beyond.
Students can explore careers in one-on-one advising, try out different career paths, complete internships, prepare for the job search and/or graduate school applications, and connect with supportive alumni and even employers in the fields that inspire them.
- SuccessWorks
- Set up a career advising appointment
- Enroll in a Career Course - a great idea for first- and second-year students:
- INTER-LS 210 L&S Career Development: Taking Initiative (1 credit)
- INTER-LS 215 Communicating About Careers (3 credits, fulfills Comm B General Education Requirement)
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- INTER-LS 260 Internship in the Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Activate your Handshake account to apply for jobs and internships from 200,000+ employers recruiting UW-Madison students
- Learn about the impact SuccessWorks has on students' lives
People
Michael Bernard-Donals
Chaim Perelman Professor of Rhetoric and Culture and Nancy Hoefs Professor of English and Jewish Studies
michael.bernarddonals@wisc.edu
Amos Bitzan
Frances and Laurence Weinstein Assistant Professor of History
abitzan@wisc.edu
Jeff Blakely
Adjunct Professor of Biblical Archaeology
jblakely@wisc.edu
Teryl Dobbs
Professor of Music Education
tdobbs@wisc.edu
Ivan Ermakoff
Sewell-Bascom Professor of Sociology
ermakoff@ssc.wisc.edu
Chad Alan Goldberg
Professor of Sociology
cagoldberg@wisc.edu
Sara Guyer
Professor of English
guyer@wisc.edu
Jeremy Hutton
Professor of Classical Hebrew Language and Biblical Literature
jmhutton@wisc.edu
Mark Louden
Alfred L. Shoemaker, J. William Frey, and Don Yoder Professor of Germanic Linguistics
mllouden@wisc.edu
Tony Michels
George L. Mosse Professor of American Jewish History
aemichels@wisc.edu
Steven Nadler
William H. Hay II Professor & Evjue-Bascom Professor in Humanities
smnadler@wisc.edu
Anna Paretskaya
Lecturer in Sociology
aparetskaya@wisc.edu
Cara Rock-Singer
Assistant Professor of Religious Studies
crocksinger@wisc.edu
Douglas Rosenberg
Professor of Video/Performance/Installation, Art Department
rosend@education.wisc.edu
Jordan Rosenblum
Belzer Professor of Classical Judaism and Max and Frieda Weinstein-Bascom Professor of Jewish Studies
jrosenblum@wisc.edu
Nadav Shelef
Harvey M. Meyerhoff Professor of Israel Studies and Professor of Political Science
shelef@wisc.edu
Judith Sone
Lecturer of Hebrew
jsone@wisc.edu
Adam Stern
Assistant Professor in German, Nordic, & Slavic and Jewish Studies
adam.stern@wisc.edu
Scott Straus
Professor of Political Science and International Studies
sstraus@wisc.edu
Jeanne Swack
Professor of Musicology
jswack@wisc.edu
Uri Vardi
Professor of Cello
uvardi@wisc.edu
Sunny Yudkoff
Assistant Professor of Jewish Studies and German, Nordic, and Slavic
yudkoff@wisc.edu
Marina Zilbergerts
Lipton Assistant Professor of Jewish Literature and Thought
zilbergerts@wisc.edu