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 get a sense of the variety of our 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 undergraduate advisor Gwen Walker: undergrad-adviser@cjs.wisc.edu.
How to Get in
Students interested in a certificate in Jewish Studies should make an appointment with the undergraduate advisor (undergrad-adviser@cjs.wisc.edu) to discuss requirements and courses.
Requirements
The Jewish Studies certificate requires 5 courses, totaling at least 15 credits, in 4 areas (each course may count toward only one required area):
- two courses in an approved Jewish language;
- one course in Literature, Philosophy, or the Arts;
- one course in History or Social Science; and
- one course in Pre-Modern Jewish History, Culture, or Literature.
Language Requirement
Complete two courses in one of the following approved Jewish languages at the appropriate level.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Biblical Hebrew (Select 2 courses): | ||
| Elementary Biblical Hebrew, I | ||
| Elementary Biblical Hebrew, II | ||
| Intermediate Biblical Hebrew, I | ||
| Intermediate Biblical Hebrew, II | ||
| Intensive Elementary Biblical Hebrew | ||
| Biblical Texts, Poetry | ||
| Biblical Texts, Poetry | ||
| Modern Hebrew (Select 2 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 | ||
| Yiddish (Select 2 courses) | ||
| First Semester Yiddish | ||
| Second Semester Yiddish | ||
Literature, Philosophy, or the Arts
Complete one course in Literature, Philosophy, or the Arts.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Jewish Law, Business, and Ethics | ||
| Introduction to Judaism | ||
| Introduction to Biblical Literature (in English) | ||
| Elementary Topics in Jewish Literature | ||
| Elementary Topics in Jewish Philosophy and the Arts | ||
| Bascom Course | ||
| Yiddish Literature and Culture in Europe | ||
| Food in Rabbinic Judaism | ||
| Yiddish Literature and Culture in America | ||
| Directed Study | ||
| Introduction to Hebrew Literature | ||
| Introduction to Hebrew Literature | ||
| Modern Jewish Literature | ||
| The Sabbath | ||
| Classical Rabbinic Literature in Translation | ||
| Prophets of the Bible | ||
| King David in History and Tradition | ||
| The American Jewish Life of DNA | ||
| Jewish Literature of the Greco-Roman Period | ||
| Jerusalem, Holy City of Conflict and Desire | ||
| Israeli Fiction in Translation | ||
| Jewish Humor | ||
| 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 | ||
| Jewish Literatures in Diaspora | ||
| Literature of Jewish Identity in America | ||
| Jewish Philosophy from Antiquity to the Seventeenth Century | ||
| German-Jewish Culture Since the 18th Century | ||
| Advanced Topics in Jewish Literature | ||
| Advanced Topics in Jewish Philosophy and the Arts | ||
| Directed Study |
History or Social Science
Complete one course in History or Social Science.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Jewish Law, Business, and Ethics | ||
| Introduction to Judaism | ||
| Jews and American Pop. Culture | ||
| The American Jewish Experience: From Shtetl to Suburb | ||
| Introduction to Modern Jewish History | ||
| Elementary Topics in Jewish History | ||
| Introduction to Biblical Archaeology | ||
| Food in Rabbinic Judaism | ||
| Directed Study | ||
| The Holocaust | ||
| The American Jewish Life of DNA | ||
| Israeli Politics and Society | ||
| What Is Jewish Studies? | ||
| Modern Jewish Thought | ||
| Intermediate Topics in Jewish History | ||
| Biblical Archaeology | ||
| Holocaust: History, Memory and Education | ||
| Anti-Semitism in European Culture, 1700-1945 | ||
| Arab-Israeli Conflict | ||
| Advanced Topics in Jewish History | ||
| Directed Study | ||
| Total Credits | 0 | |
Pre-modern Jewish History, Culture, or Literature
Complete one course in Pre-Modern Jewish History, Culture, or Literature.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Jewish Law, Business, and Ethics | ||
| Introduction to Judaism | ||
| Introduction to Biblical Literature (in English) | ||
| Introduction to Biblical Archaeology | ||
| Food in Rabbinic Judaism | ||
| The Sabbath | ||
| 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 | ||
| Jewish Philosophy from Antiquity to the Seventeenth Century | ||
| Biblical Archaeology | ||
| Muslims and Jews | ||
| Biblical Texts, Poetry | ||
| Biblical Texts, Poetry |
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 certificate.
Residence and Quality of Work
- Minimum 2.000 GPA in all JEWISH courses and courses approved for the certificate
- 11 credits, counting toward the certificate, taken in residence
Certificate Completion Requirement
This undergraduate certificate must be completed concurrently with the student’s undergraduate degree. Students cannot delay degree completion to complete the certificate.
Learning Outcomes
- At least two semesters of reading, understanding and conversing in Hebrew or another approved Jewish language.
- Honed critical abilities in close reading, interpretation, and written analysis of ancient and modern Jewish texts.
- Expanded knowledge of Jewish history, culture, philosophy, arts, religious practice, and politics in both the past and present.
- Disposition of increased appreciation for diverse world views, value systems and interactions between Jews and non-Jews, minorities and majorities, in Wisconsin, the US, and across the globe.
Advising and Careers
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.
The Mosse/Weinstein Center for Jewish Studies encourages students 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