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Why Minor in Jewish Studies at Allegheny College

In Jewish Studies, we examine the religion, culture, and history of the Jewish people. You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the experience and vital contributions of the Jewish people as an integral part of Western civilization and world history, and of Judaism as the matrix of the West’s religious foundations and thought.

Unusual Combinations
Students often combine Jewish Studies with:

Division

  • Interdisciplinary Studies

Program Type

  • Minor

Number of Credits

20 for minor

 

Where Jewish Studies Alumni Work Today

Hillel International’s Springboard Fellowship

Brandeis University Hillel

Maximus Levinsky ‘21

Your Four-Year Journey

Jewish Studies Overview

Year 1: Understanding

Jewish Studies offers an opportunity for students to learn something about themselves, their friends and communities, and their worlds. The Jewish Studies Curriculum offers students the opportunity to explore Judaism in a global, regional, and local context and encourages students to understand how Jewish people have responded to a variety of social challenges in diverse social contexts. In Jewish Studies courses, students consider a variety of perspectives from religious and Jewish studies scholars, historians, political scientists, philosophers, sociologists, psychologists, linguists, and archaeologists, among others, as they dive into the histories, cultures, thoughts and religions of the Jewish people.

Year 2: New Approaches

n the second year, consider taking an introductory history course on European or Middle Eastern history. You can also study a Religious Studies course on the Hebrew Bible or the history of the Jewish community in Meadville.

Year 3: Delving Deeper

n the third year, students often take a mid-level political science course on war and peace in the Middle East or a women’s, gender, and sexuality course on social movements.

Year 4: The Comp

In the fourth year, you could take an upper-level course in religious studies on Jewish ethics or Judaism, Justice, and Food.

Research and Internships

Allegheny College Jewish Students Learn By Doing

Jewish Studies students engage by getting involved in Allegheny College’s Hillel, the Jewish Meadville Project, incorporating their studies into their Senior Comp, or studying away in Israel.

Jewish Meadville Project

Explore the history, culture, and experience of Jewish people in Meadville. Contribute to the collaborative digital Jewish Meadville Project.

Allegheny College Hillel

Hillel is a Jewish student organization at Allegheny College that hosts Shabbat every Friday and other significant Jewish holidays.

Recent Senior Comps

The Senior Comp is the culmination of four years of experience, imagination, and study. It is the moment when you demonstrate what you’ve learned by teaching us something new.

  • The Hasidim: Spiritual Jews of Eighteenth Century Poland
  • The Effects of Spiritual/Religious Awe on Identification with All Humanity
  • Diaspora Nation: Jewish Spiritual Nationalism as a Response to Russian Pogroms

Study Away Opportunities

Study away from campus during your junior year in Israel.

Faculty and Staff

Adrienne Krone

Associate Professor

PhD., Duke University; M.A., Duke University; B.A., Stony Brook University

Lauren French

Associate Professor

Ph.D., Cornell University; B.A., Oberlin College

Frequently Asked Questions About the Jewish Studies Program

Are there any clubs and activities available for Jewish Studies students?

Yes, there are multiple campus organizations that can benefit students in the Jewish Studies program, such as Hillel Club. Explore all Allegheny College clubs and organizations.

Program Contact

Shanna Kirschner

Associate Professor of Political Science; Seddig Chair in Law and Policy

Email(814) 332-2403