Interdisciplinary Studies
Jewish Studies Minor
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.
Your Four-Year Journey
Students often combine a minor in Jewish Studies with a major in Community & Justice Studies, History, International Studies, or Political Science.
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.
New Approaches
In 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.
Delving Deeper
In 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.
The Comp
In the fourth year, you could take an upper-level course in religious studies on Jewish ethics or Judaism, Justice, and Food.
Zachary Canali, Alumnus
Class of 2019, History and Religious Studies Double Major, Jewish Studies Minor
“ It doesn’t matter if you have never heard of Judaism or if you have practiced it your entire life, you will definitely learn something new every single day. ”
