Jewish Studies

Jewish Studies Minor

In Jewish Studies, we examine the religion, culture, and history of the Jewish people. Through this minor, students will 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.

Jewish Studies At a Glance

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Departments with classes that count towards the Jewish Studies minor

Jewish Studies is Interdisciplinary.

In order to understand Jewish lives and Jewish cultures out in the world, our minors engage in the classroom with materials and methods from:

Religious Studies

History

Political Science

Philosophy

Community and Justice Studies

Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Jewish Studies Minor

Jewish Studies is a five-course minor with a required introductory course and then two thematic areas of inquiry: Jewish Religion and Jewish Ethnic/Cultural/Historical Relations. Students take two courses in each thematic area. There are many options within the two thematic areas, and a few examples are offered in the year-by-year descriptions.

Jewish Studies begins with an introductory course called "Judaism," which delves into the religious, social, and political history of the Jewish people and the practices that enliven Jewish life.

In the second year, students might consider taking an introductory history course on European or Middle Eastern history and/or a Religious Studies course on the Hebrew Bible or the history of the Jewish community in Meadville.

In the third year in the program, students might consider a mid-level political science course on war and peace in the Middle East and/or a women's, gender, and sexuality course on social movements.

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

Jewish Studies Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete a minor in Jewish Studies should be able to:

Discuss the history, texts, beliefs, and practices of the Jewish people.

Explain the historical development of the Jewish people in various time periods and places.

Analyze the intersections between Jews and the major political, social, and cultural developments that influenced their life and development.

Analyze multiple sources of information (e.g., historical, literary, religious) that describe and seek to construct the Jewish experience.

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. ”