Judaic Studies B.A.
A bachelor's degree in Judaic Studies from Portland State University prepares you to succeed in our interconnected world of diverse cultures and religions.
In the Harold Schnitzer Family Program in Judaic Studies, we take the 3,000-year-long history and culture of the Jews as our point of our departure for grappling with urgent human questions about justice and knowledge, tradition and change, and crisis and resilience. Truly interdisciplinary, the Judaic Studies major explores topics in history, English literature, Hebrew language, religion, and film studies.
We welcome students of all backgrounds who seek an intensive liberal arts experience. Our faculty offer close mentoring to support your success. Our partnerships provide opportunities for internships, study abroad and scholarships.
Students pursuing the major in Judaic Studies gain broad exposure to the study of Jews and Judaism in multiple historical and geographical contexts, from ancient Israel to 21st-century America. Through a combination of courses, lectures, research symposia, scholarly conferences, and cultural events, you will gain a unique insight into the roles of religion and culture in society. We offer:
- An Intimate Learning Environment: You'll enjoy small classes taught by our scholar-teachers who foster the kind of close-knit academic community usually associated with small liberal arts colleges, all nestled within a major urban university.
- Exciting Opportunities for Study Abroad in Israel: The Lorry I. Lokey Endowed Fund for Israel Scholarship provides up to $5,000 annually for a Judaic Studies major to travel to and study abroad in Israel.
- Funded Internships at Local Community Organizations: The Sara Glasgow Cogan Memorial Internship provides you with the opportunity to gain real-world experience with community partners.
- Generous Scholarships: We offer several scholarships for students majoring in Judaic Studies, from $500 to $7,000 annually.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in Judaic Studies go on to fulfilling professions in education, community and social services, the rabbinate and ministry, research, the arts, marketing, consulting, and law. You will develop marketable skills perennially relevant in the future of work:
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Ability to communicate ideas clearly and compellingly
- Cultural intelligence and global perspective
- Analytical acumen
- Leadership, empathy, and collaboration
Degree Requirements
Requirements for major. In addition to meeting the general University degree requirements, the major in Judaic Studies must meet the departmental requirements listed.
Upper-Division Courses
At least 12 of the upper division credits must be comprised of Judaic Studies program courses in one of the following areas:
Area A: Jews in Antiquity
Area I: Israel Studies
Area J: Judaism
Area L: Literature, Culture, and the Arts
| Eng 330U | Jewish and Israeli Literature | 4 |
| FILM 384U | Topics in American Cinema and Culture: American Jewish Experience | 4 |
| FILM 384U | Topics in American Cinema and Culture: Mamet | 4 |
| JSt 311/Hst 311 | Introduction to the New Testament | 4 |
| JSt 319U/Hst 319U | Rabbinic Culture in the Roman World | 4 |
| JSt 324U | Historical Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament | 4 |
| JSt 325U | Retelling the Bible | 4 |
| JSt 333U | Israeli Culture and Society | 4 |
| JSt 431 | The Arts and the Jewish Experience | 4 |
| JSt 435 | Jewish and Israeli Dance History | 4 |
Area M: Modern Jewish History
JSt 399 Topics in Jewish Studies (1-4) Area: varies depending on topic.
JSt 401 Research Project (1-8) Area: varies depending on topic.
JSt 407 Seminar in Jewish Studies (1-4) Area: varies depending on topic.
JSt 409 Practicum (1-8) Area: varies depending on topic.
JSt 410 Selected Topics (1-4) Area: varies depending on topic.
Approved courses on the 400 level or higher (Eng 410, JSt 430, Hst 405, 407, 461, 561, etc.): varies depending on topic.
Courses:
| JSt 317U/Hst 317U | Jewish History from Antiquity to the Medieval Period | 4 |
| JSt 318U/Hst 318U | Jewish History from the Medieval Period to the Present | 4 |
| Heb 203 | Second-Year Modern Hebrew Term 3 | 4 |
| JSt 407 | Seminar | 4 |
| | 4 credits of JSt 402, JSt 405 or JSt 409 | 4 |
| | 32 credits of upper-division JSt courses or instructor approved equivalents (including FILM 384U American Jewish Experience). Up to 12 credits of Hebrew 301 or higher may be counted as elective credits towards this total. Up to 4 credits may be JST 200-level courses. Up to 4 credits may consist of approved upper-division subject area outside of the Judaic Studies Program. | 32 |
Total Credit Hours: 52