Undergraduate programs

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

JSt 317U/Hst 317UJewish History from Antiquity to the Medieval Period

4

JSt 319U/Hst 319URabbinic Culture in the Roman World

4

JSt 324UHistorical Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament

4

JSt 325URetelling the Bible

4

JSt 378U/Hst 378UPagans, Christians and Jews

4

Area I: Israel Studies

Eng 330UJewish and Israeli Literature

4

JSt 333UIsraeli Culture and Society

4

JSt 379U/Hst 379UHistory of Zionism

4

JSt 388UHistory of Modern Israel

4

JSt 435Jewish and Israeli Dance History

4

Area J: Judaism

JSt 319U/Hst 319URabbinic Culture in the Roman World

4

JSt 324UHistorical Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament

4

JSt 325URetelling the Bible

4

JSt 381U/Hst 381UKabbalah: The Jewish Mystical Tradition

4

Area L: Literature, Culture, and the Arts

JSt 319U/Hst 319URabbinic Culture in the Roman World

4

JSt 325URetelling the Bible

4

Eng 330UJewish and Israeli Literature

4

JSt 333UIsraeli Culture and Society

4

JSt 435Jewish and Israeli Dance History

4

Area M: Modern Jewish History

JSt 318U/Hst 318UJewish History from the Medieval Period to the Present

4

JSt 335USex, Love, and Gender in Israel

4

JSt 379U/Hst 379UHistory of Zionism

4

JSt 380U/Hst 380UThe Holocaust

4

JSt 388UHistory of Modern Israel

4

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 201Introduction to Judaism

4

JSt 317U/Hst 317UJewish History from Antiquity to the Medieval Period

4

JSt 318U/Hst 318UJewish History from the Medieval Period to the Present

4

Heb 301Third-Year Modern Hebrew Term 1

4

Heb 302Third-Year Modern Hebrew Term 2

4

Heb 303Third-Year Modern Hebrew Term 3

4

JSt 407Seminar

4

4 credits of JSt 402, JSt 405 or JSt 409

4

24 credits of upper-division JSt courses or instructor approved equivalents

24

4 credits of approved upper division subject area credits outside JSt program

4

Total Credit Hours: 60