Jewish Studies

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Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Double Major Minor

Explore Judaism and the Jewish people while studying the history of Judaism as a religion, and the texts, sociologies, languages, cultures and fine arts of the Jewish people from biblical times to present day.

Program Information

In addition to Judaism as a religion, Jewish studies explores the texts, histories, cultures, sociologies, languages and fine arts of the Jewish people from biblical times to the present, locating these within the context of the many western and non-western civilizations in which Jews have lived. It also examines Jewish interactions with non-Jews over the ages, both cooperative and conflictual, elements of cultural symbiosis, evolving attitudes towards and images of Jews within various non-Jewish cultures, and the history of anti-semitism, including the Holocaust.

Degree Information

Campus: Keele
Faculty: Liberal Arts and Professional Studies
Degree: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Degree Options: Double Major, Minor, Single Major, Specialized

Duration

3, 4 yrs

Experiential Education

Research / Other Activities

Honours Option

Yes

OUAC Code

YBO

Degree Overview

Study Abroad
You could become one of the Jewish Studies majors who have studied abroad at a university in Israel. This is a great opportunity for you to enhance your studies and add to your university experience with an educational journey you will remember for the rest of your life.

Resources on Campus
The Israel and Golda Koschitzky Centre for Jewish Studies at York University is Canada's first interdisciplinary research centre in Jewish Studies, bringing together a vibrant community of scholars and teachers to promote cutting-edge research in the field.

Flexibility
You are able to choose from a rich array of course offerings every year within the general guidelines and requirements of the Jewish Studies program to create a combination of courses which best serve your academic interests and career aspirations.

Our Jewish Studies program is an interdisciplinary program housed in the Department of Humanities that brings together courses which focus on the exceptionally diverse subject areas that encompass Jewish Studies. In addition to studying Judaism as a religion, you will explore the texts, histories, cultures, sociologies, languages and fine arts of the Jewish people from biblical times to the present, locating these within the context of the many western and non-western civilizations in which Jews have lived.

Sample Courses:
HEB 1000 Elementary Modern Hebrew, Level 1
HEB 2000 Intermediate Modern Hebrew
HEB 3600 Themes in Modern Israeli Literature & Society
HUMA 3850 The Final Solution: Perspectives on the Holocaust
SOSC 3917 Contemporary Jewish Life in North America
HUMA 4821 Culture, Society and Values in Israel

Advanced Certificate in Hebrew and Jewish Studies - Certificate Requirements

York University students may earn an Advanced Certificate in Hebrew and Jewish Studies concurrent with fulfillment of the requirements for a bachelor’s degree. This certificate is also open to students who already hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and who are admissible according to Faculty and University policies. This certificate is not, however, open to students who are pursuing or who already hold a degree in Hebrew and Jewish studies.

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Career Options

Graduates of our Jewish Studies program have gone on to have fulfilling careers in a wide variety of fields. With a Jewish Studies degree you have the opportunity to enter the work force with a well-rounded education and options to be successful in a range of different career paths.

Careers:

Industrial Relations Consultant	Cultural Consultant	Interpreter
Diplomat	Jewish Community Worker	Journalist
Entrepreneur	Rabbi	Researcher
Linguist	Social Program Director	Historian