The Department of Jewish Studies offers a broad range of courses that explore Jewish cultures, texts, religious identities and practices, philosophies, languages, and politics across time and space. As students learn about the development and diversity of Jewish life, they become better thinkers, readers, and writers. Students in our courses have opportunities for internships and career development, as well as funding for travel and research.
Rutgers now offers an interdisciplinary minor in Holocaust Studies, with courses offered by the German, History, Jewish Studies, and Sociology departments. Students can explore their interest in this topic by taking courses in different departments at Rutgers to develop an in-depth understanding of the Holocaust both within larger historical contexts and as it is studied across disciplines, whether in comparison to other genocides or by examining Holocaust remembrance in literature, film, and other works. Through this minor, students will develop a rich sense of how to explore a compelling, complex topic through different fields of the humanities and social sciences. Students will also learn how to understand the importance that has been attached to the Holocaust as a moral paradigm that engages the public in confronting issues of social justice.
First Semester Planning
We recommend that students register for approximately 15 credits each semester and no more than 16 credits in their first semester. Your schedule should be well-balanced and include coursework from a variety of subjects. A diverse schedule will help you begin your studies in potential majors and minors; explore a breadth of new knowledge across departments at Rutgers to meet SAS Core Curriculum learning goals; and survey broader academic interests through elective courses as you work to attain the required 120 degree credits for graduation.
Your schedule will look something like this:
|
College Writing or English course per placement results (3 credits) Major Exploration course (3-4 credits) Major or Minor Exploration course (3-4 credits) Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits) Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits) Byrne or First-Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS) (1 credit) Total Credits: 15-16 |
Introductory courses recommended by faculty. Include at least one of these in your schedule:
|
Course Title |
Course Number |
Credits |
Subject on University Schedule of Classes |
|
Jewish History: Ancient and Medieval |
01:563:201 |
3 |
Jewish Studies (563) |
| Introduction to the Bible | 01:563:220 | 3 | Jewish Studies (563) |
Your first year of college is an opportunity for you to explore fields of interest to enhance your understanding of yourself, the world around you, and your main academic and career goals. Think of your schedule as including courses you must take (English, courses to explore potential majors, etc.) and courses you can take (everything else!) All courses are part of your degree - if necessary, review the components of the SAS degree on this page. Through these degree components, you will curate your own unique educational experience - but we understand that this level of flexibility and freedom can feel overwhelming for new students. Like a recommendation based on a book or TV show you enjoyed, the information below can help you identify related courses to consider in your first semester. Course Title Course Number Credits Subject on University Schedule of Classes
The Schedule of Classes provides information about the courses being offered in a particular semester. There are literally thousands of courses offered each semester at Rutgers, and you may find it helpful to narrow down your options by looking for courses in subjects related to your potential major or minor. Use the recommendations below to find possible introductory courses in other subjects. To find potential courses in other subjects related to this one: 1. On the Schedule of Classes, select the current term, location "New Brunswick" and level "undergraduate". Click continue. 2. In the Search By box, click the "search multiple subjects" link. Select the following departments: African, Middle Eastern, and South Asian Languages and Literature - AMESALL (013) History (510, 508, 512, 506) Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies (685) Political Science (790) 3. In Section Status, deselect Closed 4. In Level of Study, deselect 300 and 400. In general, 100 and 200 are appropriate for first-year students, 300 and 400 are often more appropriate for students with more familiarity with the subject. If you are interested in registering for a 300 or 400 level course, consult with an advisor before registering. Review these courses for possible inclusion in your first-semester schedule, or to consider for future semesters.
History of the Holocaust
01:563:261
3
Jewish Studies (563)
Additional information Beyond the Classroom
For your first semester, we want you to focus on selecting appropriate courses, begin to understand the expectations and rigor of college, and identify resources to help you succeed at Rutgers. But, we also know that it is important to provide information for future planning.
In addition to the information below, students interested in exploring possible career options may find this resource from the Office of Career Exploration and Success helpful - you'll find that a degree in this subject prepares you for a wide variety of career options!
The department offers extensive monetary awards to students who major and minor in Jewish studies, as well as those who pursue research in Jewish Studies. Each semester we award students whose work shows excellence and dedication.
Students who are interested in a topic but can’t find a class on that topic have often enrolled in Independent Studies with Jewish Studies Faculty. We have a range of research interests and specialties, and we are more than happy to work with a student one-on-one
Students have also pursued a variety of research projects with Jewish Studies faculty—everything from psychological research with Russian Jews to virtual research with Biblical manuscripts, environmental planning in Israel, and studies of the Holocaust. Students who are interested in pursuing research on a topic related to Jewish Studies are likely to find a faculty advisor in the department
Students can also study abroad and get credit for their classes. Study abroad programs in Jewish studies are located in Israel, Great Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, Russia, and the Czech Republic, among other places. All Rutgers students can apply for awards from Jewish Studies to do Jewish Studies abroad.
Qualified students--based on a GPA of 3.0 cumulative, 3.4 in Jewish Studies--may apply to do an Honors Thesis in Jewish Studies in either Track A or B. Honors Thesis counts as two electives.
