Interdepartmental Studies

Faculty

Shira Kohn, Program Adviser

Professor
Neil Danzig, Talmud and Rabbinics

Associate Professor
Edna Nahshon, Hebrew

Assistant Professors
Eitan Fishbane, Jewish Philosophy

Program

The IDS program is an interdepartmental MA unique in its organization and standards, offering a broad overview of classical and modern Jewish studies, Jewish thought, and modes of literary expression, with an emphasis on developing skills for textual analysis. It covers the range of Jewish history and the classical texts of the ancient, medieval, and modern periods. IDS can thus serve a wide variety of student needs and lead to many professional opportunities.

Instead of a thesis or comprehensive examinations, IDS students take 39 credits distributed among five disciplines or subject areas: Jewish History, Jewish Thought, Talmud and Rabbinics (Midrash courses may count), Jewish Literature (Liturgy courses may count), and Bible. In each of the five subject areas, the student takes two courses (6 credits), totaling 30 credits; the remaining three courses (9 credits) may be taken in any area.

Students may either follow a broad core curriculum or choose a set of more focused courses. View two sample individualized course schedules.

Applicants do not need to have a strong background in Judaica. Preliminary courses are available through The Graduate School. Students who have taken Jewish studies courses in college may be exempted from certain requirements.

Students may also enter the program without basic Hebrew, as Hebrew language courses are offered at all levels. A student entering with limited Hebrew skills should plan on taking additional time to complete the program, since the degree requires proficiency at the advanced intermediate level. This proficiency level entails the ability to read unvocalized Hebrew texts, be familiar with matters of basic grammar and syntax, and understand spoken Hebrew.

Students graduate with proficiency in Hebrew, a broad competency in the sweep of Jewish history and the Jewish textual tradition, and the critical skills needed for the analysis of those texts and historical sources.

A marvelous opportunity for high-level academic study of Jewish texts, this degree program often functions as the first step toward further graduate work or toward a variety of careers outside of academia as well. Our alumni have gone on to doctoral programs, teaching, law school, rabbinical school, Jewish communal organization work, and much, much more.

To request more information, please complete our inquiry form.

Degrees