Jewish Thought

Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements

  • One course (3 credits) of background in general philosophy or religion from another institution (e.g., Columbia University’s PHILBC 1001: Introduction to Philosophy), chosen in consultation with the advisor
  • One course (3 credits) in biblical or rabbinic literature
  • Two courses (6 credits) in medieval Jewish thought (philosophy or mysticism)
  • One course (3 credits) in contemporary Jewish thought
  • One course (3 credits) in Jewish ethics, or social or political thought
  • Three courses (9 credits) of electives, chosen in consultation with the advisor
  • One course (3 credits) senior/capstone seminar

 

Master of Arts Admission Requirements

An undergraduate degree in Philosophy, Religion, or Jewish Studies is beneficial but is not required.

 

Master of Arts Degree Requirements

Courses

Students entering the program are encouraged to take the following courses during the first year of graduate study if they have not had the equivalent previously:

  • One semester in problems in philosophy or an introduction to the history of Western philosophy
  • One semester in major themes in Jewish thought
  • One semester in rabbinic religion or rabbinic thought

In addition to courses required of all students in Gershon Kekst Graduate School, 30 graduate credits are required, as follows:

  • First Year Seminar
  • Two courses (6 credits) in premodern Jewish thought
  • One course (3 credits) in modern Jewish thought
  • One course (3 credits) in Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah and Hasidism)
  • One course (3 credits) in philosophy or religious studies through the consortium
  • One course (3 credits) in Jewish ethics or social or political thought
  • Three electives (9 credits) chosen in consultation with advisor
  • Two electives (6 credits) chosen in consultation with an advisor

Master’s Thesis

To qualify for the master of arts degree, the student will either write a thesis on a figure, theme, or topic in the history of Jewish thought or take comprehensive exams. The thesis will demonstrate scholarly competence in the chosen field, as well as original insight into the subject; the exams will show scholarly competence in the chosen field based on fluency with a comprehensive reading list created by the student and the advisor.