Modern Jewish Studies

The program in Modern Jewish Studies is designed to provide the student with multidisciplinary training in the study of the modern Jewish experience (approximately 1750–1980), with an emphasis on religion and culture. Students take courses in a variety of fields, but focus on either history or literature.

Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements

For the Modern Jewish Studies major

  • One course (3 credits) HIS 1012/5406: Modern Jewish History
  • One elective course (3 credits) of Modern Jewish History
  • Two courses (6 credits) of Modern Jewish Thought
  • Two courses (6 credits) of Modern Jewish Literature (a Hebrew beyond HEB 5203 or Yiddish course may be used)
  • Three courses (9 credits) of electives chosen in consultation with the advisor (one of these courses may be on the 1000 level)
  • One course (3 credits) senior/capstone seminar or additional upper-level elective

Master of Arts Degree Requirements

The MA degree in Modern Jewish Studies is designed to take one to two years to complete. Students may be eligible for advanced standing or other degree completion timelines in consultation with the MA advisor.

The master’s degree requires 30 total credits distributed as outlined below. Students must also demonstrate Hebrew proficiency equivalent to the level of HEB 5203 (Intermediate Hebrew II), though any courses that a student takes to achieve this proficiency are not counted towards the overall degree.

MA Core Courses (6 credits)

  • MDS 5102: Classics of the Jewish Tradition (3 credits)
  • HIS 5406: Modern Jewish History (3 credits)

MA Distribution Requirements (24 credits)

  • Two courses (6 credits) in Modern Jewish History
  • Two courses (6 credits) in Modern Jewish Literature
  • Two courses (6 credits) in Modern Jewish Thought
  • Two additional elective courses (6 credits) in an area related to Modern Jewish Studies

Thesis or Examination Requirement

Students must complete either a thesis or written comprehensive examination to be awarded the MA degree. Students work closely with their advisor to determine which assessment best suits their academic goals, then prepare the project, thesis, or exams during their final year in the program.

MA theses are sustained research papers in an area of the student’s choosing and specialization. Students wishing to write an MA thesis should work closely with their advisor early in the program to identify a topic and to shape their course of study to prepare them to write the thesis. Prior to beginning the thesis, students propose their topic, research plan, and identify their primary reader for approval by the Committee on Modern Jewish Studies.

Comprehensive examinations test students’ understanding of a list of required readings and their ability to place the readings in the broader contexts of Modern Jewish Studies and the material covered in their coursework.

 

Doctor of Hebrew Literature Degree Requirements

Language

Students must demonstrate satisfactory reading comprehension of Hebrew prior to matriculation.

Courses

In addition to courses required of all students in The Graduate School, 30 graduate credits beyond the MA are required, as follows:

  • Five courses (15 credits) in the major discipline (Modern Jewish History, Modern Jewish Literature, Modern Jewish Thought)
  • Two courses (6 credits) in the nonmajor discipline (Modern Jewish History, Modern Jewish Literature, Modern Jewish Thought)
  • One course (3 credits) in a third area
  • Two courses (6 credits) of electives

Comprehensive Examination

Upon satisfactory completion of all course work, students must take a comprehensive examination (with both a written and an oral component), which tests their understanding of a list of required readings and their ability to place the readings in the broader contexts covered in course work.

Dissertation

An original monograph-length dissertation on a topic in Modern Jewish Studies, to be approved by a faculty committee.

 

Doctor of Philosophy Degree Requirements

Languages

In addition to languages required of all students in Gershon Kekst Graduate School, students must demonstrate satisfactory reading comprehension of Hebrew prior to matriculation. Students must also demonstrate satisfactory knowledge of German and either French or Yiddish prior to taking the comprehensive exam. Additional languages may be required, depending upon research needs.

Courses

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

  • Five courses (15 credits) in the major discipline (Modern Jewish History or Modern Jewish Literature)
  • Two courses (6 credits) in the nonmajor discipline (Modern Jewish History or Modern Jewish Literature)
  • One course (3 credits) in a third area
  • Two courses (6 credits) of electives

A course in Medieval Jewish History must be among the courses selected. All PhD students doing course work must register for the departmental seminar. Each student will develop a coherent concentration with the advisor, focusing on a particular geographic area, and will be required to take cognate courses through the consortium.

Comprehensive Examinations

Upon satisfactory completion of all course work, students will take a written and an oral examination. The written exam consists of four essays, one from each field (i.e., one from each examiner). The student will select one out of two questions submitted by each examiner. The student will have a two-day period to complete the essays. The oral exam picks up on the written answers and explores other topics as well, such as the essays not chosen by the student.

Dissertation

An original monograph-length dissertation on a topic in Modern Jewish Studies that demonstrates the ability to pursue original research in at least two disciplines, to be approved by a faculty committee.