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 Modern Jewish Studies program consists of three fields: Modern Jewish History, Modern Jewish Literature, and Modern Jewish Thought. The master’s degree requires 30 credits distributed as outlined below. Students must also select a major and minor field, on which they will be examined in their comprehensive exams.

I. Required Courses: Five courses (15 credits)

  • One course (3 credits) First Year Seminar
  • One survey course (3 credits) in Modern Jewish History (HIS 5406)
  • One elective course (3 credits) in Modern Jewish History
  • One course (3 credits) in Modern Jewish Literature
  • One course (3 credits) in Modern Jewish Thought

II. Jewish Language: Two courses (6 credits)

  • Three courses (9 credits) in the student’s major field
  • Two courses (6 credits) in the student’s minor field
  • One additional elective course (3 credits) in an area of Modern Jewish Studies

Comprehensive Examination

Students must take a written comprehensive examination, 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.

Students may apply to the Committee on Modern Jewish Studies to write an MA thesis in lieu of a comprehensive exam.

 

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.