Jewish Studies
Why take courses in our program?
The interdisciplinary Jewish Studies Program teaches students to appreciate and analyze both continuities and differences in Jewish history, religion, and culture around the world.
What kinds of questions does Jewish Studies explore?
-
How can we read and comprehend core religious and historical texts of the Jewish tradition?
- What methods can we apply to understand diverse Jewish cultures?
- What has been the relationship between Jews and other religions, cultures, and societies?
What advice would you give students interested in taking courses in Jewish Studies?
Whether taking one class or planning to pursue graduate study, students in Oberlin’s Jewish Studies program will find a collegial, open-minded, and diverse community.
Taking Courses
Courses for non-majors or general interest
- JWST 100, however many 200-level courses are suitable for new students.
Getting started in the major
While JWST 100 is a requirement of the major, many 200-level courses are suitable for new students, meaning there are many entry points into the major. We also encourage students to include language acquisition as part of their Jewish studies major.
Majoring in Jewish Studies
Provided are two examples of how a student could distribute courses required for the major over three or four years. See the catalog for additional details about major requirements.
Sample Four-Year Plans
| Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|
| Y1 | JWST 100 GERM 101 |
JWST 2XX GERM 102 |
| Y2 | JWST 2XX | JWST 3XX JWST 2XX |
| Y3 | Study Away | Study Away |
| Y4 | JWST 3XX | JWST 400 |
| Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|
| Y1 | JWST 2XX | |
| Y2 | JWST 100 | |
| Y3 | JWST 3XX JWST 2XX |
JWST 2XX JWST 3XX |
| Y4 | JWST 3XX JWST 3XX |
JWST 400 |
Related Areas of Study
Art History, Comparative Literature, History, Politics, and Religion.
Learn More
Jewish Studies Major Requirements
Jewish Studies Department