About Jewish Studies

The Jewish studies program offers an unparalleled opportunity to study the development of Jewish civilization from its origins to the contemporary world. Jewish studies investigates the history, literature, archaeology, philosophy, ethnography and social theory of Jewish society and culture. Students are encouraged to engage in contemporary debates about ethnicity and identity, assimilation, exile and Diaspora cultures. Students benefit from the interdisciplinary breadth and the opportunity to combine this with options in Hebrew language study. Jewish studies is conducted in a dynamic environment by dedicated teaching staff who are able to draw on the resources of one of the country's leading history programs.

The Jewish Studies Program has links with the History Department and the Centre for Classics and Archaeology in the University. A full three-year sequence is available that does not involve language work, though Modern Hebrew is available at all year levels. Students are urged to acquire proficiency in Hebrew early in their course - Hebrew 1B standard is a prerequisite for Honours.

As part of their second or third year in Jewish Studies students can include courses completed at an accredited overseas university - e.g. the Rothberg School for Overseas Students of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, the Tel-Aviv University and the Oxford one-year program in Jewish Studies. These institutions offer a wide range of courses in Jewish Studies.