Majors and minors in Jewish Studies learn how to be global citizens by studying one of the world's oldest global peoples. Whether the subject is Jewish literatures, the Holocaust, mysticism, or the diaspora, students of Jewish Studies are always considering the relationship between the Jewish experience and the conditions of the world in which Jewish communities have lived.
At CU Boulder, the Program in Jewish Studies explores these facets of Jewish life from a broad, interdisciplinary perspective. With a major or minor in Jewish Studies, students will develop fundamental skills in critical thinking, comparative analysis, oral and written expression and a well-rounded perspective on the diversity of the Jewish experience.
The program reflects the core goals of Colorado’s flagship university: to provide an outstanding liberal arts education, to foster critical thought and to instill a keen appreciation of humanity’s interrelatedness and diversity.
The study of Jewish culture, society, history, and religion is, by its nature, comparative. Majors and minors will have the opportunity to take courses that explore Jewish history, modern Jewish experience in a variety of countries and cultures, Jewish literature and secular Jewish societies. Courses are often cross-listed, and offered on a wide array of topics and issues including Jewish culture, the history of the Arab/Israeli conflict, the Holocaust, gender and sexuality in Judaism, Israeli literature, the history of Yiddish culture and the cultures of Israel and Palestine.
Finally, the Program in Jewish Studies is committed to helping students acquire the professional skills they need to navigate the professional world. In addition to gaining excellent critical thinking and communication skills, students have the opportunity to pursue internships with organizations that align with their career aspirations, work closely with Jewish Studies faculty on original research projects, learn about archives and conduct archival research and study abroad.