Department of
Hebrew and Jewish Studies
With several other programs in development, our department is proud to offer a B.A. in Jewish History for those passionate to learn and teach about the heritage of the sons of Yakov. The curriculum emphasizes breadth and depth, integrating various teaching methodologies and offering students a holistic understanding of Jewish history.
B.A. in Jewish History
Curriculum
Total Credits - 120
Year 1: FOUNDATION AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
JH1 Introduction to Jewish History (3 credits)
JH2 Ancient Israel and Early Judaism (3 credits)
HEB5 Hebrew Language for Historians (3 credits)
JH3 Research Methods in Jewish History (3 credits)
JH4 Judaism in Late Antiquity: Rabbinic Judaism, Talmudic Literature, and Jewish Life in the Roman and Sasanian Empire. (3 credits)
JH5 Jews and the Greeks: Conflict and Co-Existence (3 credits)
JH6 Medieval Jewish Culture: Jewish Communities in the Islamic world, Christian Europe, and beyong (3 credits)
Total Credits: 21
Year 2: THEMATIC EXPLORATION
JH7 Modern Jewish History (3): Emancipation, Enlightment, and the Challenges of Modernity.
JH8 Jewish Diaspora and Migration (3 credits)
JH9 Holocaust and its Aftermath: Causes, Events, Responses, and Long-Term Effects (3 credits)
JH10 Jewish Cultural and Artistic Expression (3 credits)
JH11 Hebrew Language and Literature (3 credits)
JH12 History of Zionism and the State of Israel: Ideological Movement, Key Figures, and the Establishment and Development of Israel (3 credits)
JH 13 Jewish Mysticism and Kaballah (3 credits): Delving into the Jewish Mystical Traditions.
JH14 Middler-Eastern Jewry in the Islamic World (3 credits): Interactions, Contributions, and Challenges of Jewish Communities in Muslim-majority religions.
JH 15 Jewish Women as Shapers and Influencers Throughout History (3 credits)
Total Credits: 24
Year 3: ADVANCED STUDIES AND SPECIALIZATIONS
JH16 Modern Jewish History (3 credits)
JH17 Middle Eastern History and Conflict Resolution (3 credits)
JH18 Archaeology and Jewish History (3 credits)
JH19 History of Jewish Education (3 credits)
JH20 The 10 Lost Tribes (3 credits)
JH21 Jews and Society: Influence and Contribution of Jews in Arts, Literature, Science, Economic and Social Development (3 credits)
Total Credits: 18
Year 4: RESEARCH, CAPSTONE, AND PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
JH22 Senior Seminar in Jewish History (3 credits)
JH23 Digital Humanities and Jewish History: Using Technology to Analyze and Present Jewish History (3 credits)
JH24 Independent Research Project (3 credits)
JH25 Jewish History Practicum (3 credits)
JH26 Contemporary Jewish Issues (3 credits)
JH27 Methods in Historical Linguistics (3 credits)
JH28 Career Choices for Jewish History Majors (1 credit)
JH29 Book Publishing: From A to Z (3 credits)
JH30 Teaching Jewish History in K-12 Schools: Curriculum Development (3 credits)
Total Credits: 25
Total Degree Focus Credits: 75
Additionaly, students are required to complete 36 credits in General Studies:
ENG1. English Writing and Composition (3 credits)
COM1. Oral Presentation Skills (3 credits)
COM2. Oral Communications (3 credits)
ADM1. Principles of Business Administration (3 credits)
ADM3. Fundraising for Business (3 credits)
EDU4. Teaching Modesty to Children (3 credits)
EDU1. Principles of Child Development (3 credits)
JWH1. Jewish History (3 credits)
NSH1. Principles of Family Dynamics (3 credits)
NED1. Principles of Nutrition and Wellness (3 credits)
A Modern Hebrew Alef and Bet - 6 credits - can be taken any time during the course of the program.
This curriculum emphasizes research, practical experience, and a holistic understanding of Jewish history, offering a unique blend of specialized courses that set it apart from other programs.
Parnasa Pathways
See How You Can Apply The Knowledge and Training You Receive And Earn A Living To Fit Your Torah-Observant Lifestyle.
Career Opportunities
Some Career Options to Pursue with Your B.A. Degree
Genealogy
Genealogist
Assist individuals in tracing their Jewish ancestry and family history, using historical records and databases.
Creative Writing
Historical Writer/Author
Write books, articles, or contribute to publications focusing on Jewish history, making historical narratives accessible to a broader audience.
Cultural Programs
Cultural Program Coordinator
Plan and coordinate cultural events, festivals, and programs that celebrate and showcase Jewish history and traditions.
Public Historian
Junior Public Historian Position
Engage in public history projects, creating exhibits, conducting oral history interviews, and collaborating with communities to share their historical narratives.
Document Translation
Historical Document Translator
Utilize language skills to translate historical documents, manuscripts, or texts related to Jewish history. This role could involve working with archival materials or collaborating with research projects that require linguistic expertise.
Archaeology
Archaeological Assistant
Collaborate with archaeological teams on projects related to Jewish historical sites, helping unearth and document historical artifacts.
Ph.D. Pursuit
Ph.D. Program Student
Students are encouraged to pursue further education in Jewish history to deepen their knowledge and or other history-related field like historical linguistics.
Consultant for TV/Film
Historical Consultant for TV/Film
Provide expertise on Jewish historical accuracy for film and television productions set in historical periods.
Tourism
Heritage Tourism Coordinator
Develop and organize heritage tours focused on Jewish history, guiding visitors through significant historical sites and landmarks.
Education
High School History Teacher
Teach Jewish history at the secondary school level, providing students with insights into the rich cultural and historical heritage.
Digital Archives
Cross-Cultural Mediation
Digital Archive Curator
Cross-Cultural Mediator
Serve as a mediator or facilitator specializing in cross-cultural dialogue and conflict resolution. Work with organizations, government agencies, or non-profits to mediate conversations between individuals or groups from Jewish and Muslim communities. This role involves helping to identify common ground, facilitating respectful communication, and fostering collaboration to address shared concerns and build positive relationships.
Enter the digital realm by managing and curating online collections of historical documents, photographs, and multimedia materials related to Jewish history. Work with digital archives, libraries, or cultural institutions to make historical content accessible to a wider audience.