Jewish Studies (BA)

Jewish studies at Ohio State comprises one of the largest and most diverse programs in the country, offering an impressive selection of courses, a multidisciplinary faculty and a wide range of events. We have one of the largest Judaica library collections in the country, with a full-time Judaica librarian and over 300,000 volumes.

Our faculty are internationally recognized in their respective fields, including history, philosophy, political science, music, English, Near Eastern languages and cultures, Germanic languages and literatures, classics, art and education.

Major Details

Request more information about this major

Academic Advisors

Tommy Beyl

beyl.1@osu.edu
(614) 292-8485
355 Hagerty Hall

Affiliated Departments & Centers

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Undergraduate students can pursue an interest in Jewish studies several ways. Ohio State offers both a major and a minor in Jewish studies, minor in Jewish Oral History, a major and minor in Hebrew and a minor in Yiddish. A high proportion of Ohio State students graduate with either a double major or a major and minor, so Jewish studies is often combined with another interest to create a diverse program.

Melton Center for Jewish Studies More Jewish Studies Courses

Jewish studies majors are also well prepared to apply for graduate studies in fields such as law, education, business and communal work, as well as prime candidates for rabbinical or cantorial school, theological studies and advanced levels of Jewish studies. Beginning salaries depend on candidates’ skills and experience. Jewish studies graduates find their marketable skills considerably enriched by their humanities education.

courses you might take:

JS 2452: Modern Jewish History, 1700 to the Present

The study of the history of Jewish communities and Judaism from the early modern period to the early 21st century.

JS 3351: Judaism and Ethics

Examination of the relationships of ethics to religion in general and Judaism in particular, emphasizing the place of ethical reasoning within Judaism.

JS 2454: History of Antisemitism

The study of the development of antisemitism, the history of anti-Semitic ideologies and practices and different Jewish responses to antisemitism over time.

HEB 1101-1103: Hebrew Language Courses

Conversation, reading, writing, vocabulary building, phonetics and grammar of Hebrew, reading of passages from various periods of Hebrew literature; review of salient points of elementary grammar & introduction to elements of classical Hebrew and reading of Modern Hebrew short stories, poems, and essays; special emphasis on oral practice and Hebrew idioms.

JS 2242, 2242H: Culture of Contemporary Israel

An introduction to the culture of modern Israel: historical roots, socio-political institutions and developments and literary and artistic creations reflecting the realities of contemporary Israeli society.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

JSSA

The Jewish Studies Student Association (JSSA) provides a social environment for students and faculty to interact within a Jewish studies context and plan Jewish educational events.

Learn More

Severinghaus Beck Scholarship

Generous financial support will be given to two students who wish to attend the summer program at the Vilnius Yiddish Summer Institute in Lithuania. Up to $3000 is available per student. This covers flight, program fees, and room and board.

Learn More

Morris and Fannie Skilken Scholarship

Generous financial support is available for undergraduate students who are majoring in Hebrew, Yiddish and Ashkenazi Studies, or Jewish Studies. Up to $1500 is available per academic year.

Learn More

Norbert and Gretel B. Bloch Endowed Scholarship

The Norbert and Gretel B. Bloch Endowed Scholarship in Jewish Studies supports students who create a program to enhance awareness of topics relevant to Jewish life, culture or history.

Learn More

Ohio State nav bar