Jewish Studies

The Center for Jewish Studies offers a Bachelor of Arts in Jewish Studies, as well as a minor certificate. A strong interdepartmental curriculum provides a basis for understanding the broad spectrum of Jewish culture and civilization.

Through course work in the departments of Religion, English, African and Asian Languages and Literatures, History, Philosophy, Political Science and Anthropology, students may become acquainted with and specialize in areas such as biblical studies, Jewish history, early Judaism and Christianity, rabbinic texts, Jewish mysticism, modern and biblical Hebrew, the Holocaust, Israel studies and Hebrew literature.

The program may serve as preparation for graduate work in Jewish Studies, as background for a career in Jewish education or community service, or as an area of special interest, which will enrich one’s undergraduate experience. The program is open to all UF students. Students often combine the JST major or minor with other majors and go on to professional careers in law, medicine, journalism, business or other professions.

The Major: The major requires a minimum of 27 hours in Jewish Studies and related courses. In addition, two years of Hebrew or the equivalent are required. Students should consult the undergraduate coordinator in Room 105 Walker.

The 27 hours must include REL 2604 Introduction to Judaism. With the exception of REL 2604 and REL 2210, courses must be at the 3000 level or above. Beyond REL 2604, the remaining 24 hours of Jewish Studies electives should be distributed broadly across the curriculum with courses in classical Judaism, Jewish language, literature and thought, Jewish history, and modern Judaism. "Special Topics" courses in other departments may be counted toward the major and minor provided they include substantial coverage of material relevant to Jewish Studies. No more than six hours of independent study (JST 4905) will be counted in the minimum. Normally, no more than 12 hours of the minimum may be transfer credit. However, all transfer credits in JST-related courses from UF-approved programs abroad will apply to the major.

Honors: To graduate cum laude, a student must meet the requirements for the major and maintain a 3.5 junior-/senior- level GPA. To graduate magna cum laude (high honors) or summa cum laude (highest honors), students also are required to complete an honors project (JST 4970) for three credits. The project involves independent research under the supervision of a faculty director. Application for honors should be made to the undergraduate coordinator at least one and preferably two semesters before graduation.

The Minor: The requirements for the minor are one year of Hebrew (HBR 1120 and 1121 or the equivalent) and 18 credits (6 courses) in Jewish studies or related courses, including REL 2604, Introduction to Judaism. Students should plan their minors in consultation with the undergraduate coordinator.

Overseas Study: The Center for Jewish Studies provides counsel regarding study abroad at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv University, Haifa University and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. The overseas programs at these Israeli universities offer summer, one semester and full-year courses of study. Information is available in 105 Walker and at the UF International Center, Room 123 Grinter. Scholarships are available.

General Education: The Jewish Studies program offers several courses that satisfy general education requirements in humanities, international studies and diversity or social and behavioral science.

Courses: Most JST courses are listed in the Schedule of Courses under Jewish Studies. Related courses offered by other departments are listed in the African and Asian Languages and Literatures, English, Religion, History and Political Science departments. A list of courses is available in the center each semester before advance registration and on the JST Web site.

To remain ‘on track’ for this major, a student must meet the following critical tracking criteria.

• 2.0 UF GPA required for semesters 1-5

• Maintain 2.0 UF GPA

• Complete HBR1120

• Complete HBR1121 and 1 Jewish Studies course with a 2.5 GPA on all critical tracking course work

• Complete HBR2200 with a 2.5 GPA on all critical tracking course work