Requirements for the major
The Jewish Studies major consists of ten courses in five areas:
- One Gateway course
- Two courses in Literature, Philosophy, and the Arts (including at least one course focusing on the Jewish diaspora)
- Two courses in History and Social Science (including at least one course on the Jewish experience in the United States)
- Four courses in Hebrew
- The Core Seminar, “What Is Jewish Studies?”
At least 15 credits must be at the Intermediate or Advanced level.
For details, please see the UW-Madison Guide.
Can I do a double major?
Absolutely. Since Jewish Studies is an interdisciplinary field, many students in our program also choose majors or certificates in other departments, including Art, Education, Geography, History, Music, Political Science, Religious Studies, and Sociology. Given the broad geographical reach of Jewish civilization, Jewish Studies also pairs well with programs such as African Studies, Classical and Near Eastern Studies, European Studies, German/Nordic/Slavic Studies, International Studies, and Middle Eastern Studies. And for students in pre-business, pre-law, and STEM fields, a major or certificate in Jewish Studies provides a fascinating lens into the humanities and social sciences.