Certificate Program in Jewish Studies for Undergraduates
The Certificate in Jewish Studies is an exciting interdepartmental program that offers courses including Religion, Political Science, History, Cultural Anthropology, Comparative Literature, Hebrew Language and Literature, Women's Studies, Germanic languages, and more. The Center offers students the flexibility to design a curriculum that meets their individual interests.
Introductory courses in Judaic civilization are especially suited to students who have no previous knowledge of the subject or only a rudimentary familiarity with the Bible and other aspects of Jewish history.
Six courses are required for the certificate, including Religion 140 (Introduction to Judaism) and an independent study to be arranged in consultation with the DUS. Four courses must be at or above the 200 level. Not more than three courses in Religion may count for the certificate. One (semester) Hebrew language course may count toward the certificate.
Certificate students are also eligible to Graduate with Distinction. Qualified students may apply to the Graduation with Distinction program on the basis of a thesis or other substantive scholarly project based on course work taken in the certificate program. Each student's overall achievement in the field, and in particular the thesis project, is assessed by a three-member faculty committee.
Majoring in Jewish Studies
Students who wish to major in Jewish studies have two options: They may do so as religion majors, concentrating on Judaica, or through Duke's innovative Program II. This program offers a student the flexibility to design a curriculum to accommodate unusual interests and talents, with the aid of a faculty advisor.
Study Abroad
Duke also offers students the opportunity for study abroad in a number of unique settings, in Europe as well as in Israel . For more information on study abroad, visit the Global Education for Undergraduates website.
