Jewish Studies Major

Students must also complete the Undergraduate Registration Requirement and the degree requirements of their home school.

NOTE: This Catalog describes Weinberg College BA requirements that pertain to students who matriculated at Northwestern after spring quarter 2023. Refer to the Archives if you are following BA requirements described in the 2018-2019 through 2022-2023 editions.

Prerequisite

Major Requirements (12 units)

  • 2 courses chosen from third-year Hebrew (HEBREW 216-1, HEBREW 216-2, HEBREW 216-3), courses in the Department of Religious Studies on classical Jewish texts in Hebrew, or other courses in Hebrew literature read in Hebrew
  • RELIGION 230-0 Introduction to Judaism
  • 1 course covering the biblical period, such as ­RELIGION 220-0 Introduction to Hebrew Bible
  • 1 course covering the rabbinic period
  • 2 courses covering the postrabbinic periods (post-800 CE), such as:
    Course Title
    HISTORY 203-1Jewish History 750-1492
    HISTORY 203-2Jewish History II: Early Modern, 1492 - 1789
    HISTORY 348-1Jews in Poland, Ukraine, and Russia
    HISTORY 348-2Jews in Poland, Ukraine, and Russia
    HISTORY 349-0The History of the Holocaust
  • 5 additional courses counting for major or minor credit in Jewish studies; may include third-year courses in Hebrew
  • At least 6 courses must be at the 300 level
  • At least 1 must be from the history department
  • At least 1 must be in literature

Honors in Jewish Studies

Majors with strong academic records and an interest in pursuing honors should submit a written proposal in spring quarter of junior year. Accepted students take JWSH_ST 399-0 Independent Study with their thesis adviser in fall and winter of senior year; 1 quarter may count toward the major. Alternatively, students may enroll in a 3-quarter-long seminar in a relevant department. Those interested in this option should consult with the relevant department, the anticipated thesis adviser, and the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Students whose theses and grades meet program criteria are recommended to the college for graduation with honors. For more information contact the director of undergraduate studies and see Honors in the Major.

Relevant Courses in Other Departments

Additional Jewish studies courses are offered by many departments and programs. This list is partial and in some cases, only certain sections of a course may count toward Jewish Studies. Please see the Jewish Studies website for up-to-date information and/or consult with the DUS.