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Jewish Studies

The culture and history of the Jewish people extends across more than three millennia, from Biblical times to the present, and spans most of the world, from the Middle East to Latin American and from Eastern Europe to North America. Jewish Studies at Huron offers students an interdisciplinary look at the history of Judaism and the Jews, examining the religious, social, economic, and cultural development of Judaism and Jewish life, and relationships between Jews and other communities.

Jewish Studies Brochure

Alumni Stories

An academic pursuit centred around the brilliance and resilience of the Jewish people has prepared our alumni to tackle extraordinarily challenging careers that demand critical thinking skills, cultural sensitivity and fine-tuned argumentation and communication abilities. Learn about where Jewish Studies has propelled our alumni and gain an appreciation for our these unique course offerings can empower you to be Leader with Heart across a wide variety of sectors. 

Program Options

The culture and history of the Jewish people extends across more than three millennia, from Biblical times to the present, and spans most of the world, form the Middle East to Latin American and from Eastern Europe to North America.

Jewish Studies at Huron offers students an interdisciplinary look at the history of Judaism and the Jews, examining the religious, social, economic, and cultural development of Judaism and Jewish life, and relationships between Jews and other communities.

Honors Specialization
Specialization
Major
Minor

Learn more about the following programs offered in Jewish Studies:

Major
Minor

 

Professors

As a collaborative and interdisciplinary program, Jewish Studies offers students unique access to several different personalities and areas of expertise, as they are given the opportunity to study under professors from each of the affiliate colleges and Western University. However, as our students call Huron home, they can trust they will always receive individualized support from experts in this field who are excited about guiding their students to a greater understanding of Jewish linguistics, culture and history. 

Jewish Studies Department

Tenure-stream

Program sessional and per course instructors 

  • Nicki Ishai, Lecturer, Jewish Studies, 519.438.7224 ext. 277, Rm OR 30
  • Dr. John Hope, Assistant Professor, Jewish Studies, 519.438.7224 ext. 277, Rm A211

Jewish Studies Courses

From learning oral and written Hebrew through to studying Jewish philosophical contemplations, Jewish Studies will help students attain a well-rounded understanding of this formidable religion, culture and language. Learn about the traumatic consequences of the Holocaust, as well as the heroic actions and brilliant ideas of the Jewish people who have contributed to building their communities' to-be-admired foundation.

Introduction to Modern Jewish Thought is a new, first-year course designed to give students the chance to sample the kind of material offered in a Jewish Studies Major or Minor. It looks at recent Jewish philosophical self-understandings, and contemporary Jewish biblical scholarship dealing with moral issues such as sexuality, reproductive issues, the position of women, capital punishment and the environment.

After your first year, you can explore issues such as: Jewish film studies, Hebrew poetry & prose, Jewish women artists, Perceptions of the Middle East, the Holocaust, Jews and Muslims, Politics of the Middle East, Jewish philosophy, biblical and contemporary Hebrew.

2020-2021 Courses

Start your exploration in Jewish Studies with our 1000-level courses that will introduce you to the history, culture and language of the Jewish people. These introductory courses are accessible to students who have varying degrees of familiarity with the subject matter.

Build upon your knowledge by sharpening linguistic skills and religious and cultural awareness with more senior-level Hebrew, Religious Studies and History courses. Investigate expressions and experiences unique to the Jewish people, while also deepening your understanding of other minority and oppressed communities - and the world more broadly.

Course Instructor Course Outline
HEB 1030 – Hebrew I Ishai View course outline
HEB 2200 – Hebrew II Ishai View course outline
HEB 3300 – Advanced Modern Hebrew Language Ishai View course outline
JEWISH 1250F – Introduction to Modern Jewish Thought Conter View course outline
HIST 2821F – Jewish History to 1492 Clark View course outline
JEWISH 1370G – The Problem of Anti-Semitism Hope View course outline
JEWISH 2791F Special Topics in Jewish Studies Hope View course outline
RELSTUD 2163A "An Eye for an Eye" Halberstam See King's
RELSTUD 2204G World Religions: Judaism and Islam Hegedus See King's
RELSTUD 2345G – Biblical Storytelling Halberstam See King's
RELSTUD 2347F – Living Bible Halberstam See King's
RELSTUD 2420B – The Hebrew Bible in Context Lemos View course outline
RELSTUD 3030F – Angry God: The Bible and War Lemos View course outline
RELSTUD 4040G – Prophetic Literature TBA View course outline
2019-2020 Courses

Careers

With increased empathy and globally-focused historical and cultural knowledge, Jewish Studies graduates are prepared to contribute significant value to a wide range of rewarding career paths. Whether they chose to pursue further study or leverage their transferrable skills across corporate, government and non-profit sectors, these Leaders with Heart will stand out as critical analysts, expert writers and skilled researchers and linguists. 

Where will a degree in Jewish Studies take you?
  • Lawyer
  • Historian
  • Public and high school teacher
  • Professor
  • Business executive and strategist
  • Journalist
  • Accountant
  • Financial service consultant
  • Theologian
  • Salesperson 
  • Social worker
  • Lobbyist 
  • Community activist and service worker
  • Non-profit professional
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Find a Mentor

More Details

Key Contacts

Sahana Mazumder, MES

Program Assistant, Faculty of Arts and Social Science
519.438.7224 ext. 277
smazumd2uwo.ca
A116

 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.                  Monday - Friday