Undergraduate Certificate in Jewish Studies

Spring 2007 -- Schedule of Classes

The Certificate in Jewish Studies aims to acquaint students in any field with historical and contemporary aspects of the Jewish experience and to introduce them to some of the tools required for its study. The subject matter is by definition highly diverse, encompassing multiple disciplines and thus the certificate programs provide for a broadly conceived, interdisciplinary course of study. The program prepares students to effectively compete in a growing job market for instructors, teachers, and directors in Jewish American educational and communal organizations and institutions.

Eligibility

The Undergraduate Jewish Studies Certificate Program is open to all students seeking a bachelor's degree from UWM and to those who previously received a bachelor's degree from UWM or any other accredited college or university. Students currently involved in baccalaureate studies who successfully complete the requirements of the certificate program are awarded the certificate at the time of graduation. Students who already possess the bachelor's degree receive the certificate upon completion of the program requirements.

Requirements

To receive the Certificate in Jewish Studies, a student must earn a minimum of 20 credits, with a GPA of 2.75 or better in approved Jewish-Studies content courses distributed as follows: Humanities (3 credits), Social Sciences (3 credits), Languages (8 credits), Electives (6 credits): any of the areas listed above or an independent study course (699), the focus of which is Jewish studies.

At least half of the work for the certificate must be completed at UWM. Students majoring in Hebrew Studies must take at least 9 credits outside the Hebrew Studies curricular area in order to earn the certificate.

Students are encouraged to conduct research projects under the supervision of one or more of the program instructors. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in organized research projects such as archaeological excavations engaged with Jewish studies. The number of credits earned for each project is determined by the faculty instructor supervising the student and is based on the scope and nature of the project. No more than 3 credits of independent reading or research courses (e.g. 699) may be counted toward satisfaction of the program requirements.

Courses

The following courses may apply to the certificate requirements:

  1. Humanities (3 credits). Courses in history, philosophy, Holocaust literature, history of the Holocaust, Biblical studies, Biblical literature, Hebrew and Israeli literature, philosophy of religion, visual and fine arts, Hebrew drama, culture, the Jewish and Catholic novel, contemporary Israeli film, Hebrew children's literature, and more.
  2. Social Sciences (3 credits). Courses in social or political aspects of the Jewish world, social and political sciences engaged with Israel, the kibbutz, the mutual interaction between the Jewish and non-Jewish worlds, Jewish demography, the Arab-Israeli conflict, Israel and Germany (past and present), and more.
  3. Languages (8 credits). First- and Second-Semester Hebrew (Hebr St 101, 102). 4 cr. Introduction to Biblical Hebrew (Hebr St 105, 106). 4 cr. Yiddish (Hebr St 103, 104). 4 cr.
  4. Electives (6 credits). Any of the courses listed in 1-3 above or an independent study course (699), the focus of which is Jewish studies.

For Further Information, Contact:

Professor Chava Frankfort-Nachmias
Jewish Studies Certificate Program Coordinator
Phone (414) 229-6551/6121
e-mail: chava@uwm.edu