Jewish Civilization Minor

The Center for Jewish Civilization offers a minor in Jewish Civilization.

The minor in Jewish Civilization allows undergraduate students to obtain an interdisciplinary perspective on the global and historical dimensions of Judaism with special emphasis on its interrelationship with other peoples and polities. The Center is innovative for its focus not only on Jewish religion and history, but also on the wider political, cultural, philosophical, and literary accomplishments of the Jewish people. Courses represent a broad range of disciplines including: religious practices and traditions, countering hate and intolerance, the Holocaust, Israel, Middle Eastern politics and diplomacy, art and music, the Diaspora, and Hebrew language study. This is a program for students of all religious backgrounds. It is appropriate for individuals with either a strong background in Judaism or none at all who are eager to grow intellectually in this area.

Students are required to complete an interest/application form available on the web site of the Center for Jewish Civilization: http://cjc.georgetown.edu. Please visit the website or contact the CJC at cjcinfo@georgetown.edu for further information.

For course listings for Jewish Civilization, see Schedule of Classes.

Requirements for the Minor

Students must successfully complete the following courses:

• JCIV 1990/INAF 1990, Introduction to Jewish Civilization: This course provides a foundation for the study of Jewish civilization, and is required for all minor candidates. (Note: it is not required that this is the first course taken towards the minor.)
• JCIV 4960, Senior Thesis Colloquium (completed during a student’s final year in the minor program). Minor candidates are required to write an essay of approx. 30 pages on a topic related to Jewish civilization.
• Electives: Minor candidates must take a minimum of four electives offered by the Center for Jewish Civilization.¹ 

¹

Hebrew Language (not required): Students who study Hebrew language may count a maximum of four courses toward the JCIV minor.

Additional electives may be approved by the Center, but must make a significant contribution to the understanding of Jewish civilization.