Jewish History and Culture

The degree program Jewish History and Culture provides foundational knowledge about Judaism as a culture and religion, insights into Jewish history, particularly in Europe, as well as basic language skills in Hebrew and another Jewish language. This degree program is designed exclusively as a BA minor and aims to impart foundational knowledge, methodologies, and the ability to critically engage with academic discourse in the field. The program is primarily intended for historians but also welcomes students from other humanities and social sciences disciplines with an interest in cultural history who wish to explore Judaism. The minor in Jewish History and Culture equips students with the necessary academic skills, competencies, and knowledge to critically assess, apply, and communicate scholarly findings.

The bachelor's program in Jewish History and Culture as a minor spans six semesters and totals 60 credit points. It consists of six compulsory modules and two compulsory elective components. The compulsory component includes an introductory module that provides fundamental knowledge about Judaism and its history, as well as the principles and tools of Judaic studies; two modules that examine Jewish history and culture during the Middle Ages, Early Modern Age, and Modern Age; and a module that teaches the basics of the Hebrew language. The fifth compulsory module draws from courses offered by the Martin Buber Professorship for Jewish Religious Philosophy and provides insights into Jewish intellectual history. The sixth compulsory module involves either an excursion to a significant site of European Jewish history or a specially designed project for bachelor's students, conducted in a study block, such as a collaboration with the Jewish Museum Frankfurt.

The first compulsory elective component gives students the opportunity to learn an additional Jewish language, either Yiddish or Judeo-Spanish. The second compulsory elective component focuses on specialization. Here, students can choose either the language not selected in the first component along with two courses on Jewish history and culture, or the two modules Ju-Hist9 and Ju-Hist10, each consisting of two courses on Jewish history and culture. These courses may be part of Judaic studies programs or offered by other disciplines.

The specific goals of the bachelor's program include:

- Knowledge of the history and culture of Judaism in Europe;
- Ability to independently engage with subject-specific research literature, including academic tools and the foundational language skills required for Jewish languages;
- Proficiency in oral and written communication of the aforementioned knowledge.

In addition to contact hours, independent study is a crucial part of the program and requires a significant time commitment. It is essential not only for preparing and reviewing course materials but also for acquiring a comprehensive understanding of Jewish history and cultures, much of which can only be covered in detail outside of the courses.

For more information about the minor in Jewish History and Culture, please visit the department's webpage.