Welcome to the Department of Jewish Studies at Tulane University. Jewish Studies is an interdisciplinary field devoted to the study of Jewish history, religion, culture, and thought from antiquity to the present, across diverse global contexts. Drawing on approaches from the humanities and social sciences, students explore foundational texts such as the Hebrew Bible and rabbinic literature, as well as modern literature, philosophy, sociology, and cultural expression.
The Jewish Studies major introduces students to the central questions, methods, and debates that have shaped Jewish life and identity over time. Through close textual analysis, historical inquiry, and critical interpretation, students develop strong skills in analytical thinking, research, and communication. The program prepares students to engage thoughtfully with issues of religion, culture, and society, and to apply these insights in a wide range of academic, professional, and civic contexts.
Students pursuing thisbachelor’s degree must earn a minimum of 30 credit hours in the Newcomb-Tulane College core curriculum, 120credit hours in their degree and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.000.More information on degreeand core curriculum requirements can be found here.
The major consists of at least 30 credits in Jewish Studies courses, Hebrew courses, or courses in related fields. The major must include JWST 1010 Introduction to Jewish Civilization: Foundations (3 c.h.) and JWST 1020 Intro to Jewish Civ:Modern Era (3 c.h.) as well as courses in each of the periods below.
The major must include JWST 1010 Introduction to Jewish Civilization: Foundations (3 c.h.) and JWST 1020 Intro to Jewish Civ:Modern Era (3 c.h.) as well as courses in each of the following periods:
•Pre-modern: At least two courses required from JWST 2100, 3140, 3150, 3500, 3520, 3530, 3540, 3590, 3600, 4110, 4250, 4350.
• Modern: At least two courses required from JWST 3100, 3210, 3220, 3330, 3340, 3440, 3750, 4150, 4210, 4300, 4420, 4670.
Additional JWST courses (and those in other departments) also fulfill the requirements for Pre-Modern and Modern courses.
At least one course must be at the 4000 level or above. Courses taken to fulfill Tulane’s foreign language proficiency requirement may not count toward the major.
Additional courses require departmental approval for substitution (ex: CLAS and RLST).
The Jewish People: From Racial Other to White Americans
Additional Electives
12
At least one course must be at the 4000-level or above
Total Credit Hours
30
Additional JWST courses (and those in other departments) also fulfill the requirements for Pre-Modern and Modern courses. At least one course must be at the 4000 level or above. Courses taken to fulfill Tulane's foreign language proficiency requirement may not count toward the major. Additional courses require departmental approval for substitution (ex: CLAS and RLST).
This example plan of study for the BA in Jewish Studies represents a fall semester start and encompasses all program requirements. Students are responsible for reviewing university, school, and program requirements, along with prerequisites and the sequencing of courses in coordination with their academic and major advisors.
