The Judaic studies minor offers an interdisciplinary and intercultural perspective on Jewish history, literature, film, philosophy, language and religion. Through the program, you'll have the opportunity to engage ancient texts alongside contemporary theory while also exploring interreligious challenges and opportunities at national and global levels.
The interdisciplinary minor fosters critical thinking and awareness, preparing you for a range of future studies as well as career opportunities. These can include graduate school or careers in government or civic organizations, public engagement, leadership positions, event planning and program management, journalism and educational institutions.
Hebrew Emphasis
About this Course
Students can choose to earn their Judaic Studies minor with an emphasis in Hebrew. This option is provided in collaboration with the Department of Language and Literatures. If you choose this option, you'll have the opportunity to add Hebrew proficiency and the study of original Jewish texts to your exploration of ideas in disciplines like history, literature, philosophy and religious studies. To earn the Hebrew emphasis, students take 12 hours from HEBR 2001, 2002 and 2003 in addition to the one year of Hebrew proficiency required for all Judaic Studies minors.
The Judaic Studies Program Offers:
Dedicated faculty members and associated faculty in a variety of disciplines
In addition to being home to our own DU faculty experts, the Center for Judaic Studies hosts visiting scholars, performing artists, authors, and filmmakers from around the world
Opportunities to interact with DU's Rocky Mountain Jewish Historical Society, the largest historical society of its kind in the region, and connect with DU's Holocaust Awareness Institute, the region's leading Holocaust education initiative
An experience that goes beyond the classroom, with lectures, events and other extracurricular activities to supplement students' theoretical foundation
Degree Requirements
- To minor in Judaic Studies, students will need to complete 20 credits of Judaic study courses at the 2000-level or above.
- Students will also need to demonstrate proficiency in the Hebrew language equivalent to one year (HEBR 1001, HEBR 1002, HEBR 1003).
See the DU Undergraduate Bulletin for full course requirements.
Featured Courses
JUST 1600
Jews in the Islamic World, 632 C.E. - 1948 C.E.
About this Course
This course deals with Jewish history in the Islamic world from the death of Muhammad to the establishment of the state of Israel. Students are exposed to the political, social, and economic histories of various Jewish communities, many of which no longer exist, in numerous Islamic empires and/or political units. While studying these communities we also compare the treatment of Jews under Islamic rule to the treatment of Jews under Christian rule and the treatment of Christians under Islamic rule.
JUST 2016
Contemporary Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, 2000-Today
About this Course
This course deals with the political, religious, and social dimensions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from the failure of the Oslo Accords to the present. It provides students with a brief overview of the history and key issues in the conflict, turning to domestic, regional, and global developments, allegiances, and enmities – political, religious, and economic – that have shaped the past 15+ years of conflict. At a time when even optimistic observers call the two-state solution a vain hope, this course concludes with a look at viable approaches for domestically and internationally acceptable peace plans.
JUST 3012
Early Judaism
About this Course
This course traces the development of Judaism in history and literature from the Babylonian Exile and the end of the biblical period through the origins of Rabbinic Judaism and the completion of the Babylonian Talmud (c. 650 CE). However, special emphasis is placed on Jewish culture in the late Second Temple period (c. 200 BCE to 100 CE) and its impact on the early Christian movement, including Jewish literature from the time of Jesus, lost texts of the Bible, new evidence from the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the few surviving historical sources of the Second Temple Period. In addition, students analyze how the Bible came to be and understand how sacred texts and their interpretations eventually became the new center of both Judaism and Christianity.
Gain an interdisciplinary perspective on Judaic culture, language and history.
Benefit from our immersive coursework and vast Jewish community resources.
