The Robert A. and Sandra S. Borns Jewish Studies Program at Indiana University has the largest number of undergraduate majors of any secular university in the U.S. The distinguished faculty teaches as wide a range of courses on the Jews and Judaism as any university in the country. The Program has as its objective the comprehensive study of Jewish civilization through course work available in eleven university departments.
B.A. Requirements
Students must complete the following:
- Two semesters of Modern Hebrew JSTU-H 100 and H 150 , Biblical Hebrew JSTU-B 100 and B 150 , or Yiddish GER-Y 100 and Y 150.
- REL-R 245-Introduction to Judaism or HIST-H 251 Introduction to Jewish History: From the Bible to the Spanish Expulsion (on the Bloomington campus).
- HIST-H 252-Introduction to Jewish History: From the Spanish Expulsion to the Present (taught each spring). (Must be taken on the Bloomington campus).
- Four courses in one of three areas of specialization:
Language and Literature
History and Society
Religion and Thought - Two additional courses outside the student's chosen area of specialization.
- Jewish Studies majors with an interest in becoming cantors, or studying Jewish music in all its forms, may pursue the Jewish Sacred Music curriculum with the major: Taking JSTU-H 100-H 200, HIST-H 251, HIST-H 252, a course on Hebrew Bible, a course on rabbinic literature, a couse on music in Judaism, a course on Jewish thought or culture (approved by Professor Judah Cohen), and in the Jacobs School of Music courses on music theory and history, and vocal performance. Taking or testing out of T 109 and taking T 151, T 152, T 132, T 231, four semesters of Z 110, M 402.
The Jewish Studies major is open to College of Arts and Sciences B.A. students only (not B.S. students) as well as School of Journalism students. Journalism students can complete the internal Jewish Studies major requirements along with the School of Journalism requirements.
Students may combine the Jewish Studies major with the minor in Hebrew.
If eligible, students may choose to enter the Honors Program.
Students are encouraged to complete a second major (B.A.) in the College of Arts & Sciences.
Jewish Studies majors will not be considered officially signed up until they meet with the Jewish Studies advisor. All students interested in the major should call the Borns Jewish Studies Program (855-0453) to arrange an appointment to meet with the Jewish Studies advisor, Dr. Carolyn Lipson-Walker. Freshmen are encouraged to meet with the advisor in the Fall before registering for Spring courses.
* The Jewish Studies major fulfills the culture studies requirement.
* Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the official source of information regarding College of Arts and Sciences degree requirements is the College of Arts and Sciences.
