Judaic Studies

Professors Freund (Judaic Studies and History), Rosenthal (History), Stull (English)
Associate Professor Patt

The University’s offerings in Judaic studies are administered through the Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies, an endowed, academic program within the College of Arts and Sciences. Judaic Studies is an interdisciplinary program of study that focuses on Israel, Jews, and Judaism, including, but not limited to, historical, linguistic, religious, sociological, political, literary, and philosophical perspectives from the Ancient Near East to the modern world. The chronological scope of Judaic studies spans the period from the beginnings of ancient Israel through the modern Jews and modern Israel.

The minor in Judaic studies includes a multidisciplinary range of courses that provides every concentrator with a firm historical foundation and an opportunity to specialize in particular areas of interest. The minor is designed for four-year students completing bachelor’s degrees with traditional majors or minors in any of the University’s colleges.

Those minoring in Judaic studies who choose additional concentrations in the humanities (particularly history or religious studies) may qualify for admission to graduate programs in religious studies or for entrance to divinity or rabbinical schools. Those who combine Judaic studies with business administration, education or the social sciences may be eligible for entry-level positions in Jewish communal service.

Combined Contract Majors

Elementary Education and Judaic Studies Contract Major. This concentration, presented with the Department of Education and Human Services of the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions, permits the education student to complete a degree in elementary education with a subject-area major in Judaic studies. The successful student is thus eligible to receive a degree with a dual major in elementary education and Judaic studies. In addition to fulfilling the requirements for state certification, the concentrator qualifies for national licensure from the Jewish Educational Service of North America. He/she is thus eligible to teach in public or parochial schools.

Foreign Study

The University of Hartford has a Stephen Trachtenberg Scholarship to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a similar exchange program at other Israeli universities as well. The programs are generally for juniors and are available to concentrators in Judaic studies as well as other University students.

Hebrew Language

Majors are required to study four semesters of Hebrew language or equivalent. Only one 3-credit Hebrew course, however, is permitted toward the minor in Judaic studies. The level of that course is based on the background of the concentrator.

Lectures and Symposia

The Greenberg Center sponsors numerous public lectures and periodic symposia on the full range of Judaic studies. These presentations highlight internationally known scholars and are open to the university community and the public. Calendars of these events are published at the beginning of each semester. For further information about courses, concentrations, or future offerings in Judaic studies, as well as foreign study, lectures, and symposia, contact Prof. Richard Freund, Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies, Auerbach 110, 860.768.4964; or freund@hartford.edu.

Programs

Undergraduate Major

Judaic Studies, B.A.

Minor