Jewish Studies Program

Programs

Honors Program

Students may write an Honors Thesis in accordance with the requirements of the College. In this case they may be required to take one Graduate course which will replace one of the elective courses.

Study Abroad

As part of its undergraduate program, the Institute for Jewish Studies participates in five study abroad programs. Programs are offered annually when and where local conditions permit. The Emory Summer Study Abroad Program in Israel is sponsored by the Department of Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies (MESAS) and cosponsored by the Institute for Jewish Studies and the Department of Religion. An extensive six-week study tour of the country, it exposes students to the land and its history, religions, culture, and people. Topics covered will include archaeology and antiquities, political and social life, the economy, army life, language and literature, folklore, the arts, nature, and religious issues. Students will live in guest houses, field schools, and small hotels in several different locations, which will be used as bases for travel and study. No knowledge of Hebrew is required. Students can earn eight to twelve credit hours through this program. The Archaeology in Israel Summer Study Program is a six-week course during which students work on an archaeological dig in Israel. Students gain valuable experience and training in excavation techniques, are introduced to field laboratory processing, attend lectures on archaeological methods and history, and have two weekend field trips. No previous archaeological experience is necessary. Students can earn up to eight credit hours through this program. The Emory Summer Experience in Europe, sponsored by the Institute for Jewish Studies, offers a five-week intensive study tour focusing on Sephardi Jewish culture.

Following the footsteps of the Jews who were expelled from Spain in 1492, the course is held on location in Spain, and in France, Italy, Greece, and Turkey, where Jews established thriving communities after the expulsion. In each location, students visit cultural and historic sites, interact with members of local communities, and attend lectures and discussions. Participating students earn eight credit hours for the course.

The Emory Semester in Israel program allows students to spend a semester abroad at either Tel Aviv University or The Hebrew University. This program enables students to have a high-quality educational experience in Israel, plus the opportunity for an immersion experience in Israeli culture and society. During the semester each student will participate in an intensive four-week Hebrew language session, enroll in one course offered by an Emory faculty member, take three Tel Aviv University courses, and join in a series of special events organized for Emory students. No previous knowledge of Hebrew nor any previous exposure to Jewish or Israeli/Middle Eastern Studies is required.

In addition to these Emory-sponsored opportunities, the University will in some cases also accept transfer credit from other study abroad programs in Jewish studies, with prior approval of the undergraduate director.

The Jewish Studies in Prague program is an Emory-approved semester program offered at Charles University in the Czech Republic. This program enables students to study Jewish history and culture in a Central European context through courses taught in English, mainly by Charles University faculty. Students live in host institution residence halls and participate in regular excursions to lectures, films, and museums

as well as historical sites in Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. Students normally enroll in five courses per term, one of which must be a Czech language course, for a total of 16 Emory credits.

Language Study

Hebrew language courses are offered through the Department of Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies (MESAS). Yiddish language courses are offered through the Department of German Studies. Work in Judaeo-Arabic is offered with the permission of the instructor. All these languages are an integral part of the Jewish Studies program.

Internship

The LaBelle Birnbaum Tenenbaum Internship

The LaBelle Birnbaum Tenenbaum Fund is used to support student internships in all the aspects of Jewish studies as well as in Jewish community service in Israel, in the United States, or elsewhere.

Awards and Honors

David R. Blumenthal Award
This award is given annually for the best student papers and/or projects, completed for academic coursework or independently, that link Jewish studies with larger human concerns.