From antiquity to the present.
The Jewish Studies minor emphasizes Jewish history, religion, thought, texts, literature, the arts, traditions, and their development within the context of diverse civilizations.
The program not only explores Jews and Judaism but also their relationship with other world civilizations in the realms of social sciences, humanities, and the arts.
Why Jewish Studies at Wake Forest?
Interdisciplinary approach, wide breadth of studies
Linking disparate fields of study that are usually examined separately, our minor exposes students to a wide range of disciplines and gives students the opportunity for synthesizing and critically reflecting on their course of study.
Tailor the Jewish Studies Minor to Your Research Interests
You may choose your own area of interest within the Jewish Studies Minor, for instance, you might like to focus on Jewish identities, Jews in the ancient world, Jewish literature, or the Nazi Holocaust.
After Graduation
Avenues often pursued by Jewish Studies minors include Social Welfare, Law, Medicine, Jewish Communal Administration, Education, the Rabbinate or Cantorate, and Masters and Ph.D. programs.
Fall 2024 Courses
REL 113
Introduction to Jewish Traditions.
Examines the history, thought, and practices of Jewish traditions in global perspective. (D) (3 h)
REL 390 B
Special Topics in Religion: Antisemitism and Islamophobia
Religion topics of special interest. May be repeated for credit. Group I-III with department approval. P-POI. (1.5-3 h) Antisemitism and Islamophobia
HST 321
Zionism, Palestine, and Israel in Historical Perspective
Investigates both the European causes of Zionism and the Middle Eastern consequences of the establishment of the State of Israel. Through our discussion, students will be introduced to many of the scholarly debates over the history, practices, and consequences of Zionism, the State of Israel, and the Israel-Palestinian conflict. (3 h)
Studies Abroad
The Jewish Studies Program offers annual study abroad opportunities led by Wake Forest University faculty members.
Minor Requirements
- A minimum of fifteen credit hours
- Courses must be from at least two departments
- At least three must be upper level courses (200 level or above).
- No more than six credit hours of Hebrew or some other Jewish language can be counted toward the minimum number of courses.
Please see the current director with any questions.
Our Faculty
Annalise Glauz-Todrank
Associate Professor, Director of the Jewish Studies Program
Department for the Study of Religions
Leann Pace
Associate Teaching Professor
Department for the Study of Religions
Barry Trachtenberg
Professor & Rubin Presidential Chair of Jewish History
Department of History
Events
An Evening with Saul Dreier, Founder of The Holocaust Survivor Ban
A Talk by Jane Hathaway
Book Discussion with Rosie Danan
Artist Talk with Naomi Greenberg
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