PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Thesis Track

1.             A minimum of 30 semester credits of approved graduate course work beyond the bachelor’s degree, including a total of 24 credits in the area of specialization.

2.             Submission and approval of a master’s thesis.

The thesis track is recommended for students seeking to continue their studies toward a Ph.D. degree.

Non-Thesis Track

1.             A minimum of 36 semester credits of approved graduate course work beyond the bachelor’s degree, including a total of 24 credits in an area of specialization.

2.             Successful completion of a written comprehensive examination in the area of specialization.

AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION

Jewish History

Jewish history during the last millennium comprises the main area of focus, with particular attention to intellectual history. Students must take four core courses of 3 credits each:

1)    a methodological seminar on the use of historical sources of the medieval and modern periods;

2)    a two course sequence examining Jewish literature, culture, and history of the medieval and modern periods;

3)    an advanced research seminar leading toward the thesis (for thesis-track students).

A variety of electives is available in the area of specialization and cognate disciplines. Emphasis is placed on the student’s ability to analyze texts and source materials of the period.

Jewish Education

Students take four core courses of 3 graduate credits each:

1) a methodological seminar on the use of Jewish educational materials;

2) a two course sequence examining Jewish literature, culture, and history of the medieval and modern periods;

3) an advanced research seminar leading toward the thesis or special project (for thesis-track students). Electives are available in the areas of history and philosophy of Jewish education; psychology of Jewish education; curriculum development and teaching methodology.