Jewish Studies Minor

The Jewish Studies Program offers an interdisciplinary approach to the academic study of Jewish culture, history, sociology, literature, art, film and religion. While the focus of Baruch’s Jewish Studies program highlights the American, and more specifically, the New York Jewish experience, all courses that center on Jewish-related subjects fulfill the requirements for the minor. These courses are offered often cross-listed with other departments and are open to all students; they address the historical, social, cultural, religious and political life of American and world Jewry.

Requirements for the Minor

Required Course Electives

Choose two of the following courses:

ANT 3153	Urban Anthropology	3 credits
ANT 3085	Special Topics in Anthropology/Sociology* (SOC 3085)	3 credits
ANT 4050	Religious Worlds of New York (REL 4050, SOC 4050)	3 credits
CMP 3051	Latin American Jewish Women Writers (JWS 3051), (LACS 3051), (LTS 3051)	3 credits
CMP 4001	Laughter Through Tears: Classic Yiddish Fiction in Translation (JWS 4001)	3 credits
ENG 3032	Ethnic Literature*	3 credits
ENG 3940	Topics in Film*	3 credit
ENG 4550	Jewish-American Literature	3 credits
HEB 3311	History (Ancient) of the Jewish People as Reflected in Literature	3 credits
HEB 3312	History (Medieval/Modern) of the Jewish People as Reflected in Literature	3 credits
HEB 4304	The Hebrew Essays	3 credits
HIS 3008	Religion and Politics in the United States (POL 3008, REL 3008)	3 credits
HIS 3460	Topics in American History *	3 credits
HIS 3472	American Urban History	3 credits
HIS 3550	The Immigrant in American History	3 credits
HIS 3551	History of the People of the City of New York	3 credits
HIS 3560	History of the Jewish People in America	3 credits
HIS 3360	Topics in European History*	3 credits
JWS 3060	Immigration on Stage and Screen (THE 3060)	3 credits
JWS 3070	Jewish Humor	3 credits
JWS 3538	The Holocaust in History and Memory (HIS 3538)	3 credits
JWS 3950	Special Topics in Jewish Studies	3 credits
JWS 5000 and JWS 5001	Independent Study I and II **	3 credits
PHI 3130	Christian, Jewish, and Islamic Philosophy in the Middle Ages	3 credits
SOC 3086	The Modern Middle East and North Africa	3 credits
REL 3002	The Traditions of Judaism	3 credits
REL 3525	The Hebrew Bible	3 credits
REL 3220	Modern Jewish Thought	3 credits
	* Students may use this course if the topic is relevant to the minor, and permission is obtained from the Director of the Jewish Studies Program. ** Students may use 3-credit independent study courses (JWS 5000 and/or JWS 5001) as electives within the major with permission from the Director of the Jewish Studies Program

Students are expected to complete the minor requirements in place at the time they are officially accepted into their programs. Please review the College Bulletin for the relevant academic year.

Spring 2026 Jewish Studies Course Offerings:

JWS 4900 CWA – Mapping the Jewish Experience – Capstone Course

TOPIC: Jewish History Through Film

Hybrid Asynchronous – We 10:45AM – 12:00PM

Class Number: 27670

Instructor: Andrew Sloin

JWS 3950 BTRA- Special Topics in Jewish Studies

TOPIC: Traditions of Judaism

In Person – TuTh 9:05AM – 10:20AM

Class Number: 38135

Instructor: Jerome Chanes

PHI 3130 CMWA- Christian, Islamic, and Jewish Philosophy in the Middle Ages

In Person – MoWe 10:45AM – 12:00PM

Class Number: 27786

Instructor: Douglas Lackey

Winter 2026 Jewish Studies Course Offerings:

JWS 3950 JNT1- Special Topics in Jewish Studies

TOPIC: Science, Technology, Innovation, & Ecology of Israel

Online Mix- MoTuTh 9:00AM – 12:00PM

Class Number: 26676

Instructor: David Gruber

CAMERA ON — Winter Special Topic (ONLINE SYNCHRONOUS) SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, INNOVATION AND ECOLOGY OF ISRAEL David F. Gruber, Distinguished Professor of Biology and Environmental Science Why is Israel known as the start-up nation? Find out by exploring issues of science, technology, innovation, and ecology. The course will cover aspects of environmental science and explore innovative scientific and technological environmental solutions (both marine and terrestrial) that are being developed and deployed. The class will include guest lecturers who are leaders in their field across sectors. This class will meet online synchronously on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. The remaining work will be completed asynchronously.

Contact

For more information about the Jewish Studies minor, please contact:

Dr. Sarah Valente
Sarah.Valente@baruch.cuny.edu