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
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/Winter 2025 Jewish Studies Course Offerings:
JWS 3950 FRA – Special Topics in Jewish Studies
Topic: Jewish Short Stories
Hybrid Asynchronous – Th 4:10PM-5:25PM
Class Number: 20042
Jewish Short Stories– Description: This course focuses on contemporary Jewish short stories, emphasizing work published since the beginning of the 21st century. The course investigates how Jewish experience is portrayed by fiction writers in North America, Israel, and across the Jewish diaspora. Connections to as well as departures from works from earlier eras will be examined. Stories by authors such as David Bezmozgis, Eduardo Halfon, and Ayelet Tsabari will be included.
Prerequisite: ENG/CMP/LTT 2800/2850 or permission from the Director of Jewish Studies
JWS 4900 FTA – Mapping the Jewish Experience
Hybrid Asynchronous – Tu 4:10PM – 5:25PM
Class Number: 36607
This course explores Jewish history within a range of communities with a focus on the immigrant nature of these communities. Using a range of sources– historical, literary, and cultural–students examine key issues at the heart of the Jewish experience for specific communities: immigration; community; religion; race; language; Zionism; urban life; music; education and professionalism; discrimination; the Holocaust; and food. Class meetings take advantage of Baruch’s location in New York City, home to the largest Jewish community in the world outside of Israel with museum visits, city tours, and the hosting a number of speakers who will share their intimate knowledge of New York Jewish community life.
Prerequisite: ENG/CMP/LTT 2800 or 2850
HIS 3008 PTRA – Religion & Politics in the United States
(Cross-listed with POL 3008 and REL 3008)
Online Synchronous – Tu/Th 5:50PM – 7:05PM
Class Number: 19261
This course investigates the role of religion in American political life from the nation’s founding to the present era. Church-state issues will be addressed from the perspectives of political theory and constitutional law. Cultural cleavages on such issues as prohibition, Sunday observance, the teaching of evolution, and, more recently, abortion, school prayer, parochial school aid, civil liberties, and gay rights will be explored. The implications of religious divisions for the American political party and electoral systems will also be examined using historical and political science studies. This course is equivalent to POL 3008 and REL 3008. Students will receive credit for only one of these courses. These courses may not substitute for each other in the F grade replacement policy.
Prerequisite: One 1000-level History Course, or instructor permission
HIS 3551 EMWA – History of People of the City of New York
In Person – Mo/We 2:30PM – 3:45PM
Class Number: 30009
A study of the history of New York City from its foundation to the present day focusing on the major national groups who settled here. During the semester, the class will consider the background of the great migrations to America, why New York attracted so many of the newcomers, the immigrant experience in the city, and the impact of the various ethnic groups on the city.
Prerequisite: One 1000-level History Course, or instructor permission
Contact
For more information about the Jewish Studies minor, please contact:
Dr. Jessica Lang, Co-Director
Jessica.Lang@baruch.cuny.edu
Dr. Sarah Valente, Co-Director
Sarah.Valente@baruch.cuny.edu