The Jewish studies minor is affiliated with the Philip and Muriel Berman Center for Jewish Studies and offers students the opportunity to explore the history, literature, religion and social institutions of the Jewish people from its inception to the present. The program is designed to engage students with diverse interests and fields of concentration. The formal program of courses is augmented through a program of lectures, colloquia, films and other cultural events. Study abroad, particularly in Israel, is encouraged to augment and broaden students’ understanding of Jewish civilization.
A minimum of sixteen credit hours is required. A maximum of eight credit hours of Hebrew may be counted. Other courses not listed below may apply including courses taught through the Lehigh-in-Israel program (Archaeology and the Bible in the Land of Israel, or Israel Today: Culture, Politics, Religion) or new courses offered by Jewish Studies faculty and visiting faculty (American Jewish Literature, or Israeli Women Writers).
Students may declare a minor as early as the end of their freshman year. It is not necessary to complete the required credits before filling out the minor declaration form. Forms are available at the Berman Center's office at 324 Maginnes Hall or may be printed from declaration.pdf. Jewish Studies courses being taught may be printed from jscourses.pdf. Students should coordinate their minor program with Professor Laurence Silberstein, 324 Maginnes Hall, 610-758-4869.
Courses offered
Hebr 1 - Elementary Modern Hebrew I (4)
Hebr 2 - Elementary Modern Hebrew II (4)
Hebr 11 - Intermediate Modern Hebrew I (4)
Hebr 12 - Intermediate Modern Hebrew II (4)
IR 81 - Middle East in World Affairs to 1945 (4)
IR 82 - Middle East in World Affairs since 1945 (4)
Phil/Rel 129 - Jewish Philosophy (4)
Phil 133 - Medieval Philosophy (4)
Rel 73 - Jewish Tradition (4)
Rel 111 - Jewish Scriptures/Old Testament (4)
Rel 112 - Beginnings of Judaism and Jewish Origins: Jewish Diversity in the Greco-Roman World (4)
Rel 121 - Sources for the Life and Jesus: Jewish and Christian Context (4)
Rel 132 - Hasidic Tales (4)
Rel/WS 138 - Women in Jewish History (4)
Rel 139 - Jewish Folklore (4)
Rel 150 - Judaism in the Modern World (4)
Rel 152 - American Judaism (4)
Rel 153 - The Spiritual Quest in Contemporary Jewish Life (4)
Rel/Hist 154 - The Holocaust: History and Meaning (4)
Rel 155 - Responses to the Holocaust (4)
Rel 156 - Israel, Zionism, and the Renewal of Judaism (4)
Rel/WS 158 - Sex and Gender in Judaism: The Feminist Critique (4)
Rel 165 - Jews, Christians, and Buddhism: The Turn to the East in American Culture (4)
Rel 174 - Contemporary Theology (4)
Rel 186 - Judaism in Israel and the United States (4)
Rel 197 - Archaeology and the Bible in the Land of Israel (4) --IN ISRAEL
Rel 230 - Kabbalah: The Jewish Mystical Tradition (4)
Rel 231 - Classic Jewish Texts (4)
Rel 371 - Directed Readings (1-4)
US 85 - American Jews: Politics and Culture (3)