Jewish Studies minors at UWM examine the culture and religion of the Jewish people through language, history, arts, media, politics, and literature.
The Jewish Studies program prepares students for work in a multicultural world with a skill set that includes the ability to analyze texts and weigh different interpretations, present persuasive arguments in writing and speech, and appreciate different backgrounds and viewpoints. Jewish Studies alumni have found careers in social welfare, Jewish organization administration, government, business administration, journalism, the arts, education, and other fields. Further graduate study has led others to careers in religious leadership as rabbis or cantors.
Jewish Studies minors can further their education by participating in UWM’s Study Abroad opportunities in Israel. Majors and minors studying in Israel are eligible for travel awards from the Stahl Center for Jewish Studies. The Stahl Center for Jewish Studies also offers other scholarships and awards to outstanding Jewish Studies majors and minors, including a scholarship for majors that helps students in their final semesters, so they can progress to graduation more easily.
A minor in Jewish Studies may be of particular interest to students earning a certificate in Middle Eastern and North African Studies, Cultures and Communities, and/or Comparative Ethnic Studies, or a major in Religious Studies.
Both the major and minor can be completed fully online for students who need coursework that fits their schedules.
Requirements
The minor requires completion of a minimum of 18 credits, at least 9 of which must be taken at the 300 level or above in residence at UWM, in courses approved for the major (see list below). Other courses may be counted towards the minor with approval of the coordinator. The College requires that students earn a GPA of at least 2.0 on all credits for the minor attempted at UWM. In addition, students must earn a GPA of 2.0 on all minor credits attempted, including any transfer work.
Select 18 credits from the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HEBREW 101 | First Semester Hebrew | 4 |
| HEBREW 102 | Second Semester Hebrew | 4 |
| HEBREW 201 | Third-Semester Hebrew | 4 |
| HEBREW 202 | Fourth-Semester Hebrew | 4 |
| HIST 282 | The Modern Middle East in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries | 3 |
| HIST 363 | Germany: Hitler and the Nazi Dictatorship | 3 |
| HIST 364 | The Holocaust: Anti-Semitism & the Fate of Jewish People in Europe, 1933-45 | 3 |
| JEWISH 100 | Introduction to Judaism | 3 |
| JEWISH 101 | Jewish Culture in America: History, Literature, Film | 3 |
| JEWISH 230 | Bible Stories | 3 |
| JEWISH 231 | Introduction to the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible | 3 |
| JEWISH 235 | The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Bible | 3 |
| JEWISH 261 | Representing the Holocaust in Words and Images | 3 |
| JEWISH/POL SCI 328 | The Arab-Israeli Conflict | 3 |
| JEWISH 331 | Topics in Biblical Literature: | 3 |
| JEWISH 332 | Women in the Bible | 3 |
| JEWISH/FILMSTD 350 | Global Jewish Film and Television: | 3 |
| JEWISH/HIST 358 | The Jews of Modern Europe: History and Culture | 3 |
| JEWISH 368 | Jewish and Christian Responses to the Holocaust | 3 |
| JEWISH/HIST 379 | Introduction to Jewish History | 3 |
| JEWISH 699 | Advanced Independent Study | 1-3 |
Letters & Science Minor Advising
Advising for the minor takes place within the department by a faculty member or staff member. Follow the steps using the "Declare a Minor" button on the department’s website which may include instructions on how to select a faculty advisor if there is more than one to choose from.
Students who already have an L&S college advisor because their degree plan is in L&S can discuss the minor with them as well since they will be familiar with any minor in L&S. Students who are working on a degree from a UWM college other than the College of Letters & Science will not need an L&S college advisor for just a minor and one will not be assigned. These students should work with the faculty or staff advisor they receive as part of the minor declaration process or contact the department directly for assistance.
Applicants who have not started classes at UWM yet who wish to declare a minor should wait until they are registered for their first UWM classes and then can declare the minor using the “Declare a Minor” button on the program’s website. If you have questions about the minor before then, contact let-sci@uwm.edu.