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Jewish Studies (Minor)

The minor in Jewish Studies fosters knowledge of Jewish history, thought, cultures, and languages through education, scholarship, and community outreach. The program offers courses in the Jewish religion and literature, the Hebrew language, the history of modern Israel and its role in shaping global Jewish identity, the cultures of the Jewish diaspora throughout the ages, and the ethical and philosophical role of Judaism in influencing other world religions and civilizations.

Jewish Studies (Minor)


Description


What is Jewish Studies at ODU like?

The minor in Jewish Studies fosters knowledge of Jewish history, thought, cultures, and languages through education, scholarship, and community outreach. The program offers courses in the Jewish religion and literature, the Hebrew language, the history of modern Israel and its role in shaping global Jewish identity, the cultures of the Jewish diaspora throughout the ages, and the ethical and philosophical role of Judaism in influencing other world religions and civilizations.

Program Highlights


What makes Jewish Studies at ODU unique?

  • Opportunities to participate in cultural activities around religious and ethnic diversity

  • Learn about a rich history and culture

  • Unique Study Abroad opportunities

  • Demonstrate a commitment and investment in diversity

Courses


What are some courses offered in Jewish Studies at ODU?

REL 350:
Judaism


This course is a basic introduction to Judaism. We will explore the fundamental tenets of Jewish belief, examine primary expressions of Jewish ritual and practice, discuss the historical development of Judaism, and explore sacred texts, secular Yiddish texts, and contemporary issues confronting Jews and Judaism. Prerequisites: ENGL 110C.

JST 300:
Holocaust and Genocide Studies


After the atrocities of the Holocaust, Never again! has been repeated throughout the world. However, the reality is that genocide did not begin or end with the Holocaust. This course uses the Holocaust as a case study in genocide, tracing the history of anti-Judaism and anti-Semitism in Europe through its reappropriation by Adolf Hitler. Through an interdisciplinary approach to the Holocaust where history, literature, film, and oral narratives are considered, students establish a basis for critiquing and understanding other genocides. The course will culminate with an analysis of contemporary genocide, taking into consideration how the genocides and the Holocaust inform our worldview of hatred and impact societies and cultures. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in ENGL 110C.

JST 395:
Topics in Jewish Studies


This course addresses various topics in Jewish Studies. Prerequisites: junior standing or permission of instructor.

Requirements


What are the requirements to apply for Jewish Studies at ODU?

Students entering the Minor program in Jewish Studies should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Undergraduate Admission)

  • The minor in Jewish Studies requires that students take REL 350 Judaism and three approved Jewish Studies electives (nine hours) at the 300-level or above, for a total of 12 credits. 

  • Students interested in the Jewish Studies minor are encouraged to take HEBR 111F Beginning Hebrew I to fulfill the University foreign language requirement.

  • For completion of a minor, a student must have a minimum overall cumulative grade point average of 2.00 in all courses specified as a requirement for the minor (exclusive of 100- and 200-level courses and prerequisite courses) and complete a minimum of six hours in upper-level courses in the minor requirement through courses offered by Old Dominion University.

Cost

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Virginia Resident


Per Credit:

$ 374

Non-Resident


Per Credit:

$ 1,039

Active Duty Military Rate


Per Credit:

$ 250

Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States


Per Credit:

$ 407

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid

Oscar Brandeis/Frances Levy Birshtein Scholarship


Click here for more information and/or to apply for the Oscar Brandeis/Frances Levy Birshtein Scholarship

 

Schwetz Scholarship Fund of the Tidewater Jewish Foundation


Click here for more information and/or to apply for the Schwetz Scholarship Fund of the Tidewater Jewish Foundation

 

Next Steps


I like this program. What are the next steps?

Contact


Need help applying?

Meet Your Enrollment Team

Our enrollment coordinators are ready to help you through the admissions process.

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Associate Professor


Name:

Amy K. Milligan


Location:

2024 BATTEN ARTS & LETTERS, NORFOLK, VA, 23529



Office:

757-683-6816


Undergraduate Admissions


Location:

1004 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529


Phone Office:

757-683-3685


Fax:

757-683-3255


Email:

admissions@odu.edu


International Admissions


Location:

2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529


Phone Office:

757-683-3701


Fax:

757-683-3651


Email:

intladm@odu.edu

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