Program Overview
Hebrew and Jewish Studies
Overview
The Hebrew and Jewish Studies major is offered by the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures and includes courses in language, culture, literature, and linguistics.
Curriculum
The Hebrew and Jewish studies major offers two tracks, allowing students to focus more on the Hebrew language or on Jewish studies, according to their individual interests.
- Students studying Hebrew progress from an elementary working knowledge of the language toward oral and written proficiency.
- Once students have mastered the unique writing system of the language, they are introduced gradually to basic patterns of speech and grammar.
- The rich body of Hebrew literature is first studied in English translation; as students progress in the major and develop their language skills, they continue their readings in Hebrew.
- Jewish studies is the exploration of the history, languages, philosophy, and literature of the Jewish people.
- A variety of courses are offered at all levels in Hebrew language and literature, cognate Semitic languages, Yiddish language and literature, Jewish history, rabbinics, and Jewish philosophy, with occasional offerings in other fields such as English, sociology, and social work.
- In either case, students will take at least four semesters of Hebrew language course work (students that choose the language track will complete additional language courses).
- They will also take course work in Jewish history and philosophy.
- Students can generally tailor the curriculum to fit their personal interests in consultation with their advisor.
Study Abroad
In both tracks, students are encouraged to study abroad at institutions such as:
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
- Hebrew University in Jerusalem
- Tel Aviv University
- University of Haifa The Melton Center for Jewish Studies at Ohio State offers a variety of scholarships to help finance these study abroad opportunities.
Internship
The Melton Center for Jewish Studies regularly helps Hebrew and Jewish studies students find internships in the Columbus Jewish community.
Student Organizations
Hebrew and Jewish studies students may be interested in:
- Ohio State Hillel
- Chabad at OSU
- Jewish Studies Student Association
Possible Careers
Regardless of their track, graduates can find work in fields such as:
- Business
- Sales
- Export purchasing
- Foreign market analysis
- Journalism
- Foreign correspondence
- Science and research
- Library science
- Hotel management
- Publishing
- Radio broadcasting
- Education
- Government
- International trade
- Media
- Tourism Students who pursue the Hebrew language track are prepared for jobs:
- Teaching Hebrew at all levels
- Interpreting and translating for the United Nations, government, or for private and public organizations
- Positions in the travel and tourism industry at home or abroad Students who pursue the Jewish studies track are prepared for jobs in:
- Jewish community centers
- Federations
- National and international Jewish organizations
- Jewish education, including day and supplementary school
- Synagogue administration
- Youth group advising
- Work with the elderly
- Israel support organizations
- Jewish media
Academic Information
The Melton Center for Jewish Studies at Ohio State coordinates a large and diverse Jewish Studies program around the university and is a major resource for Hebrew majors.