Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor's Program in Jewish Studies

The Bachelor's program in Jewish Studies at the University of Basel offers students a comprehensive understanding of the history, religion, and culture of Judaism. This program is designed to provide students with a broad knowledge of Jewish studies, including the languages of Hebrew and Yiddish, as well as the hermeneutic and text-critical methods used in the field. The program is part of the Philosophical-Historical Faculty and is characterized by a cultural-scientific profile, focusing on the modern and contemporary periods of Jewish history and culture, while also considering the ancient and medieval periods in introductory and overview courses. The program's main areas of focus include languages, history, and literature and religion.

Program Structure

The Bachelor's program in Jewish Studies is a three-year program that consists of 180 ECTS credits. The program is divided into two main areas: the core subject area (75 ECTS credits) and the free elective area (30 ECTS credits). Students can choose to combine Jewish Studies with another subject area, allowing for a broad and interdisciplinary education. The program is taught in German, and students have the opportunity to participate in excursions to European cities with significant Jewish history and culture, such as Prague, Vienna, and Amsterdam.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the Bachelor's program in Jewish Studies, students must have a Swiss maturity certificate or an equivalent foreign qualification. The admission process is handled by the University of Basel's study secretariat, and students must apply within the specified deadlines. International students are also welcome to apply, and the university offers support and guidance throughout the application process.

Career Opportunities

The Bachelor's program in Jewish Studies provides students with a solid foundation for a variety of career paths, including academia, education, journalism, and cultural management. Graduates of the program can also pursue further studies in Jewish Studies or related fields, such as history, philosophy, or cultural studies. The program's interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on critical thinking, research, and communication skills prepare students for a wide range of professional opportunities.

Research Areas

The research areas in Jewish Studies at the University of Basel include the history of Jewish culture and religion, the study of Hebrew and Yiddish languages and literatures, and the analysis of Jewish identity and community in modern and contemporary contexts. The program's faculty members are actively involved in research projects and collaborations with other institutions, providing students with opportunities for engagement and participation in cutting-edge research.

Further Studies

The Bachelor's program in Jewish Studies is a prerequisite for the Master's program in Jewish Studies, which offers advanced training in the field and prepares students for further academic or professional pursuits. Students can also choose to combine Jewish Studies with other subjects, such as history, philosophy, or cultural studies, allowing for a broad and interdisciplinary education.

Program Details

• Degree: BA in Jewish Studies
• Duration: 3 years
• ECTS credits: 180
• Language: German
• Faculty: Philosophical-Historical Faculty
• Combination: Can be combined with another subject area
• Free elective area: 30 ECTS credits
• Excursions: Opportunities for excursions to European cities with significant Jewish history and culture

Assessment and Exams

The program includes a variety of assessment methods, such as written exams, oral presentations, and research papers. The final exam is a written exam that takes place at the end of the program, and students must have completed at least 120 ECTS credits to be eligible to take the exam. The program also includes a bachelor's thesis, which is a research paper that demonstrates the student's ability to conduct independent research and analysis in the field of Jewish Studies.

Conclusion

The Bachelor's program in Jewish Studies at the University of Basel offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education in the history, religion, and culture of Judaism. With its emphasis on critical thinking, research, and communication skills, the program prepares students for a wide range of career paths and further academic pursuits. The program's unique combination of languages, history, and literature and religion makes it an attractive option for students interested in Jewish Studies and related fields.