Program Overview

Master's Program in Jewish Studies

The Master's program in Jewish Studies at the University of Potsdam is an interdisciplinary, research-oriented program that focuses on the cultural, historical, and philosophical aspects of Judaism. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Jewish history, religion, philosophy, and literature, as well as the cultural and social contexts in which they developed.

Program Structure

The program consists of four semesters and requires the completion of 120 credit points. The curriculum includes:

• Mandatory modules (48 credit points):
  • Jewish History and Memory (15 credit points)
  • Jewish religion and philosophy (15 credit points)
  • Jewish literature and arts (15 credit points)
  • Final colloquium (3 credit points)
• Compulsory elective area (45 credit points):
  • Introduction to Jewish studies and languages (15 credit points)
  • Introduction to Jewish Studies and Yiddish (15 credit points)
  • Introduction to Jewish Studies and Modern Hebrew (15 credit points)
  • Introduction to Jewish Studies and Biblical Hebrew I (15 credit points)
  • Research Traditions in Jewish Studies and Biblical Hebrew (15 credit points)
  • Research Traditions in Jewish Studies and Biblical Hebrew II (15 credit points)
  • Jewish cultural history in Central and Eastern Europe (Ashkenazi studies) (15 credit points)
  • Sephardic Studies (15 credit points)
  • Practical module (15 credit points)
• Master's thesis (27 credit points)

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the program, applicants must have:

• A first degree from a recognized university with a minimum of 180 credit points
• Knowledge of Jewish religion, history, and culture, or Jewish languages (e.g., Hebrew, Yiddish)
• English language proficiency at the B2 level (GER)
• German language proficiency at the C1 level (GER)

Research Areas

The program focuses on the following research areas:

• Jewish history and culture -Jewish religion and philosophy
• Jewish literature and art
• Jewish languages (e.g., Hebrew, Yiddish, Aramaic)
• Digital humanities

Career Prospects

Graduates of the program can pursue careers in:

• Academia and research
• Cultural management and museum work
• Publishing and media
• Education and teaching
• Politics and diplomacy

Contact

For more information about the program, please contact the study advisor:

-Dr. Ulrike Schneider

• Address: Am Neuen Palais, House 11, Room 1.Z27 -University of Potsdam