College of Arts and Sciences

Jewish Studies

Program Type:
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Jewish studies is an interdisciplinary program that teaches students to appreciate and analyze both continuities and differences in Jewish history, religion, and culture around the world. Faculty in the Jewish Studies Program offer courses in many fields, including history, cinema studies, German, Latin American studies, philosophy, religion, comparative literature, music, theater, and dance.

Program Director

Ellen Wurtzel

Associate Professor of History
Department Affiliation
Jewish Studies

Why Study Jewish Studies at Oberlin?

8
Student Clubs
book
Variety of Courses
2
Study Away Programs

Student Clubs and Organizations

With nearly 200 student groups and clubs from which to choose, you’d be hard pressed not to get involved in something. From economics to faith and identity, and from counseling to sports, Oberlin has an array of clubs open to new and returning students.

Office of Religious and Spiritual Life

The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (ORSL) is a multifaith resource center that supports religious practice, education, service, and activism, and provides spiritual support and counseling. ORSL organizes an array of programs to support and enrich Oberlin’s multifaith community.

Sample Courses

  • JWST 231 - The Nature of Suffering: The Book of Job and its History of Interpretation 4 credits
  • JWST 357 - Jewish Sexual Ethics 4 credits
  • JWST 258 - “Two Jews, Three Opinions”: Argument in Judaism 4 credits
  • JWST 274 - History of the Holocaust 4 credits
View course catalog for requirements

Jewish Studies Faculty

Our faculty are both scholars and teachers who make important contributions to their disciplines through writing and research. Their teaching interests include Medieval and early modern Europe, politics, and Judaism and religion in the modern world. They are committed to undergraduate education and teach everything from first-year seminars to advanced courses.

Explore Faculty within Jewish Studies

Jewish Studies Faculty

Jewish Studies News

View all Jewish Studies news

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