Holt Offers Jewish Studies Minor

This spring, the Hamilton Holt School will launch an interdisciplinary minor in Jewish studies. The minor focuses on the academic investigation of the religion, history, and culture of the Jewish people and the study of the interaction of this culture with the civilizations of the world.

The first core class in the minor, Jewish Life and Thought, will be taught this spring and is an introduction to Jewish history, beliefs, practices, and ways of life. Students will explore topics such as gender roles, denominationalism, and cultural identity, and gain understanding of contemporary issues facing Jews and Judaism as they mediate tradition and evolving social and cultural patterns. The course will be held during the 15-week spring semester at Holt from 6:45 – 9:45 p.m. beginning January 15, 2013.

Holt Dean David Richard said, "We welcome the opportunity to offer the Jewish studies minor as part of our evening offerings to Holt students. The minor has been offered at Rollins College for more than a decade and will give Holt students an opportunity to participate in study abroad programs at Tel Aviv University and archaeological excavations in Israel."

The Jewish studies minor "has enhanced Jewish life and culture on the Rollins campus through its curricular and co-curricular programs and activities," said Yudit Greenberg, director of the Jewish studies program and Cornell Professor of Religious Studies at Rollins College. "I am delighted to be able to offer the Jewish studies minor to Holt students who now have an integrated academic path to pursue their interests with the minor."

There are six required courses in the minor:  two core courses, three electives, and a senior independent study research paper.