Welcome to the Wesleyan University Center for Jewish Studies
CJS Open House
Friday, October 28
Allbritton 311, 12:15-1:15 pm
Lunch Provided!
Conversation with CJS Alumni
Interview with Etgar Keret
Etgar Keret speaks with Dalit Katz during his recent visit at Wesleyan
Wesleyan has an over forty-year history in sponsoring learning in this area. Courses in Jewish studies and in Hebrew were introduced at Wesleyan in 1967. In its initial years, the program was a modest, though ambitious one and included mainly courses in Judaism and Hebrew language taught in the Religion Department. Over the years the curriculum has grown significantly and courses are taught not only in the Religion Department, but also in a number of other departments. The Hebrew program has become especially robust with classes on all levels from Beginning Hebrew through advanced courses in Israeli film, TV shows, literature and culture. Students interested in spending their semester abroad in Israel can enroll in one of the approved programs at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Ben-Gurion University in Be'er Sheva, and Haifa University.
In 2014, The Center for Jewish Studies was established. The Director of the Center, advised by core faculty, is responsible for developing and maintaining the curriculum in the Center for Jewish Studies. The core faculty is joined by a number of faculty members from various departments who offer occasional courses in the field and add range to the program of studies. The curriculum has been especially enriched through the auspices of the Silverberg Distinguished Scholar in Residence that allows the Center for Jewish Studies to bring to the University a distinguished scholar as a visiting professor. Over the years the position has been held by, among others, Joshua Sobol, Etgar Keret and Israeli Film directors. Recently, the Education Policy Committee at Wesleyan University has approved the change from a Certificate program in Jewish and Israel Studies to a Minor in Jewish and Israel Studies. This multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary minor explores various academic areas such as Jewish religion, Jewish culture, Jewish letters and Israel Studies. Courses are offered by Jewish and Israel core and affiliated faculty, Jewish and Israel distinguished visitors and other Wesleyan faculty. To complete the Minor students need to take five courses. For more information please check https://www.wesleyan.edu/cjs/jisminor.html.
Classroom learning has been amply supplemented by a stimulating program of extra-curricular lectures and cultural events including the presentation of academic papers in Jewish history and culture, poetry readings, art exhibits, films, and concerts all sponsored by the Center for Jewish Studies. Especially noteworthy is a lecture series, Contemporary Israeli Voices, and the annual Spring semester Ring Family Wesleyan University Israeli Film Festival. For further information on these public events, and news about the Program, its faculty and students, please consult the website; https://www.wesleyan.edu/cjs/
In addition to fostering undergraduate studies, the faculty in the Center for Jewish Studies is also committed to Wesleyan’s efforts in providing continuing learning opportunities for alumni and parents. We sponsor seminars during Family Weekend in the Fall as well as at Reunion/Graduation Weekend in the Spring. Our faculty also enjoy visiting Alumni Clubs to make off-campus presentations. For further information please contact Professor Dalit Katz at dkatz01@wesleyan.edu.
