Undergraduate Program
The Certificate in Jewish Studies
Earn a Certificate in Jewish Studies by enrolling in three Jewish Studies courses.
- Join a cohort of students asking questions about Jewish cultures, histories, and religion
- Demonstrate a commitment to humanities education regardless of your major
- Enrich your Stanford experience by exploring the captivating stories of the Jews
Whether you hope to enter the professional Jewish world or simply enjoy studying Jewish peoples, history, and culture, a Certificate in Jewish Studies is an opportunity to gain subject matter expertise without compromising your other pursuits.
Fill out the interest form!
Requirements
In order to earn a Certificate in Jewish Studies, you must enroll in three courses comprised of at least:
- Two core courses
- JEWISHST 115 Understanding Jews (3 units)
- JEWISHST 116 The Hebrew Bible: Readings in Religion and Culture (3 or 5 units)
- JEWISHST 117 Crisis and Community in Jewish Tradition (3 units)
JEWISHST 147B The Hebrew and Jewish Short Story (3 or 5 units)
- One additional Jewish Studies course (selected--different options are availble each academic year!)
- JEWISHST 37Q Zionism and the Novel (3 units)
- JEWISHST 33Q Stanford Confronts the Fascist Moment (3 units)
- JEWISHST 101B, 102B First & Second Year Hebrew (4 or 5 units)
- JEWISHST 104B First Year Yiddish (4 units)
- JEWISHST 112 Passing: Hidden Identities Onscreen
- JEWISHST 156A Narratives of Trauma and Recovery (3 units)
- JEWISHST 247C What is Zionism? (5 units)
See here for a complete list of Jewish Studies courses offered this academic year.
FAQS
How do I apply for the certificate?
Email Dr. Shaina Hammerman, the associate director of Jewish Studies, to set up a meeting! sjhammer [at] stanford.edu (sjhammer[at]stanford[dot]edu)
Can my certificate be awarded retroactively?
Yes! As long as you have not yet graduated, you can work with the Center for Jewish Studies to determine if you meet the requirements.
Will the certificate appear on my transcript?
No. Certificates do not appear on your transcript, but we encourage you to include this accomplishment on your resume or CV.
Do independent studies count toward the certificate?
Yes! If they are completed with a core faculty member and taken for 3 or more credits.
Do languages count toward the certificate?
Yes! Hebrew and Yiddish courses automatically count. Reach out to Shaina Hammerman if you have enrolled in another Jewish language or worked in a non-Jewish language to conduct relevant Jewish Studies research.
Do I have to enroll in the JEWISHST section of the class for it to count toward the certificate?
No! Almost all of our courses are cross-listed. Any section of a valid class counts!
The Undergraduate Minor in Jewish Studies
The minor in Jewish Studies requires 30 units and may be taken as a single minor or as one of multiple minors.
A student wishing to minor in Jewish Studies should apply through Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity (CSRE). The minor is interdisciplinary in that it that draws together a wide range of disciplines including history, literary studies, religious studies, gender studies, education, and other fields. Through its courses and extracurricular programs, the Taube Center seeks to introduce students to the ideas and experience of the Jewish people over its entire history, from the biblical period to the Holocaust, contemporary Israeli society, and American popular culture.
Requirements
In order to earn a Minor in Jewish Studies, students must complete at least 30 units toward the minor.
- Jewish Studies Core Course (Jewish in 7 Concepts or Understanding Jews)
- One Core Course from CCSRE (Introduction to Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity, Institutions and Inequities, Indigeneity and Colonialism, Resistance and Liberation)
- 22 Units of Jewish-Focused Courses (See a list of Jewish Studies courses or propose an independent study.)
To find a more detailed overview of this minor please visit our Bulletin Page.
How to Apply for the Certificate
To Receive a Certificate in Jewish Studies:
1. Review the requirements as listed on this website.
2. Fill out the interest form OR make an appointment to meet with Shaina Hammerman, associate director of Jewish Studies, to confirm your eligibility.
3. Join us for an event in June celebrating all recipients!
How to Declare
To Declare a Minor in Jewish Studies:
1. Review the program requirements as listed on this website.
2. Follow the step for How to Declare with CSRE.
3. Make an appointment to meet with Shaina Hammerman, associate director of Jewish Studies, to draw up your study plan.
Want to major in Jewish Studies? Contact Shaina Hammerman: sjhammer [at] stanford.edu (sjhammer[at]stanford[dot]edu).