Bachelor of Religious Studies (Judaic Studies)
Genesis offers a degree program in Judaic Studies. Students in Judaic Studies study a variety of religious texts both ancient and contemporary. Courses are offered in subject areas such as the bible, Hebrew, ethics, philosophy, law, history, and interdisciplinary studies. Students who complete these courses study the subjects in depth to gain a knowledge and understanding of the textual materials, as well as skills in critical and analytical thinking. The courses are beneficial both on a personal and professional level and help create an educated and knowledgeable individual. The program also prepares students to pursue graduate studies.
The Bachelor of Religious Studies may also be offered as a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies (requires 90 credits in Arts and Sciences) or a Bachelor of Science in Religious Studies (requires 60 credits in Arts and Sciences).
Objectives/Outcomes
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Religious Studies, the graduate will:
- Read and utilize primary and secondary source materials.
- Critically interpret Judaic concepts.
- Discuss the historical development of Judaism as a world religion and the encounter with modernity.
- Demonstrate an appreciation and understanding of the significance of the Torah, Talmud, and Bible in Judaism and their place in contemporary society.
- Use critical and analytical thinking skills in applying theory to practice.
- Demonstrate a foundation in Jewish law and tradition and the skills to approach the texts independently.
This program requires a minimum of 36 credits in the Judaic core content area, and 30 credits in general education.
General Education Requirements:
| English | 3 credits |
| Mathematics and Natural Science | 6 credits |
| Humanities | 3 Credits |
| Social Science and History | 3 credits |
| Additional General Education Electives | 15 credits |
Generally, core courses should satisfy the following category requirements:
| Bible | 3 credits |
| Law | 3 credits |
| Philosophy/Ethics | 3 credits |
| History | 3 credits |
| Judaism and Contemporary Society | 3 credits |
| Hebrew | 6 credits |
| Religious Studies Electives | 15 credits |
| TOTAL | 36 credits |
A sample program of study for the Judaic core is shown below:
HEB151 Elementary Biblical Hebrew I
HEB152 Elementary Biblical Hebrew II
HIS 355 Early Modern Jewish History
HIS 375 Medieval Spain
HIS 455 American Jewish History
JTH 200 The Jewish Calendar I
JTH 400 Writings of Luzzato I
BIB 350 Advanced Biblical Exegesis: Genesis
BIB 355 Advanced Biblical Exegesis: Exodus
JLW 421 Sabbath I
JLW 430 Dietary Laws I
PHI 425 Biomedical Ethics: A Jewish Perspective
Students may substitute courses and select other courses found in the catalog HERE.
