The Bachelor of Arts in Modern Jewish Studies
Admissions to the Bachelor of Arts in Modern Jewish Studies is currently suspended. Please contact the College of Humanities and Fine Arts to learn the current status of the program.
The BA in Modern Jewish Studies is offered jointly by CSU, Chico, San Diego State University, and San Francisco State University. Students take core courses at their home campus. Other courses to fulfill degree requirements are also taken at the home campus; distance-based courses may be taken only when the home campus does not offer those courses. Consult with a major advisor for information on courses available from the other two campuses.
Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 120 units
See "Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree" in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.
A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. Please request a plan from your major advisor.
General Education Requirements: 48 units
See General Education Requirements in the University Catalog and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education Requirements and course offerings.
Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units
See "Diversity Requirement" in the University Catalog. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education Requirements.
U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals: 6 units
See "U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals" under "Bachelor's Degree Requirements". This requirement is normally fulfilled by completing HIST 130 and POLS 155 or approved equivalents. Courses used to satisfy this requirement do not apply to General Education.
Literacy Requirement:
See Math and Writing Requirements in the University Catalog. Writing proficiency in the major is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of a course in your major which has been designated as the Writing Proficiency (WP) course for the semester in which you take the course. Students who earn below a C- are required to repeat the course and earn a C- or higher to receive WP credit. See the Class Schedule
for the designated WP courses for each semester. You must pass ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a C- or higher before you may register for a WP course.
Course Requirements for the Major: 42 units
Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree.
Students have the option of taking additional courses online from faculty at San Diego State University and San Francisco State University or through the California State University's Study Abroad Program at Haifa University. Please see the BA advisor for specifics. A list of online courses and registration procedures is available at http://www.csuchico.edu/mjis/bajs.
Some courses appear under more than one area heading, but each course may be used to fulfill requirements in only one area.
Introductory Course: 3 units
1 course selected from:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
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MJIS 204
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Judaism
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3.0
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FS
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GE
USD
|
This course is also offered as
RELS 204.
History of Judaism from biblical to modern times. A study of the literature, faith, and events that shaped Jewish life. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course.
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RELS 204
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Judaism
|
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3.0
|
FS
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GE
USD
|
This course is also offered as
MJIS 204.
History of Judaism from biblical to modern times. A study of the literature, faith, and events that shaped Jewish life. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course.
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Language Area: 3 units
1 course selected from:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
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HBRW 101
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First-Semester Hebrew
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3.0
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FS
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GE
|
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Introduction to basic Hebrew language and Jewish culture. Emphasis of the course is on speaking and listening. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course.
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HBRW 102
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Second-Semester Hebrew
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3.0
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FS
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GE
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Prerequisites: HBRW 101.
Continuation of basic Hebrew language and Jewish culture, with emphasis on speaking and listening. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course.
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HBRW 103
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Third-Semester Hebrew
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3.0
|
FS
|
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Prerequisites: HBRW 102.
Continuation of HBRW 102 in the self-instructional format. Emphasis on developing reading and writing. 9 hours independent study.
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HBRW 104
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Fourth-Semester Hebrew
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3.0
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FS
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Prerequisites: HBRW 103.
Continuation of HBRW 103 in the self-instructional format. Further development of reading and writing. 9 hours independent study.
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Culture and Society: 9 units
1 course selected from:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
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MJIS 253
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The Holocaust: Background, Tragedy, and Aftermath
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3.0
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INQ
|
GE
|
This course is also offered as
SOCI 253.
A sociological perspective is used to understand the Holocaust, examing the Nazi rise to power, and the changes in German society that led to persecution of Jews and many other groups. Students explore the role of perpetrators, victims, and bystanders. Other areas of interest include resistance and rescue, Jewish cultural responses to the genocide, and the aftermath of war 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course.
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SOCI 253
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The Holocaust: Background, Tragedy, and Aftermath
|
|
3.0
|
INQ
|
GE
|
This course is also offered as
MJIS 253.
A sociological perspective is used to understand the Holocaust, examing the Nazi rise to power, and the changes in German society that led to persecution of Jews and many other groups. Students explore the role of perpetrators, victims, and bystanders. Other areas of interest include resistance and rescue, Jewish cultural responses to the genocide, and the aftermath of war 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course.
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1 course selected from:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
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SOCI 356
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Genocide
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3.0
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FA
|
GE
GC
|
This course is also offered as
MJIS 356.
The social impact of acts of genocide around the globe is explored, from the beginning of the 20th century to the present. This course examines the issues of ethnic and national identity, ethnocentrism, the role of technology, and issues of power. Also considered are the moral implications of genocide, as well as individual, social, and corporate responsibility. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course.
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MJIS 356
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Genocide
|
|
3.0
|
FA
|
GE
GC
|
This course is also offered as
SOCI 356.
The social impact of acts of genocide around the globe is explored, from the beginning of the 20th century to the present. This course examines the issues of ethnic and national identity, ethnocentrism, the role of technology, and issues of power. Also considered are the moral implications of genocide, as well as individual, social, and corporate responsibility. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course.
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1 course required:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
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MJIS 455
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Israeli Public Address
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3.0
|
F2
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|
Prerequisites: CMST 131, CMST 233, CMST 331, and CMST 255 or CMST 354 with a grade of C- or higher for CMST majors only.
This course is an in-depth exploration of the history of the creation of the State of Israel and its changes through rhetorical analysis and criticism of Israeli public address. The course begins with speeches from the late 19th century and moves to the present. The course explores Arab and Jewish-Israeli public address as well as the public address concerning the Arab/Israeli conflict from the Israeli, Arab, European, and American perspectives. 3 hours discussion.
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History Area: 9 units
1 course required:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
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POLS 446A
|
International Relations of the Middle East
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3.0
|
F1
|
|
|
Analyzes the foreign policies of the Middle Eastern nations. Emphasizes Arab-Israeli and inter-Arab dynamics, the impacts of Muslim culture, sectarian strife, and the roles of external forces, including the superpowers. 3 hours lecture.
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1 course selected from:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
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HIST 466
|
The Arab-Israeli Conflict
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3.0
|
SP
|
|
This course is also offered as
MEST 466.
The development of Zionism and Arab nationalism since 1900; international politics and the creation of Israel; Arab-Israeli conflict since 1948 to the present; politics and society in Israel; Palestinian refugees and guerrilla groups; P.L.O. and the Palestinian nationalist movement; efforts and prospects for Arab-Israeli peace. 3 hours seminar.
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MEST 466
|
The Arab-Israeli Conflict
|
|
3.0
|
SP
|
|
This course is also offered as
HIST 466.
The development of Zionism and Arab nationalism since 1900; international politics and the creation of Israel; Arab-Israeli conflict since 1948 to the present; politics and society in Israel; Palestinian refugees and guerrilla groups; P.L.O. and the Palestinian nationalist movement; efforts and prospects for Arab-Israeli peace. 3 hours seminar.
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1 course selected from:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
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MJIS 418
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Government and Politics of Israel
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3.0
|
F1
|
|
This course is also offered as
POLS 418.
This course will examine the Israeli political system from its early development to the present. The class will focus on the Zionist ideology of the founders and the transformation of that ideology during the state-building period. Israeli political institutions will be examined along with historical and contemporary political conflicts, the vagaries of the peace process, and Israeli-American relations. 3 hours lecture.
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POLS 418
|
Government and Politics of Israel
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|
3.0
|
F1
|
|
This course is also offered as
MJIS 418.
This course will examine the Israeli political system from its early development to the present. The class will focus on the Zionist ideology of the founders and the transformation of that ideology during the state-building period. Israeli political institutions will be examined along with historical and contemporary political conflicts, the vagaries of the peace process, and Israeli-American relations. 3 hours lecture.
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Religion and Thought Area: 9 units
1 course required:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
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MJIS 303
|
Hebrew Bible
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3.0
|
INQ
|
|
This course is also offered as
RELS 303.
An introduction to the Hebrew Bible (also known as the Old Testament of Christianity and the Tanakh of Judaism) in English translation. Readings from the Pentateuch, the prophetic books, and the hagiographa. The course emphasizes the analysis of the biblical books in their ancient Near Eastern contexts, the documentary hypotheses, Israelite history and religion, the formation of the biblical canon, and early Jewish and Christian scriptural interpretation. 3 hours lecture.
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RELS 303
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Hebrew Bible
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3.0
|
INQ
|
|
This course is also offered as
MJIS 303.
An introduction to the Hebrew Bible (also known as the Old Testament of Christianity and the Tanakh of Judaism) in English translation. Readings from the Pentateuch, the prophetic books, and the hagiographa. The course emphasizes the analysis of the biblical books in their ancient Near Eastern contexts, the documentary hypotheses, Israelite history and religion, the formation of the biblical canon, and early Jewish and Christian scriptural interpretation. 3 hours lecture.
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1 course selected from:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
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MJIS 304
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Judaism in America
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3.0
|
INQ
|
|
This course is also offered as
RELS 304.
An exploration of the forces influencing, and the important events in, the emergence of Judaism in America. Attention is given to issues of community identity and the interaction of Judaism with the larger culture in the context of society and politics in America. 3 hours discussion.
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RELS 304
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Judaism in America
|
|
3.0
|
INQ
|
|
This course is also offered as
MJIS 304.
An exploration of the forces influencing, and the important events in, the emergence of Judaism in America. Attention is given to issues of community identity and the interaction of Judaism with the larger culture in the context of society and politics in America. 3 hours discussion.
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1 course selected from:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
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MJIS 386
|
Philosophy of Judaism
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3.0
|
S2
|
|
This course is also offered as
PHIL 386.
This course explores the major philosophical trends and traditions affecting Jewish life. Hellenistic and rabbinical philosophy, Philo to Maimonides, Spinoza to Moses Mendelsohn and the Enlightenment, and Hebrew-Yiddish renaissance to modern Zionism will be examined. 3 hours seminar.
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PHIL 386
|
Philosophy of Judaism
|
|
3.0
|
S2
|
|
This course is also offered as
MJIS 386.
This course explores the major philosophical trends and traditions affecting Jewish life. Hellenistic and rabbinical philosophy, Philo to Maimonides, Spinoza to Moses Mendelsohn and the Enlightenment, and Hebrew-Yiddish renaissance to modern Zionism will be examined. 3 hours seminar.
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Capstone Course: 3 units
1 course required:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
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MJIS 454
|
Jewish Rhetoric
|
|
3.0
|
F1
|
GW
|
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher (MJIS majors). CMST 131, CMST 233, CMST 331, and CMST 255 or CMST 354 with a grade of C- or higher for CMST majors only.
This course will explore the major persuasive sacred and secular texts and speeches of Jewish culture from the Bible to the present. Included in the course will be explorations of Moses' last speech, rabbinical talmudic argumentation, rabbinical homiletics, Jewish rhetorical influences on early Christianity, Medieval disputations, the impact of the Haskalah movement, the Holocaust, the creation of the state of Israel, and modern Jewish political rhetoric. Note: This course fulfills the writing proficiency requirement for the major in Modern Jewish Studies, but does not fulfill the writing proficiency requirement for the Communication Studies major. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors.
|
Electives: 6 units
2 courses selected from:
| SUBJ NUM |
Title |
Sustainable |
Units |
Semester Offered |
Course Flags |
|
HBRW 102
|
Second-Semester Hebrew
|
|
3.0
|
FS
|
GE
|
Prerequisites: HBRW 101.
Continuation of basic Hebrew language and Jewish culture, with emphasis on speaking and listening. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course.
|
|
HBRW 103
|
Third-Semester Hebrew
|
|
3.0
|
FS
|
|
Prerequisites: HBRW 102.
Continuation of HBRW 102 in the self-instructional format. Emphasis on developing reading and writing. 9 hours independent study.
|
|
HBRW 104
|
Fourth-Semester Hebrew
|
|
3.0
|
FS
|
|
Prerequisites: HBRW 103.
Continuation of HBRW 103 in the self-instructional format. Further development of reading and writing. 9 hours independent study.
|
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MJIS 489
|
Internship
|
|
1.0
-3.0
|
FS
|
|
|
This course is an internship offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register with a supervising faculty member. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units.
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MJIS 498
|
Special Topics
|
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1.0
-3.0
|
FS
|
|
|
This is a special topics course offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically, topics are offered on a one-time-only basis. Topics vary from term to term and from section to section. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours lecture.
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MJIS 556
|
Teaching the Holocaust and Genocide
|
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3.0
|
FS
|
|
This course is also offered as
SOCI 456.
This course examines the Holocaust and other genocides from the 20th century to the present and prepares future teachers for addressing these issues in their classrooms as part of the California state-mandated inclusion of genocide in the curriculum. Students discuss teaching the moral implications of genocide, while making them relevant to pupils' lives 3 hours discussion.
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RELS 100
|
Judaism, Christianity, Islam
|
|
3.0
|
FS
|
GE
|
|
An analysis of the religions of the West: Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course.
|
|
SOCI 456
|
Teaching the Holocaust and Genocide
|
|
3.0
|
FS
|
|
This course is also offered as
MJIS 556.
This course examines the Holocaust and other genocides from the 20th century to the present and prepares future teachers for addressing these issues in their classrooms as part of the California state-mandated inclusion of genocide in the curriculum. Students discuss teaching the moral implications of genocide, while making them relevant to pupils' lives 3 hours discussion.
|
Note: MJIS 489 and MJIS 498 must be taken for 3 units.
Electives may be taken at any of the three campuses. A maximum of 6 units outside of Jewish Studies may be counted toward the major, with approval of a major advisor.
Electives Requirement:
To complete the total units required for the bachelor's degree, select additional elective courses from the total University offerings. You should consult with an advisor regarding the selection of courses which will provide breadth to your University experience and possibly apply to a supportive second major or minor.
Grading Requirement:
All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.
Advising Requirement:
Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.
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