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Program Overview
Dating back nearly 4,000 years, Judaism is the world's oldest monotheistic faith and the foundation of both Christianity and Islam. Studying Judaism is thus central for understanding the roots of Western Civilization. This is especially true at Fairfield University, an institution whose rich Jesuit heritage is deeply rooted in the Catholic tradition.
Fairfield's interdisciplinary undergraduate program in Judaic Studies welcomes students of all backgrounds - religious and secular, Christian and non-Christian - to explore the relationship of their own traditions, values, and beliefs to the Jewish experience. The program minor offers a diverse array of courses on Jewish faith, history, and culture, all of which contribute to integrating Judaic Studies into the curriculum of the College of Arts and Sciences. The program also organizes programs and special events for the University and larger Fairfield/Bridgeport communities.
The Judaic Studies program is comprised of faculty representing the departments of Religious Studies, History, Modern Languages, English, and Visual and Performing Arts. Each semester, the program offers courses on a range of Jewish-related topics. Directed by Gavriel Rosenfeld, professor of history, the program is closely linked to the Carl and Dorothy Bennett Center for Judaic Studies, which annually sponsors many lectures and special events.
Student interest in our courses is consistently high, as is University attendance at such annual events as the Jewish New Year celebration, Passover Seder, and Holocaust remembrance service - all of which are co-sponsored by Judaic Studies, the Carl & Dorothy Bennett Center for Judaic Studies, Campus Ministry, and KADIMA, Fairfield's undergraduate Jewish students' organization.
Contact Us
Gavriel Rosenfeld
Professor
History
x3198
Office of Undergraduate Admission
P: (203) 254-4100
F: (203) 254-4199
admis@fairfield.edu
Requirements & Curriculum
Students may structure their own course of study in consultation with the program director, but they are expected to gain an understanding of basic Jewish religious beliefs and practices as well as those political, social, and cultural forces that have helped shape the historical experiences of the Jewish people.
Independent study and internships are encouraged and can be substituted for any course (other than the two required religious studies courses) with the approval of the program director. Students are also encouraged to apply for summer, and semester - or yearlong programs in the United States or Israel, especially those offering Hebrew language study. Students receiving credit for such programs and/or Judaic studies courses taken at another university may count up to six Hebrew language credits and three additional credits toward the Judaic studies minor.
Required Courses
| Five (5) Judaic Studies courses, including: At least two (2) Religious Studies courses At least one (1) course outside the Department of Religious Studies |
A detailed list of course requirements, offerings, and more can be viewed in the University’s course catalog.
More About Judaic Studies
Carl & Dorothy Bennett Center For Judaic Studies
Carl & Dorothy Bennett Center For Judaic Studies
The Carl and Dorothy Bennett Center for Judaic Studies was founded in 1994 with a goal is to enrich the intellectual, cultural and spiritual life at Fairfield University through lectures, programs and other special events including monthly Shabbat services and dinners.
Diversity and Inclusive Excellence
Diversity and Inclusive Excellence
As a Jesuit, Catholic university, Fairfield is dedicated to diversity and inclusion; to radical hospitality in service of racial, social, and economic justice.
Life After Fairfield
Life After Fairfield
Independent study and research internship opportunities are available and you may incorporate them into the minor with the approval of the program director. You are also urged to apply for summer, semester, or yearlong programs in the United States or Israel, especially those offering Hebrew language study.
Learn how Fairfield's Career Services can support your post-graduate goals, and how our tight-knit alumni network can build career and mentoring opportunities that last a lifetime.
Internships
Internships
If you've ever wondered if a particular career is a good fit for you, internships are a terrific way to find out. Academic credit and noncredit internships are available to Fairfield students in every field and offer hands-on, professional experience at leading companies throughout the region.
Faculty
Faculty
The College of Arts and Sciences at Fairfield University is home to a vibrant community of engaged faculty, dedicated staff and budding scholars devoted to the process of invention and discovery and excited by the prospect of producing knowledge in the service of others. Meet the dedicated members of our Judaic Studies Program.