The goals for the major include developing an understanding of the breadth and diversity of Jewish civilization through interdiscipinary learning in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. In particular:

• Learning to contextualize Jewish civilization within its broader milieu
• Understanding the foundation texts and central ideas and institutions of Judaism
• Building specialized knowledge in one area: e.g., among others, Biblical studies; ancient, medieval, early modern or modern Jewish history; European or Eastern Jewry; Hebrew language and literatutre; Israel studies
• Establishing proficiency (equivalent to two years of undergraduate instruction) in Hebrew, either Biblical or modern, or if relevant Yiddish, Arabic or Spanish.
• Interpreting primary texts critically, developing writing skills, and learning to identify essential links among discipiens and cultures.