Jewish Thought

The program in Jewish Thought provides students with a comprehensive understanding of Jewish thought from its ancient roots to its contemporary expressions. Through coursework in Jewish philosophy, theology, intellectual history, ethics, and law, students will develop an appreciation for the intellectual heritage of Judaism, the relationship of Jewish Thought to its cultural and intellectual contexts, and its and its ongoing relevance in today’s world. 

Learning Outcomes

By graduation, students should be able to…

  1. Analyze and evaluate major philosophical currents within Jewish thought, such as rationalism, mysticism, and existentialism.
  2. Articulate different conceptions of God, creation, and human nature within Jewish thought and their implications for Jewish life and practice.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of how biblical and rabbinic sources relate to philosophical inquiry.
  4. Engage with Jewish thinkers using contemporary critical methodologies.
  5. Apply knowledge derived from Jewish intellectual history and philosophy to contemporary challenges and debates.

Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements

  • One course (3 credits) of background in general philosophy or religion from another institution (e.g., Columbia University’s PHILBC 1001: Introduction to Philosophy), chosen in consultation with the advisor
  • One course (3 credits) in biblical or rabbinic literature
  • Two courses (6 credits) in medieval Jewish thought (philosophy or mysticism)
  • One course (3 credits) in contemporary Jewish thought
  • One course (3 credits) in Jewish ethics, or social or political thought
  • Three courses (9 credits) of electives, chosen in consultation with the advisor
  • One course (3 credits) fulfilled through a senior thesis, senior seminar, or an upper-level elective chosen in consultation with the BA advisor

Master of Arts Admission Requirements

An undergraduate degree in Philosophy, Religion, or Jewish Studies is beneficial but is not required.

Master of Arts Degree Requirements

Courses

In addition to courses required of all students in Gershon Kekst Graduate School, 30 graduate credits are required, as follows:

  • One course (3 credits) MDS 5102: Classics of the Jewish Tradition
  • Two courses (6 credits) in premodern Jewish thought
  • One course (3 credits) in modern Jewish thought
  • One course (3 credits) in Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah and Hasidism)
  • One course (3 credits) in philosophy or religious studies through the consortium
  • One course (3 credits) in Jewish ethics or social or political thought
  • Three electives (9 credits) chosen in consultation with advisor

Thesis or Comprehensive Exams

To qualify for the Master of Arts degree, the student will either write a thesis on a figure, theme, or topic in the history of Jewish thought or take comprehensive exams. The thesis will demonstrate scholarly competence in the chosen field, as well as original insight into the subject; the exams will show scholarly competence in the chosen field based on fluency with a comprehensive reading list created by the student and the advisor.