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Jewish Studies
Location
Location
- Department of Jewish Studies
- 855 Sherbrooke West, Leacock Building, 7th floor
- Montreal QC H3A 2T7
- Canada
- Telephone: 514-398-6543
- Website: www.mcgill.ca/jewishstudies
About Jewish Studies
About Jewish Studies
The Department of Jewish Studies offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of Judaica. It welcomes students interested in deepening their knowledge of Jewish history and Jewish texts. Students have the choice of a thesis or non-thesis M.A. in Jewish Studies and may choose to complete the thesis M.A. with a stream in the History of the Jewish Interpretation of the Bible. An ad hoc Ph.D. is also available. We have particular research and teaching strengths in the following areas: Hebrew Bible and its interpretation; rabbinics and codes; medieval and modern Jewish thought; Eastern European Jewish history; Jewish literature (Hebrew, Yiddish, English); and contemporary North American Jewish life. These areas are broadly construed to accommodate the range of research interests in the Department. Students develop close relationships with their supervisors and benefit from the diverse expertise available in our Department and in the University at large.
While the thesis option is designed for students undertaking advanced research in one of the areas above, the non-thesis option offers a generalist degree in Jewish studies.
| Master of Arts (M.A.); Jewish Studies (Thesis) (45 credits) |
|---|
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This option is aimed at students who have acquired a rich background in Jewish studies through their B.A. and who are now ready to focus their study on one period and/or discipline within the broad field of Jewish civilizational studies. Students choosing Eastern European studies, Jewish thought, or Hebrew literature must enter the program with a good command of either Hebrew or Yiddish according to their chosen specialization. Students may also choose to complete the M.A. (Thesis) program with a stream in the History of the Jewish Interpretation of the Bible. This stream is aimed at students who have acquired a rich background in Bible and Jewish studies through their B.A. and who now wish to study the Bible and its interpretation within Jewish circles at an advanced level. Students choosing this path must enter the program with a good command of Hebrew. The degree is normally completed within two years. Subsequent career paths are varied, but could include work in Jewish communal agencies, Jewish schools, Jewish foundations, the rabbinate, or further graduate study in a related field. |
| Master of Arts (M.A.); Jewish Studies (Non-Thesis) (45 credits) |
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This option is aimed at students who have acquired some background in Jewish studies through their B.A. and who wish to add to their knowledge without having to concentrate on one period or discipline within the broad field of Jewish civilizational studies. Students may take courses in related disciplines outside of Jewish Studies if appropriate. The degree is normally completed within two years. Students must demonstrate good command of Yiddish or Hebrew prior to graduation. Subsequent career paths are varied, but could include work in Jewish communal agencies, Jewish schools, Jewish foundations, the rabbinate, or further graduate study in a related field. |
| Ph.D. in Jewish Studies |
| This is an ad hoc program. Please contact the Department for further information on this option. |
Jewish Studies Admission Requirements and Application Procedures
Jewish Studies Admission Requirements and Application Procedures
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Ideally, applicants would have completed a B.A. in Jewish Studies. If an applicant is otherwise deemed acceptable, it is possible to be admitted to a Qualifying year. Students seeking admission to the History of the Jewish Interpretation of the Bible stream must demonstrate competence in Hebrew prior to beginning the program.
In addition to the appropriate references, transcripts, and examination scores, applicants should send samples of their academic work in their field of interest. Personal interviews are strongly recommended.
Application Procedures
Application Procedures
McGill’s online application form for graduate program candidates is available at www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply.
See Application Procedures for detailed application procedures.
Application Deadlines
Application Deadlines
The application deadlines listed here are set by the Department of Jewish Studies and may be revised at any time. Applicants must verify all deadlines and documentation requirements well in advance on the appropriate McGill departmental website; please consult the list at www.mcgill.ca/gps/contact/graduate-program.
| Canadian | International | Special/Exchange/Visiting |
|---|---|---|
| Fall: Feb. 1 | Fall: Feb. 1 | Fall: Feb. 1 |
| Winter: Sept. 15 | Winter: Sept. 15 | Winter: Sept. 15 |
| Summer: N/A | Summer: N/A | Summer: N/A |
Admission to graduate studies is competitive; accordingly, late and/or incomplete applications are considered only as time and space permit.
Jewish Studies Faculty
Jewish Studies Faculty
| Chair and Graduate Program Director |
|---|
| Carlos Fraenkel |
| Professors |
| David Aberbach; B.A.(Univ. Coll., Lond.), M.Litt., Ph.D.(Oxf.) |
| Gershon Hundert; B.A.(Col.), M.A.(Ohio St.), Ph.D.(Col.) (Leanor Segal Professor of Jewish Studies) (joint appt. with History) |
| B. Barry Levy; B.A., M.A., B.R.E.(Yeshiva), Ph.D.(NYU) |
| Associate Professors |
| Eric Caplan; B.A.(Tor.), M.A.(Hebrew), Ph.D.(McG.) (joint appt. with Integrated Studies in Education) |
| Carlos Fraenkel; B.A., M.A., Ph.D.(Free Univ., Berlin) (joint appt. with Philosophy) |
| Yael Halevi-Wise; B.A.(Hebrew), M.A.(G'town), Ph.D.(Princ.) (joint appt. with English) |
| Lawrence Kaplan; B.A.(Yeshiva), M.A., Ph.D.(Harv.) |
| Assistant Professor |
| Daniel Heller; B.A.(Tor.), Ph.D.(Stan.) |
| Adjunct Professors |
| Magdalena Opalski; M.A.(Warsaw), Ph.D.(Ott.) |
| Ruth Wisse; M.A.(Col.), Ph.D.(McG.) |
Master of Arts (M.A.); Jewish Studies (Thesis) (45 credits)
An M.A. in Jewish Studies (thesis option) is offered in the following areas: History of the Jewish Interpretation of the Bible, Eastern European Jewish History, Jewish Thought, Hebrew Literature, and Modern Jewish Literatures. These areas of specialization are broadly construed to accommodate the range of research interests in the Department. The M.A. can be...
For more information, see Master of Arts (M.A.); Jewish Studies (Thesis) (45 credits).
Master of Arts (M.A.); Jewish Studies (Non-Thesis) (45 credits)
All students pursuing this option must take JWST 699. The remaining credits will normally include 15 credits in two of the following areas and 12 credits in the third: Jewish Thought, Jewish History, and Jewish Literature. The substitution of credits in related disciplines outside of Jewish Studies may be permitted if appropriate. The coursework will be adjusted to...
For more information, see Master of Arts (M.A.); Jewish Studies (Non-Thesis) (45 credits).