Jewish Studies Programs

The Jewish Studies program offers a major (35 credits) and a minor (12 credits) for students wishing to study various forms of Jewish culture throughout the centuries.

The Jewish Studies program offers a BA degree and a minor in Jewish Studies. These are offered at the Boca Raton campus, although some Jewish Studies courses are regularly offered at other sites.

Both the BA and Minor program are open to all students wishing to study various forms of Jewish culture throughout the centuries. They may be especially useful for:

• those thinking about vocational opportunities in Jewish communal and educational organizations (community centers, family service bureaus, federations; camp administration; teaching in Hebrew or day schools);
• students contemplating careers as rabbis, or cantors;
• students considering academic careers in Jewish Studies;
• students wishing to study Jewish literature, culture, and history;
• students preparing for meaningful participation in interfaith religious dialogue;
• students considering graduate study in religion or any aspect of western civilization and/or culture.

The Minor in Jewish Studies is the equivalent of an interdisciplinary minor. It provides students with the opportunity to enhance any undergraduate degree with a focused program of study that concentrates on Judaism and Jewish culture and history. Those enrolled in the program come to understand that various forms of Judaism emerged over the course of time and in response to changing conditions. Additionally, by studying the Holocaust and understanding the watershed nature of this awful event, students are better able to detect warning signs of future genocides anywhere, e.g. anti-Semitism, racism, and prejudice, thereby enabling them to contribute to making the world a safer and more tolerant place.

The Certificate in Holocaust Studies at Florida Atlantic University, in partnership with the Joint Certificate in Holocaust Studies, Jewish Studies, and the Center for Peace, Justice and Human Rights (PJHR) and the Gutterman Family Center for Holocaust and Human Rights Education (CHHRE) provides students with a focused, interdisciplinary exploration of one of history’s most pivotal and tragic events. Through courses in history, literature, film, and human rights, students gain a deeper understanding of the Holocaust’s origins, legacy, and lasting impact on societies worldwide.

Designed for students across all disciplines, the certificate emphasizes critical thinking, ethical reflection, and cultural awareness while addressing broader issues of antisemitism, racism, genocide, and human rights. This program is an excellent complement to majors and minors in the humanities, social sciences, and education, and is especially valuable for those pursuing careers in teaching, research, museum studies, law, or advocacy.

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Minor/Certificate in Holocaust Studies

Offered by Florida Atlantic University’s Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters

The Joint Certificate/Minor in Holocaust Studies is a partnership between The Program in Jewish Studies, the Center for Peace, Justice and Human Rights (PJHR), and The Gutterman Family Center for Holocaust and Human Rights Education (CHHRE).

Program Overview

The Certificate in Holocaust Studies for non-matriculated students, and the Minor in Holocaust Studies for matriculated students provides students with an in-depth understanding of the historical, cultural, and ethical dimensions of the Holocaust. Through interdisciplinary coursework, students explore the origins and implementation of the Nazi genocide, its representation in literature, film, and art, and its lasting impact on memory, law, and human rights.

The program prepares students to critically examine issues of antisemitism, racism, genocide, and historical trauma while developing strong research, analytical, and ethical reflection skills.

This certificate/minor is an excellent complement for students pursuing careers or graduate education in:

• Education
• History
• Jewish Studies
• Museum and archival work
• Social justice and human rights

Program Requirements

Total Credits: 12

Structure

6 credits from Category 1: Holocaust-Specific Courses
6 credits from Category 2: Contextual/Related Courses or an additional 6 credits from Category 1

Independent Study / Practicum: Students may take up to 3 credits in either JST 4905 (Directed Independent Study) or JST 4940 (Practicum), but not both.

If offered as 1-credit courses, students may repeat with program director approval (up to 3 credits total). 

Category 1: Holocaust-Specific Courses (6 credits required)

EUH 4465 – Hitler and Nazi Germany
FIL 4838 – Holocaust on Screen*
JST 3402 – History of Antisemitism*
JST 4701 – The Holocaust
WOH 4244 – World War II 

Category 2: Contextual / Related Courses (6 credits)

AMH 3530 – History of American Immigration and Ethnicity
AMH 4231 – The U.S. in the Era of World War I and World War II
AML 4663 – Jewish-American Literature
ANT 4006 – Human and Cultural Rights
COM 4707 – Peace, Conflict, and Oral Narrative
EUH 3206 – 20th-Century Europe since World War II
EUH 3343 – 20th Century Europe to World War II
FIL 4037 – Film since the 1940s
FIL 4886 – Jews in American Film and Television
HIS 3204 – History of Human Rights
INR 4075 – The Politics of Human Rights
JST 4425 – History of Zionism and the State of Israel, 1880–1990
LIT 4605 – Literature of War
PAX 3001 – Introduction to Peace Studies
SPC 4540 – Propaganda
WOH 4405 – Gandhi and Hitler
WST 4113 – Gender and Human Rights
JST 4905 – Directed Independent Study
JST 4940 – Practicum

Notes: Courses marked with * are new proposals and are expected to be available by Fall 2026. Currently, FIL 4838 – Holocaust on Screen is offered as FIL 4930 (Special Topics).

Courses Available Spring 2026

Jewish-American Literature (AML 4663) 3 credits – Prof. Andrew Furman, In-Person

• An introduction to Jewish-American literature and culture through the work of several major and emergent 20th-century Jewish-American writers.

20th-Century Europe to World War II (EUH 3343) 3 credits – Prof. Douglas McGetchin, In-Person

• An investigation of the problems facing Europeans from the turn of the century to World War II. Emphasis will be placed on the conflict of ideologies.

Jews in American Film and Television (FIL 4886) 4 credits – Prof. Matthew Elfenbein, In-Person

• Note: this course is listed as FIL 4930-001 or JST 4930-001 for the Spring 2026 semester
• An introduction to the cultural history of Jewish representation on the American screen. The media presented are dealing with various themes of immigration, assimilation, antisemitism, trauma, and the ways that they overcome adversity.

Directed Independent Study (JST 4905) 1-4 credits – Various Instructors, Hybrid per Instructor

• Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor
• Directed independent study on approved topics in Holocaust and Judaic studies.