Faculty of PhilosophyJewish Studies – Bachelor 25%
The degree programme in Jewish Studies considers the Jewish religion, history and culture from the Antique period to the present day. Building on good language skills, it draws on a range of subdisciplines to offer students a comprehensive academic course.
Facts & Formalities
| Degree | Bachelor of Arts |
| Type of programme | Undergraduate |
| Start of programme | Winter semester only |
| Standard period of study | 6 semesters |
| Language(s) of instruction | German |
| Fees and contributions | 151.05 € / Semester |
| Application procedure | Studienanmeldung für Fächer ohne Zulassungsbeschränkung und ohne Aufnahmeprüfung Jüdische Studien, BA |
| Application deadlines | Information about deadlines can be obtained after you have put together a degree program. |
Course Content
The Bachelor’s degree programme in Jewish Studies introduces students to Jewish religion, history, and culture. It explores the origins of Judaism, including religious texts and their interpretation over time, the history of the Jewish people, Jewish philosophy, art and literature, as well as numerous additional aspects of Jewish life in the present and past. During the degree programme, students acquire basic knowledge of modern Hebrew, and also have the option of learning Yiddish. The degree programme is non-denominational and does not require pre-existing specialist knowledge.
Course Structure
The degree programme is modular. It includes three introductory modules, an advanced, and a specialised module. These consist in compulsory and compulsory elective lectures and courses.
At the beginning of the academic programme, students are introduced to the various subdisciplines of Jewish Studies. They receive an introduction to Judaism from a rabbi, and gain basic knowledge of the Hebrew language. Before their first semester, students attend an intensive preliminary course lasting one semester, during which they gain a basic understanding of modern Hebrew.
In view of the fact that beginner-level language courses and other introductory courses are provided in the winter semester only, the degree course should be begun in the winter semester. Individual exceptions to this are possible, in particular where students already possess the requisite language skills.
Students complete an advanced module, offering them insight into one of three thematic modules. They can choose between, “culture and literature”, “Jewish experiences” and “religion and philosophy”. Depending on availability during the given semester, each thematic module includes lectures and courses from all subdisciplines.
Students select one thematic module which they complete as a specialised module.
They also select another subject from those offered by Heidelberg University, which is studied with a weighting of 75%. Suggested subject combinations:
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Religious Studies
- Islamic Studies
- Education Studies
- History
- European Art History
- Slavonic Studies
- Semitic studies
- Christianity and Culture