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Bachelor Jewish Studies

A more detailed overview of the structure of the BA Jewish Studies at our department, as well as experiences of our alumni, can be found at the central university website in the section ‘Studium’. Here (in German)

The current study regulations for Jewish Studies can be found here: "Fachspezifische Ordnung für das Bachelorstudium im Fach Jüdische Studien an der Universität Potsdam vom 10. Dezember 2014." (in German)

Please also note this supplement from the 15.02.2017. (in German)

Older study regulations can be found at “Organizing Your Studies”, here.

On 2.10. the introductory event for beginners of the BA Jewish Studies takes place. More information about the introductory events of the different subjects can be found here.

Hochkultur oder Popkultur? Comiczeichnungen der Portraits von Heinrich Heine, Franz Kafka, Amy Winehouse und Bob Dylan

What is Judaism?

Or should one speak rather of Judaisms? Throughout history, there have been many definitions of Judaism: religious, cultural, political. One of the basic questions in Jewish Studies is: What is actually meant by ‘Jewish’?

Study Judaism in its Many Facets

Contents of Study

The bachelor degree course of Jewish Studies will enable you to acquire extensive knowledge in the three important areas: religion and philosophy; history; literatures and cultures of Judaism. You will be introduced to Judaism in its breadth and variety. Particular importance is laid on acquiring knowledge of the languages Hebrew and Yiddish to enable students to study the important sources independently.

Structure of Studies

Jewish Studies are offered at University of Potsdam as a dual bachelor degree course. Jewish can be studied either as a primary subject (90 credit points), or a secondary subject (60 credit points). You can find a detailed list of the modules and the required credit points at the website of the University of Potsdam and in the study regulations of the BA Religious Studies. The standard period of study is six semesters, including the time for writing of your bachelor thesis.

Possible Combinations of Subjects

Our institute does not set limits on the choice of your second subject. You should however in any case consult the study regulation regarding your second subject to ensure that a combination with Jewish Studies is possible.

Possible and popular subject combinations are:

    • Jewish Studies / History (and vice versa)
    • Jewish Studies / Religious Studies (and vice versa)
    • Jewish Studies / German Studies (and vice versa)
    • Jewish Studies / Philosophy (and vice versa)
    • Cultural Studies / Jewish Studies

            Prospective Fields of Work

            Where ever competence as “expertise for Judaism” is requested, graduates of Jewish Studies will find career prospects open to them. Apart from academic career possibilities, graduates will find job opportunities:

              • In journalism, in the cultural field, in the educational sector
              • In foundations and organizations
              • In human resource management
              • In political consulting or in Jewish institutions.

                    Tutorials

                    To help you finish your studies in the standard period, we have established a tutorial program with trained tutors able to provide you with information concerning content and organization of your studies.

                    What is Judaism?

                    Or should one speak rather of Judaisms? Throughout history, there have been many definitions of Judaism: religious, cultural, political. One of the basic questions in Jewish Studies is: What is actually meant by ‘Jewish’?

                    Please direct inquiries concerning the following topics to:

                    Questions concerning exams and disadvantage compensation: Prof. Sina Rauschenbach, PhD, Prof. Christoph Schulte, PhD,  Prof. Thomas Brechenmacher, PhD, Katja Martin, M.A. (formerly Wolgast), Christian Schwinge (= examining board)

                    Acknowledgement of credits: Katja Martin, M.A. (formerly Wolgast)

                    Support for freshmen: Ulrike Schneider, PhD

                    Inquiries concerning the Federal Law on Support for Education and Training: Katja Martin, M.A. (formerly Wolgast)

                    Student counselling: Ulrike Schneider, PhD, Jewish Studies Student Committee: fsr.juedische.studiengooglemailcom

                    Questions about study abroad and ERASMUS: Dirk Schuster, PhD

                    Coordination of lecturers: Ulrike Schneider, PhD

                    Scheduling of courses: Ulrike Schneider, PhD

                    Contact person for general questions:  Johannes Bernbeck

                    Language instructors: Dorothea Salzer, PhD, Ulrike Hirschfelder, M.A., Lia Martyn, M.A.