Judaic Studies, Minor

The interdisciplinary minor in Judaic studies provides students with the ability to focus on the history and contemporary issues of relevance to the study of Judaism. Housed in the Department of Religious Studies, the degree requires the completion of four foundational courses but also allows students to select among a series of electives, as well as transfer in courses from other departments (e.g., from history, modern languages, etc.) that are relevant to the study of Judaism. The Undergraduate Director in the Department of Religious Studies is the advisor for this degree.

212 Presidents Hall

https://religion.ua.edu/undergraduate-programs/minor-in-judaic-studies/

Admission into the Minor

Students are expected to formally declare a Judaic studies (JUST) minor by completing the Change of Major/Minor Application online under the Student tab of myBama. Students should consult with the JUST minor advisor in the Department of Religious Studies.

Note: students can major in Religious Studies and also minor in JUST. Double-dipping between major(s) and minor(s) (one course fulfilling requirements in more than one major/minor block) is not allowed in the College of Arts & Sciences.

Special Opportunities

The Department of Religious Studies has greatly benefited from donors who have endowed scholarship funds to support its students (either as merit-based awards or funds used throughout the semester, and at the Chair’s discretion, to assist those in financial need). The names of the students who have received these awards, selected by a faculty committee each year, are inscribed on plaques that hang in the department’s lounge.

The department conducts four ongoing lecture and discussion series and also supports an active Religious Studies Student Association. Find us on Facebook: "Department of Religious Studies at The University of Alabama" and the "Religious Studies Student Association" or on Twitter/X @StudyReligion and Instagram. Finally, in addition to featuring undergraduate research on the department's blog, the Department of Religious Studies hosts an annual research symposium. Talk to a Religious Studies professor about getting involved.

Code and Title		Hours
Minor Courses
Select one of the following:		3
REL 100	Intro To Religious Studies
REL 102	Religions of World
REL 105	Honors Intro Relig Stdy
REL 110	Intro To The Old Testament	3
REL 224	Judaism	3
REL 238	Philosophies Of Judaism	3
Credit Hours Subtotal:		12
Electives
Select two of the following:		6
REL 223	Holocaust Historical Perspecti
REL 347	Jewish-Christian Relations
REL 410	Religion and Genocide
Credit Hours Subtotal:		6
Total Hours		18

Grade Point Average

A 2.0 grade point average in the minor is required. Please see the Grades and Grade Points section of this catalog for an explanation on grade point average calculations.

Upper-level Residency

A minimum of six hours of 300- and 400-level courses in the minor must be earned on this campus.

Ancillary Courses

This minor does not require ancillary courses.

Additional Minor Requirements

Students majoring in religious studies may not apply the same religious studies courses toward both the religious studies major and the Judaic studies minor. They must earn 21 hours of REL courses for the minor and 30 hours of REL courses for the major.

With department approval, the equivalent of up to six credit hours can be applied toward the minor requirement from relevant coursework done outside the religious studies department.

Students are responsible for ensuring that they have met all University, College, major and minor requirements. However, each student must meet with an adviser in the major department for academic planning and to be approved for registration each semester. College advisers are also available for additional assistance with minor, College and University requirements.

Prerequisites

Unless otherwise stated, the prerequisite for 300- and 400-level REL courses is junior standing or permission of the instructor.

2024-25 Undergraduate Catalog