Rice University Program in Jewish Studies Records

The Program in Jewish Studies at Rice University is committed to the academic study of Judaism in its many forms, expressions, and customs. Jewish religious practice and culture have thrived in various forms and in many locations all over the world for thousands of years, making Jewish Studies an important component of a liberal arts curriculum. As Jewish Studies scholars, we study these diverse forms of Jewish life as well as the ways in which Judaism has always been intertwined with the cultures, histories, arts, and literatures of many societies and civilizations.

Jewish Studies is an interdisciplinary field that crosses traditional boundaries between academic fields and departments. Courses in Jewish Studies allow students to study Judaism as it has evolved from an ancient set of shared religious practices into the pluralistic religion and culture that it is today. In both the humanities and social sciences, Jewish Studies broadly examines the texts, history, languages, philosophy, literature, and culture of the Jewish people from the ancient to the modern. The study of Jewish life and culture provides an opportunity to explore the continuities and diversity of Judaism as it has been lived and practiced for over three millennia all over the world.

Diversity of thought is a hallmark of Jewish culture dating back to the earliest Jewish texts, and we strive to follow this model in our courses. The diverse and interdisciplinary nature of the Program in Jewish Studies allows undergraduates the opportunity to enrich their major fields of study with a specific focus on Judaism and Jewish culture. The Program in Jewish Studies at Rice also forms an important bridge to the community, making use of the rich resources available in Houston, engaging with local institutions, and participating in timely public discussions.

Exerpted from: https://jewishstudies.rice.edu/