Jewish Studies (JS) at the University of California, Davis, offers a dynamic interdisciplinary program and minor. We largely focus on the modern era; we teach courses on the Holocaust, secular Jewish culture, Jewish sounds and images, the history and politics of modern Israel, the Middle East conflict, and Jewish communities and identities. Students may also take up to two years of classes in Hebrew. Every year we have nearly 25 course offerings, and we plan to hire a new faculty member to expand your choices.

We are committed to a scholarly approach in our courses and our research. JS professors are housed in History, Sociology, Political Science, Religious Studies and American Studies. We study classical and contemporary Jewish texts, introducing students to traditional and modern critical methods of learning. And our guest speakers, conferences, and workshops complement our courses.

Our classes attract anyone interested in the Jewish experience and its impact on history, politics, culture and society. Everyone is welcome to take our courses. Our students, who may minor in Jewish Studies because of intellectual and/or personal interest, go on to graduate school, law school, teaching, or careers in the Jewish professional world and other professions.