Academics
No one does unconventional better than us.
The Jewish studies major at the College emphasizes the diversity and complexity of the Jewish experience.
Here, you'll innovate.
Innovators share a special talent for seeing things differently. They look at a problem and see a solution others cannot. Jewish studies will train you to find solutions to complex problems. You'll learn to think creatively and implement solutions that are so crazy, they just might work!
You'll gain skills in:
Writing
Critical thinking
Research
Digitizing
Global and intercultural fluency
Creativity
Problem solving
Public speaking
Through it all, you'll develop an understanding of the historical, religious, philosophical, literary, sociological and linguistic components that constitute the Jewish experience.
Double Dip
In addition to fulfilling the Jewish studies major or minor requirements, most Jewish studies courses satisfy the College’s general education requirements. Our Jewish history surveys fulfill the College’s general education history requirement. Most of our other electives fulfill the humanities requirements. Hebrew, German or Arabic, all options for the Jewish studies major, satisfy the foreign-language requirement. Email jwst@cofc.edu with any questions.
The Perlmutter Fellows Program
Be part of a cohort of students, learn practical life and leadership skills, network on campus and in the Jewish community, gain a faculty mentor, get tuition assistance for qualifying students and apply for Perlmutter Fellows Discovery Awards to fund professional development and other projects.
Learn by doing
Internships
The Jewish Studies Program gives you access to a wide variety of internships through our academic centers of excellence, Hillel and our network of Jewish community professionals. We believe that internships are an important step toward being prepared for your post College job search and would love to find an individualized option for you. For inquiries, email jwst@cofc.edu.
Study Abroad
Jewish Studies offers study abroad opportunities through faculty-led trips and enrolling in study abroad programs at Israeli universities. Currently, faculty led trips include Tracing the Holocaust (Poland) and Doing Business in Israel. Study abroad in Israel is available at several institutions, with the leading programs being those at Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Contact Program Director, Yaron Ayalon for more information about studying abroad.
Hebrew Placement
If you feel you have prior knowledge of Hebrew and would like to be considered for a higher level than 101 (beginners), you will need to take a placement test to determine the appropriate level of Hebrew instruction for you. The test includes reading comprehension, writing, listening and speaking. Please note that currently 101 and 201 are only offered in the fall, and 102 and 202 are only offered in the spring. This means students should make arrangements to take the exam as soon as possible, preferably as soon as your first semester of freshman year. Failure to do so may result in having to wait a whole year to take the level of Hebrew appropriate for you. Hebrew Placement exams are administered by Keren Ayalon, Instructor of Hebrew.
Jewish Studies Scholarships
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Mark and Gayle Sloan Endowed Scholarship for Jewish Studies
The Sloan scholarship is open to students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, with preference given to Jewish Studies majors & minors.
Apply -
Fay ('43) and Jack ('42) Brickman Endowed/Annual Scholarship
The Brickman Scholarship is awarded to a student involved in Hillel and/or a declared Jewish Studies major or minor. It is suited for a person with demonstrated financial need, a desire to achieve scholastically and who – through his or her leadership in community or civic service – has also demonstrated the attributes of character that will reflect positively on the namesakes of the scholarship.
Apply -
Gerald and Beth Polis Endowed/Annual Scholarship
The Polis Endowed Scholarship is awarded to one freshman student every four years, who will receive a fixed award per year for up to 4 years so long as that student remains in good standing and with a 3.0 or higher GPA.
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Jean S. Rosner Endowed/Annual Scholarship
Established in 2017, the Rosner Endowed Scholarship provides a merit-based scholarship for out-of-state students. Preference will be given to applicants who are students of the Jewish faith. The Rosner Endowed Scholarship is awarded to one freshman student every four years, who may continue to receive it as long as College requirements are met.
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Melrod Family Endowed Scholarship
The Melrod Family Endowed Scholarship was established to provide four-year scholarships to a student who is an incoming freshman demonstrating merit from outside South Carolina. Renewal of the scholarship for up to 3 additional years is contingent upon maintaining a 3.0 GPA. Preference is given to students of the Jewish faith.
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Norman and Gerry Sue Arnold Endowed Scholarship
The Arnold Scholarship is for incoming freshmen who are out-of-state students. The award is renewable for up to three additional years as long as the recipient maintains a 3.0 GPA or higher.
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Raymond and Florence Stern Endowed Scholarship
The Stern Scholarship is for students who are Jewish Studies majors or minors, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to students from a rural town in South Carolina or another state. Raymond and Florence Stern were shining examples of South Carolina’s small-town Jewish citizens who balanced commitments to their families, their communities, and their Jewish heritage.
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S.S. Solomons Scholarship
Established in 1957 by the estate of Zipporah M. Solomons, the S.S. Solomons Scholarship assists students at the College of Charleston with financial need. Preference is given to students of the Jewish faith who demonstrate financial need. This scholarship typically supports 3-4 students a year, and, unlike our other scholarships, is a one-time scholarship that is not automatically renewable even if a student is in good standing. Most recipients keep the Solomons scholarship for one or two years, and should not expect to hold it for the entirety of their time in College.
Apply