Academics

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.

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.

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.

Professor Ashley Walters teaching a group of students.

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 More

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 jwst@cofc.edu for more information about studying abroad.

Professor Chad Gibbs and the "Tracing the Holocaust" class at Treblinka. — Professor Chad Gibbs and the "Tracing the Holocaust" course at Treblinka, Poland.

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Yaschik/Arnold Jewish Studies Program Annual Awards

Every year, the Jewish Studies Program awards 3 or 4 students who have gone above and beyond during their time at the College of Charleston. Their dedication to Jewish values and academic excellence is honored every year at the School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs award ceremony. In addition to recognition, they each receive a financial award of $500.

Norton M. Seltzer Prize for Tikkun Olam
Norton M. Seltzer Prize in Jewish Studies
Ludwig Lewisohn Prize
Jewish Studies Program Outstanding Student Award

Jewish Studies Scholarships

The Jewish Studies Program awards several scholarships funded by generous community members every year. All applications for our scholarships are administered through the Cougar Scholarship Awarding System (CSAS). Each scholarship has its own requirements, but taking Jewish Studies classes or being an active member of Jewish life on campus are good ways to make your application stand out. Not all scholarships are available every year.

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.
Apply
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.
Apply
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.
Apply
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.
Apply
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.
Apply
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