Jewish Studies

The Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures offers an undergraduate major in Jewish Studies and a PhD in various specializations of Jewish Studies including Modern Hebrew literature, Rabbinics, 2^nd Temple Judaism, and Hebrew Bible. Jewish Studies allows students to gain a rich understanding of Jewish literature, philosophy, history, religion, languages, and culture. The undergraduate major includes a Hebrew language component and emphasizes culture and history. Students in the major will be able to grasp the complexities of the historical and religious experiences of Jewish culture from pre-modern era to the modern era. In addition, undergraduate minors are available in Jewish Studies, Israel Studies, Ancient Near East, and (modern) Middle Eastern Studies.

Additionally, the NELC department works with the UCLA Alan D. Leve Center for Jewish Studies, which has numerous affiliated faculty members teaching more than 2,000 students. The Center makes a variety of resources available for students and faculty to immerse themselves in their scholarly endeavors. Opportunities such as service learning, leadership council, research grants, and scholarships are available to UCLA students and faculty. Furthermore, the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for Israel Studies also promotes the study of the history, culture, and society of Israel as a modern Jewish state.  It sponsors courses, innovative research, and events that bring leading scholars, policymakers, and artists to UCLA for public programs and performances.