About the Carolina Center for Jewish Studies
Established in 2003, the Carolina Center for Jewish Studies, an interdisciplinary academic program in the College of Arts and Sciences, promotes a deeper understanding of Jewish history, culture and thought through its teaching, research and community outreach initiatives.
Academics
In 2012, the University launched a new undergraduate degree program in Jewish Studies. The degree program is offered through
the Department of Religious Studies, where
students will earn a Bachelor of Arts degree
in Religious Studies with a Concentration in
Jewish Studies.
Two academic minors – Jewish Studies and Modern Hebrew – continually attract a diverse group of Carolina students.
The number of Jewish Studies courses offered to Carolina students has grown to nearly 40 in less than 10 years.
In the current academic year, 15 faculty members teach and conduct research in Jewish Studies at Carolina and funding is in place to hire additional faculty positions in the near future.
Students have the opportunity to pursue Jewish Studies through study abroad programs in Israel, Czech Republic and several other countries. Students may also participate in archaeological excavations in Israel.
Public Programs
Each year, the Center hosts free, public lectures that bring an array of international experts to the campus community and general public.
The Speaker’s Bureau, an educational outreach program coordinated by the Center and held throughout the state, brings the excellence of our academic program to all North Carolinians.
Tthe Center also co-sponsors programs with other Carolina departments, Duke University, and community organizations, to further enrich the student experience and expand community outreach efforts.
Community Support
The Center depends on private support in order to fully realize its mission of teaching, research and community outreach. Generous donations have established endowed faculty chairs, supported graduate students, sponsored student and faculty research, and underwritten dynamic public programs.
For the 2012-2013 academic year, the Center is challenging its supporters to double the annual fund gifts, by both increasing their own giving levels and by sharing the Center's success story with others who may have an interest in Jewish Studies at Carolina.
The Center’s Advisory Board, comprised of alumni and community leaders, helps guide the Center’s growth and assists with raising private support.
Future Vision
The Center’s global focus and comprehensive scope of study, coupled with Carolina’s national reputation as a student-focused research university, make the program truly unique among its peers. Future plans promise to establish Carolina as the leading institution for Jewish Studies in the American south and as a prominent source of research with an international reputation.
