McGill University here is one of the first Canadian universities to offer a comprehensive program of Jewish studies. It is estimated that some 100 students will take such courses during the current academic year.
The university this year is offering Jewish philosophy, literature and history in its regular curriculum as a result of negotiations between the University Senate and Prof. Harry Bracken, head of the philosophy department, and others associated with him, and with financial assistance of the Allied Jewish Community Services.
Prof. Bracken sought AJCS support because McGill could not afford to finance the program at this time. He and his associates felt that if finances were made available for four or five years, student response to regular courses for credit would encourage McGill to assume full responsibility for them.
The estimated cost of the first year is $30,000, half of which is being absorbed in the department of philosophy budget. It is hoped that by 1969 or 1970 enough courses can be developed to initiate a “major” and then an honors program in Jewish studies.
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