Starting in Fall Term Ohio State U. Offering First B.a. in Jewish-studies Program

Ohio State University has announced that based on student demand it has decided to offer an interdisciplinary program leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Jewish Studies. To be initiated in the fall term, the program will permit interested students to apply any one of 51 courses in the departments of Romance Languages, Literature, History and Philosophy toward the Jewish Studies degree. Among the 51 courses in these departments are such courses as “Philosophical Foundations of Jewish Mysticism” and “The Jewish Community and Its Concern for Human Welfare.”

Previously, the school offered majors in Hebrew Language and Literature and Jewish History. However, explained Dr, Yehiel Hayon, associate professor of Hebrew, the students “wanted a more general, interdisciplinary approach than a B.A. in Hebrew, so we began developing courses in Jewish Studies.” He said he expected about 15 students to declare majors in Jewish Studies this fall. The program, which was approved by the Office of Academic Affairs at Ohio State last April, is not designed to prepare students for specialized jobs after graduation but rather for graduate studies in Hebrew, Jewish History or Jewish Philosophy. Ohio State presently offers an M.A. and Ph.D. in Jewish History.