Jewish Studies and World Affairs

The Jewish Studies and World Affairs program at Kean University is designed to stimulate inquiry into the Jewish cultural interaction with the larger world. This emphasis encourages cross-cultural understanding based on an appreciation of a fundamental and seminal culture. The program takes advantage of the university’s proximity to New York City’s metropolitan museums, foundations, libraries, and human rights organizations. 

Jewish Studies organizes many public events featuring nationally recognized scholars and critics-at-large, and hosts an Annual Jewish Studies Lecture/Artists Series. Jewish Studies also sponsors or cosponsors faculty lectures in the community as well as national and international conferences.

Important to its mission is the program’s collaboration with other Jewish academic and cultural programs on and off campus. It promotes study in Israel and Europe through the university’s Study Abroad program, as well as study in Washington, DC, through its Washington Program; maintains agreements with nearby Elizabeth’s Jewish Educational Center and with Hillel’s Soref Initiative for Emerging Campuses; and supports the Jewish community’s Birthright Israel program.

Jewish Studies is closely tied to the university’s Holocaust Resource Center, Hillel (a student-led organization), Jewish Faculty and Staff Association, and the Master of Arts degree program in Holocaust and Genocide Studies.

Jewish Studies and World Affairs Minor

Students can take an 18-credit minor in Jewish Studies, and chose courses from 13 different disciplines. Courses for this program can be used toward fulfilling requirements for the major and for graduation.

Jewish Studies and World Affairs guidesheet