Judaic Studies (BA)
Virtual information sessions
Discover what makes Concordia's Faculty of Arts and Science stand out as a leader in the humanities and social and natural sciences, including academic opportunities, hands-on learning and how to achieve your goals.
Why choose Judaic Studies?
Immerse yourself in the history, culture and literature of Jews and deepen your understanding of the lived experience of the Jewish community through time and today. Touching on ancient and modern languages, politics, philosophy, and law, compare Jewish and other religious traditions, explore contemporary scenes and assess how mysticism, rituals and philosophy intersect with popular culture, sexuality, feminism, food, ethics and worship.
As you look at all facets of Jewish experience, including the lives of women in all periods (the Talmud, medieval, modern) and the Holocaust, you’ll think deeply about what it means to be Jewish and to be an ethnic minority. You’ll also have the chance to build your knowledge of Hebrew.
Thanks to a growing emphasis on field work in Montreal, you’ll get to interact with members of various Jewish sects and Jews who’ve moved toward becoming non-religious.
You’ll also have the opportunity to take advantage of funding to study in Israel through the Azrieli Institute.
Program highlights
- Small class sizes
- Opportunities to take part in research and internships in the Montreal Jewish community, facilitated through the Concordia Institute for Judaic Studies
- An approach to the study of religion characterized by a deep respect for diversity of culture, gender and sexual orientation and an emphasis on field work.
Special funding for out-of-province students
Up to $4000 for undergraduate programs.
Program structure
A Bachelor of Arts degree takes a minimum of three or four years (90 – 120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background.
Program options
- Honours in Judaic Studies (60 credits)*
- Major in Judaic Studies (42 credits)
- Minor in Judaic Studies (24 credits)
*Honours is a highly concentrated program, ideal for students planning to continue to graduate studies. If you are interested in Honours, speak with your program advisor in your first year of study at Concordia. Students applying to the University are able to apply to the major.
Courses
For an overview of Judaic Studies curriculum, including Canadian Jewish Studies, visit our traditions page.
United States students: A U.S. Federal Student Aid-eligible version of this program is offered. This version meets all U.S. regulations (such as no co-operative education or e-courses) for eligible programs.
Admission criteria
Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements
- Quebec CEGEP: DEC
- High School: C+
- ACT or SAT is NOT required
- Canadian curricula course requirements
- Accepted international qualifications
- International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 26
- Baccalauréat français: 11
- British system of education (GCE):
- A-levels: At least two A-level exams CD or
- AS-levels: At least 4 AS-level exams with equivalent results or
- BTEC: Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in a related subject area with equivalent results
- Additional information for British System of Education (GCE) applicants
- University Transfers (internal/external): C
Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.
Application deadlines
FALL TERM
March 1 is the deadline to apply for fall term entry. International students are encouraged to apply by February 1 to allow sufficient time for CAQ and study permit application processing.
WINTER
November 1 is the deadline to apply for winter term entry. International students are encouraged to apply by September 1 to allow sufficient time for CAQ and study permit application processing.
Not all programs are available for winter term entry. Please check program availability for the term, before you start your application.
We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.
Student story
Sara Sharpe
Honours in Judaic Studies
It’s a tight-knit department, and there is a great sense of community in the whole program.
Freeman Lewin
Honours in Judaic Studies
Concordia taught me personal responsibility and it gave me a great foundation.
Other programs of interest
The Minor in Israel Studies is designed to allow students to complement their core area of study with courses in history, political science, religion, literature and language. The study of modern Israel is a significant focus of the program, but students will also explore this birthplace of major civilizational currents in all its facets and time periods.
Department
Faculty
When you study religious traditions and the impact they have on the world, you acquire an informed appreciation of the beliefs and values of other cultures
Department
Department of Religions and Cultures
Faculty