Judaic Studies
Master of Arts (MA)
Program overview
The MA in Judaic Studies combines elements of anthropology, rabbinics, gender studies and literary studies. Our faculty members are experts in a range of cultural traditions and are interested in the latest materials related to Judaic Studies. The program is especially relevant at a time when Quebec society is undergoing intense discussions surrounding its religious past and the meaning of diversity in relation to its particular identity and political history. The Department of Religions and Cultures is an excellent place to study such developments, as well as to attain skills that will help students find meaningful involvement in wider society. The program offers internships, in-house academic awards and language-focused support for students. Funding opportunities are available from independent centres at Concordia, including The Azrieli Institute of Israel Studies and The Institute for Quebec and Canadian Jewish Studies.
Program Details
Admission Requirements
- BA or equivalent with high standing in Judaic Studies, Religious Studies, or a discipline in the Social Sciences, Humanities, or Fine Arts.
- Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the English language proficiency page for further information on requirements and exemptions.
Degree Requirements
Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits.
All students must take RELI 6001 Method and Theory in the Study of Religion.
Please see the Religions and Cultures Courses page for course descriptions.
Judaic Studies Master of Arts (45 credits)
| 3 | credits of Core Course: |
| 42 | credits chosen from: MA (Judaic Studies) with Guided Research Paper Option MA (Judaic Studies) with Thesis Option |
MA (Judaic Studies) with Guided Research Paper Option (42 credits)
| 15 | credits of Elective Courses chosen from: Topics in Judaic Studies (MA) Topics in Religions and Cultures (MA) Normally students may not take more than two 3-credit courses outside the Department. |
| 6 | credits:
|
| 3 | credits: |
| 18 | credits: |
MA (Judaic Studies) with Thesis Option (42 credits)
| 12 | credits of Elective Courses chosen from: Topics in Judaic Studies (MA) Topics in Religions and Cultures (MA) Normally students may not take more than one 3-credit course outside the Department. |
| 6 | credits:
|
| 3 | credits: |
| 21 | credits: |
Your completed application will include:
- Application form and Fee
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Three Letters of Reference and assessment form. Letters of reference should be of an academic nature (and not from employment unrelated to University studies)
- Statement of purpose (1-2 pages) should describe your particular academic interests, the pertinence of your educational background to those interests, and how this degree program would support them. The statement should clearly outline what it is you wish to study, why you would like to study it, and what your interests are in pursuing this graduate degree. Please also include your competence in languages relevant to your study
- Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended
- Proof of Canadian citizenship (if applicable)
- Applicants whose primary language is not English, are required to submit official language test scores, unless exempted.
Please review the department application check list before applying online. Read the how-to guide for application procedures.
| DEGREE |
FALL (September) |
WINTER (January) |
SUMMER (May/June) |
| Judaic Studies | MA | Feb. 1 | Sept. 1 | n/a |
Consult the graduate calendar for a complete list of courses.
Funding opportunities include a variety of entrance scholarships and fellowships, which are available on a competitive basis. Consideration for entrance awards is given to applicants applying for fall admission, and is automatically part of the admission process.
Teaching assistantships are available and awarded to students on a competitive basis. Faculty members offer research assistant positions based on their own research grants.
Many of our students are also funded through provincial (FRQSC) and Federal (SSHRC) grants. Other funding opportunities are available through The Azrieli Institute of Israel Studies and The Institute for Canadian Jewish Studies.
For additional information, please consult Concordia’s graduate funding page and Financial Aid and Awards.
The Department of Religions and Cultures currently offers MA level internships at The Canadian Jewish Archives, The Multi-faith and Spirituality Center and The Azrieli Institute of Israel Studies. In each of these internships the candidate has the opportunity to work in a community or professional environment advancing their career and academic skills while earning three credits.
The intern is an MA level candidate in excellent standing. They will be supervised by the local administrator or site supervisor and will be graded by a faculty member of this department. Students will be chosen on academic criteria of excellence and proven ability to work independently.
Faculty members are internationally renowned for their work in a variety of historical and geographical areas (including Europe, North America, the Middle East, South and East Asia) and spanning multiple traditions (including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism). Faculty are well-represented in numerous publications.
The Department has unique strengths in the areas of:
- Canadian Jewish Studies
- Religions and Cultures in Roman Late Antiquity
- Iranian Studies
- Women, Gender and Sexuality (WGS)
Amongst other department activities, our faculty hosts a monthly Women, Gender and Sexuality Seminar that attracts students and faculty from around the university and from other local universities. This Seminar brings world-class faculty to present their research in the department. Recent visitors include:
- Isabelle Clark-Decés (Princeton)
- Robert Orsi (Northwestern University)
- Caroline Walker Bynum (Emerita Columbia)
- Joan Wallach Scott (Institute for Advanced Studies)
Review an inspiring list of thesis topics and read about some of our exceptional graduate students.
The Department of Religions and Cultures boasts a vibrant graduate student community with in-house opportunities for career development, networking, and research creation. Graduate students in the department foster an impressive array of projects, including an active student organization, the Graduate Religion Students Association (GRSA), Journal of Religion and Culture (JRC), and the Annual Graduate Interdisciplinary Conference (AGIC), now in its 22nd year. Students are also encouraged to participate in other department activities, such as guest lectures and faculty colloquia.
Graduates of our program go on to careers in academia, government and non-profit agencies, as well as positions in religious or community organizations.