Explore the
World of
Jewish Studies
World of
Jewish Studies
Change your perspective. Explore the Past. Create the Future.
As the undergraduate program in Jewish Studies at the University of Southern California, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion's Louchheim School proudly offers a major in Jewish Studies as well as two minors, in Jewish Studies and Jewish American Studies. Taught by world class faculty whose expertise ranges from the ancient world to medieval Europe to contemporary Los Angeles, our courses explore the rich history of Jewish life, the textual traditions of Judaism, and the creativity of Jewish communities around the globe.
Whether you’re interested in Sephardi heritage or the history of the Reuben sandwich, we have you covered.
At the Louchheim School for Judaic studies, we study the complexities of Jewish experience in comparative and comprehensive ways. You will discover the connections between Jewish life and food, Jewish culture and language, Judaism and sex, Jewish literature and race, Jewish politics and land, Jewish history and geography, and Judaism and magic. And you can gain enough Hebrew fluency to converse with Israelis and read Hebrew poetry. Whether you want to learn religion, history and culture from the beginning or augment your current major and minors, you have come to the right place.
Explore Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion's Louchheim School for Judaic Studies
For USC Undergraduates
Major or Minor in Jewish Studies
The major offers in-depth study of Jewish history, ethics, texts, language, experience and sociology through two distinct tracks: Judaism as a Religious Tradition and Jewish History and Culture. As an interdisciplinary program, JS challenges students to examine and learn about Jewish experience and Judaism academically. The minor is a great way to support your interest and add more context to your majors. Students can choose from Jewish studies or Jewish American studies. In just five classes, you'll expand your knowledge of the diversity of Jewish experiences.
Explore Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion's Louchheim School for Judaic Studies
For USC Undergraduates
Major or Minor in Jewish Studies
The major offers in-depth study of Jewish history, ethics, texts, language, experience and sociology through two distinct tracks: Judaism as a Religious Tradition and Jewish History and Culture. As an interdisciplinary program, JS challenges students to examine and learn about Jewish experience and Judaism academically. The minor is a great way to support your interest and add more context to your majors. Students can choose from Jewish studies or Jewish American studies. In just five classes, you'll expand your knowledge of the diversity of Jewish experiences.
Faculty & Staff
Hagit Arieli-Chai
Coordinator of Hebrew Language
Sarah Bunin Benor, Ph.D.
Vice Provost; Director, Jewish Language Project; Professor of Contemporary Jewish Studies and Linguistics
Rabbi Reuven Firestone, Ph.D.
Regenstein Professor in Medieval Judaism and Islam
Rabbi Joshua D. Garroway, Ph.D.
Dean, Los Angeles Campus
Kristine Garroway, Ph.D.
Professor of Bible
Leah Hochman, Ph.D.
Director, Louchheim School of Judaic Studies; Associate Professor of Jewish Thought
Joshua Holo, Ph.D.
Vice President of Academic Resources; Associate Professor of Jewish History
Bruce Phillips, Ph.D.
Professor of Jewish Communal Service
Ben Ratskoff, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Modern Jewish History and Culture
Jennifer Guerra
Program Assistant at Louchheim school for Judaic Studies
Louchheim School for Judaic Studies
HUC and USC established an institutional partnership that was formalized in the naming of the Louchheim School in 1972. Students registering for Jewish studies classes are admitted USC undergraduates and receive course credit and degrees from USC. The relationship between HUC and USC also involves several connected graduate programs and this unique undergraduate program in Jewish studies. The faculty of the Louchheim School maintain close academic ties with USC institutes and departments throughout Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.