Judaic Studies - Department of History

The interdisciplinary program in Judaic Studies enables students to acquire a foundation of knowledge in Jewish history, the Hebrew language, Jewish philosophy, culture, religious beliefs, and political aspirations, and to understand the contribution of Judaism to Western civilization. The courses highlight major aspects of Jewish civilization, focusing on its interaction with other cultures and dwelling on the bodies of human knowledge upon which it draws.

The Interdisciplinary Program in Judaic Studies offers both a minor and a certificate. The program cooperates with the departments of English, Modern Languages, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, and Anthropology, as well as the Liberal Studies and Women’s Studies Programs. Minor requirements may vary depending on the catalog year of the student.

The minor and certificate are designed to serve students pursuing careers in general or Jewish education, in the ministry or rabbinate, in international and Middle Eastern affairs, in languages or liberal arts, and in the community at large.

Minor

UCF Catalog: Judaic Studies Minor

To obtain a minor, students must complete 6 courses (18 credits) in Judaic Studies courses.

Certificate

UCF Catalog: Judaic Studies Certificate

The undergraduate certificate is available for degree students completing 5 courses (15 credits). Non-degree, community students will receive a certificate of completion. Students may major in Interdisciplinary Studies and concentrate on Judaic Studies. For details, contact the Judaic Studies office or Interdisciplinary Studies.

Scholarship

Temple Shalom of Deltona Endowed Scholarship in Judaic Studies

A scholarship for up to $2,000 will be awarded each year to a UCF student studying in the field of Judaic Studies.

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Faculty & Staff

Program Coordinator
Kenneth Hanson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor

Jeffery A Golub, Administrative Assistant
Sanford Olshansky, Adjunct
Julia Phillips Berger, Adjunct

Featured Stories

UCF History Professor Shares the Significance of Hanukkah

November 29, 2021 UCF associate professor of Judaic studies Ken Hanson shares the significance of the eight-day celebration and its customs.

UCF History Professor Invested into Endowed Position

October 01, 2021 Kenneth Hanson, professor and program director of Judaic Studies, was invested into the Tess and Abe Wise Endowed Professorship in Judaic Studies. The endowed faculty position recognizes Hanson’s accomplishments and will allow him to advance his work and research.

UCF Adjunct Professor and Rabbi Shares Insight on Jewish High Holy Days

September 03, 2021 Rabbi Sanford Olshansky, adjunct professor of Judaic studies, shares the traditions of Rosh Hashanah — the first of the Jewish High Holy Days spanning 10 days — and Yom Kippur, which marks the end of the observance.

UCF Professor Brings Online Classes to Life with Custom TV Shows

April 13, 2021 With the help of UCF’s Center for Distributed Learning, Ken Hanson, Professor of Judaic Studies, transports online students to the Middle East.

“The Druze” Screening: Kenneth Hanson to Give Ancient Insight at UCF Celebrates the Arts

March 15, 2021 Hanson will screen his film “The Druze” and answer audience questions in a discussion and Q&A session as part of UCF Celebrates the Arts 2021

Arts and Humanities Summer Speaker Series

June 17, 2020 The UCF College of Arts and Humanities is hosting a series of talks from the faculty highlighting research and teaching in arts and humanities. The summer speaker series will run from June 18 through July 23.

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