Department of Religion and Classics

The Department of  Religion and Classics offers programs of study in the history and philosophy of the world’s major religions, in Greek, Latin, Hebrew, Arabic, and Sanskrit languages and literatures, and in ancient Mediterranean and Asian civilizations.  Through the study of important classical and religious writings, in the original language or in translation, students examine the beliefs, ideas, values, rituals, and traditions that have shaped Western and Asian cultures and study the ways these have persisted and changed from ancient to contemporary times.

Within the department, students may concentrate their studies on Judaism, with classes such as Introduction to the Hebrew Bible, History of Judaism, and Second Temple Judaism.  In addition, the department offers up to three years of Modern Hebrew studies.

Through the University’s open curriculum, students complete “clusters” of courses in subjects outside of their major(s).  Each cluster usually consists of 12 credits of coursework.  Examples of clusters offered within the Department of Religion and Classics include:

• Judaism – Allows students to explore central issues of Judaism, within the broader context of foundational texts, beliefs and rituals.

• Hebrew – Helps students to achieve a basic proficiency in Hebrew as well as a familiarity with Hebrew literature and culture.

The Center for Jewish Studies is an interdisciplinary organization, currently directed by the Department of Religion and Classics.  Through publications, lectures, fellowships, and intellectual collaboration, the Center aims to increase knowledge in the field of Jewish studies and promotes research, scholarship, and education in Judaism and Judaica.

• A minor and a cluster in Jewish studies are available through the Center, drawing on courses from several departments and focusing on Jewish history, culture, language, literature, and religion, from ancient Israel through contemporary America.

Internships in religion are available at many places in the Rochester community, including the Memorial Art Gallery, WXXI, the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester, the Jewish Community Center, Hillel, and local Hebrew schools.  Of course, students may always propose other internships tailored to their own particular interests.

For Further Information:
Department of Religion and Classics
University of Rochester
P.O. Box 270074
Rochester, NY 14627-0074
Phone: (585) 275-5378

Study Abroad

Among many opportunities for study abroad, the University is affiliated with three Israeli institutions at which students may study for a semester or a full year:

• ORT Braude College of Technology
• Hebrew University of Jerusalem
• Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

The University is currently in the process of developing an affiliation with the Technion in Haifa for engineering students. 

New opportunities are available with the Hebrew University in Jerusalem though collaborations with Bezalel Academy of Art and Design and with the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance. 

English-language courses at Ben Gurion University include global health, sustainability, Israeli and Middle Eastern Studies.

No prior study of Hebrew is required to participate in these programs.

Students interested in studying in Israel are not limited to University of Rochester-sponsored programs.  Rochester students have also enrolled at Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Bar-Ilan Universities.

For Further Information:
Center for Study Abroad and Interdepartmental Programs
University of Rochester
Lattimore 206
RC Box 270376
Rochester, NY 14627-0376
(585) 275-7532