Undergraduate

Double Major in Multidisciplinary Jewish Studies and English Literature

Double Major in Multidisciplinary Jewish Studies and English Literature

Interested in exploring the incredible wealth of Jewish heritage but also attracted to the riches of global English literature and culture? Looking to make yourself knowledgeably at home in both Jewish tradition and cosmopolitan contemporary identity? Bar-Ilan University’s undergraduate degree in Jewish Studies and English Literature offers a valuable chance to access the best of both worlds.

Program Overview

This unique BA program is offered jointly by Bar-Ilan’s Multidisciplinary Department of Jewish Studies and the Department of English Literature and Linguistics. Students in this double major will gain a thorough knowledge of English and American literature, both classic and modern, while also exploring such contemporary topics as literature and gender or literature and immigration. At the same time, the unparalleled variety of courses available through the Multidisciplinary Program in Jewish Studies will allow them to craft their own distinctive curriculum according to their interests.

About the Multidisciplinary Department of Jewish Studies

The Multidisciplinary Department of Jewish Studies enables students to create their own degrees from a wide variety of courses, combining aspects of Jewish history from ancient to modern times; Jewish literature and linguistics; Judaism; Jewish theology, philosophy, and mysticism; Bible and biblical interpretation; Holocaust studies; Israel studies; the arts; archaeology; sociology; and more. The program also includes field trips and other activities. Read this article, which was written about the launch of this exciting new degree, to find out why Prof. Yigal Levin, head of the Multidisciplinary Department of Jewish Studies, believes this is such an interesting option for undergraduate students.

About the Department of English and American Literature

Led by warm and dedicated faculty, students in the English Literature BA program develop advanced skills of critical reading, writing and argumentation in a supportive, culturally diverse environment. The program’s core courses survey the history and development of English and American literature, spanning the work of great canonical authors such as Shakespeare, Milton, Austen, and Dickens as well as contemporary writers. Seminars and electives allow students to develop their abilities in creative writing and literary translation and to explore such topics as African American literature, children’s literature, science fiction, literature and the visual arts, or literature and education.

Career Opportunities

Taught exclusively in English (with the option of taking some Jewish Studies courses in Hebrew for those interested), both parts of this dual BA program emphasize and teach the high-level skills of analytical thinking and self-expression that are necessary for today’s global marketplace. Graduates will be well-equipped to seek employment in a wide range of fields that require a broad, informed perspective and strong abilities of writing and analysis, including communications, content writing and teaching. The intensive three-year experience of writing and reading in English will likewise be a valuable asset for a variety of career paths.

Core Requirements

– 28 credits of English literature

– 37 credits in Jewish studies, which include the university quota of Basic Jewish Studies*

Communication

About

The School of Communication at Bar-Ilan University is one of the few academic institutions in the world to offer research and training in International Communications and Public Diplomacy. It aims to empower Israel’s future generation with the knowledge and skills necessary to advocate for Israel across the globe. As a part of the BA program, students are offered the opportunity to immerse themselves in workshops on how to effectively convey messages and build a positive public image for anyone from brands, to themselves. The workshops, offered in areas relating to New Media, Advertising, Public Relations and Broadcast Media, are instructed by individuals considered professionals in their fields.

Why Study Communication

Communication is all around us. We use it every day without even noticing; we maintain personal communications with our family and friends, we consume mass media, and we create and participate in social networks.

Communication studies are intended for those who want to influence and leave their mark on the world, who wish to take part in making tomorrow’s news — today. In order to accomplish that, one has to understand the media: Why is the same topic presently differently from one media outlet to another? What makes Google or Facebook so popular? Which medium is more influential – cinema, TV, radio, internet, or maybe the mobile phone? If you are interested in these questions – your place is with us.

Unparalleled Expertise

Bar-Ilan University has over 30 years of experience in teaching communication, and prides itself with hundreds of B.A. and M.A. graduates. The faculty members of the School of Communication and related units are internationally renowned researchers and lecturers, with extensive experience in all fields of communication: print press, TV, radio, advertising, marketing, public relations, spokesman ship and new media.

Ample Career Opportunities

Our graduates are sought after and well established in all fields of communications, both locally and globally. Many work in advertising or public relations offices, some in radio or TV stations, others in various websites, and a significant number in the press. Many of our graduates are media consultants in government or private offices, while others have chosen to pursue an academic research and teaching career.

During the third year of studies, our BA students can already participate in our internship program, in which they intern in different media organizations such as PR offices, news websites, government offices and others. Through the program, the students gain practical experience in the field and acquire important tools which will assist them in their future careers.

Curriculum

To graduate with a B.A. in Communication, students are required to complete 25 deparment credits over the course of their studies. The program is designed to be completed in three years.

Note: Communication is part of Bar-Ilan University’s “Dual Major” system, and requires students to do a second major, in either English Literature or Political Science.

Course List

First Year
Course No.	Course Title	Credits
63-001	Introduction to Communication: Theories & Models	3
63-002	History of Communications	1
63-003	The Media in Israel	1
63-004	Research & Information Science	1
63-005	Academic Literacy	1
64-006	News Writing & Journalism Workshop	1
64-007	New Media: Technology & Society	1
64-008	Communication & Social Psychology	1
Subtotal: 10 credits
Second Year
Course No.	Course Title	Credits
63-009	Rhetoric & Public Speech	1
63-010	Media Law	1
63-011	Journalistic Ethics	1
63-012	Visual Communication	1
63-013	Language & Communication	1
–	Department Elective	2
–	Workshop	1
Subtotal: 8 credits
Third Year
Course No.	Course Title	Credits
–	2 Department Electives	2
–	Workshop	1
–	2 Seminar Electives	4
Subtotal: 7 credits

This table includes only course requirements from the Major. Students need a total of 64 credits throughout their majors and core curriculum requirements to graduate.

Admissions

To be considered for the School of Communication, applicants are expected to have

Completed high school/ secondary school with a 3.5 GPA
Scored an 1100 combined score on the SAT Critical Reading + Math sections, a 26 score on the ACT, or a 550 Psychometric exam.

Note: Communication is part of Bar-Ilan University’s “Dual Major” system, and requires students to do a second major, in either English Literature or Political Science.

Click here for more information on how to apply.

Program Overview

Program Type: Major (25 Credits)
Program Length: 3 Years
Language of Instruction: English
Admission Requirements:

SAT: 1100
Psychometric: 550
3.5 High School GPA

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions