Advanced Certificate in Jewish Studies for Korean Students

The Advanced Certificate in Jewish Studies for Korean Students is designed to provide Korean-speaking students with advanced graduate-level training in Hebrew language and Jewish Studies. A special focus of the program is the relationship between Judaism and Christianity. The program is appropriate for Korean-speaking students who have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher, in any field, who wish to gain knowledge of Jewish Studies in a rigorous academic setting. Students who complete the program will achieve facility in speaking and reading Hebrew. They will also develop in-depth knowledge of Jewish history, thought, and practice, and of the historical and intellectual relationship between Judaism and Christianity.
   
Classes are taught by world-class Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies faculty. The program is fully remote, and courses are typically offered at 7:30am (EST)/ 9:30pm (KST) making it possible for students in South Korea to fully participate in the program. The program consists of 4 courses (12 credits), at the completion of which students will be awarded an Advanced Certificate in Jewish Studies, accredited by the New York State Education Department. One of the 4 courses will include instruction in English and Korean. While the remaining 3 courses will be taught only in English, the instructors are attentive to the fact that English is not the students' first language and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

General Outline

While the offerings may vary, the Advanced Certificate generally consists of these courses:

Fall Semester:   
BIB 5201 Beginners Biblical Hebrew I (3 credits)
JST 5001 From the Bible to the Talmud (3 credits)

Spring Semester:
BIB 5202 Beginners Biblical Hebrew II (3 credits)
JHI 6321 Introduction to Ancient Judaism & Christianity (3 credits. This course will include instruction in English and Korean)

With the approval of the Director of the Advanced Certificate Program, qualified students may substitute one 5000-level course from the Master of Arts program in lieu of a Certificate Program course. Additionally, at the discretion of the Director, students with demonstrated prior knowledge of Hebrew may be exempted from one or both of the Hebrew courses and may substitute other courses in the Master of Arts program. The schedule of courses in the MA program is available here. 

Lishmah Center

The Bernard Revel Graduate School shares a unique affiliation with the Lishmah Center. The Lishmah Center provides short preparatory courses in Jewish Studies, Hebrew Language and English Language. While enrollment in Lishmah Center courses is not obligatory for admission into the Advanced Certificate Program, participation can enhance students’ success in the Program. Students who do exceptionally well in the preparatory course will have the opportunity to test out of the “Hebrew I” requirement. Additionally, successful completion of the preparatory course in English language can serve as a substitute for the TOEFL or other English-language proficiency exams. More information on the Lishmah Center’s offerings is available here.

Master of Arts Degree

Students who successfully complete the Advanced Certificate are eligible to apply for a Master of Arts degree (MA) in Jewish Studies at the Bernard Revel Graduate School. At the discretion of the Director, students who perform well in the Advanced Certificate Program may apply certain courses taken in the Program to the MA degree, so that an MA Degree can be achieved in a shorter time. The MA degree can be taken fully remotely or in person. International students who wish to study in New York City must apply for a student visa. Since attaining a student visa is a lengthy process, students should begin the process at least 4 months prior to the semester in which they plan to start their studies. Full information on the application process is available here.
   
Korean-speaking students with extensive background in Jewish Studies may apply directly to the MA program. If you wish to consider this option, please contact Dr. Jonathan Dauber at dauber@yu.edu.

Tuition

Tuition information is available here (scroll down to "Tuition and Fees" for Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies). Participants in Advanced Certificate in Jewish Studies for Korean Students are eligible for a generous scholarship.