Overview
Center for Jewish Studies in Academic Area of New York City
The upper west side of New York City ranks as a vibrant, academic environment. Respected New York institutions such as Columbia University, Barnard College, and the Manhattan School of Music are located there. The area is also the location of the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS), a leading school for Judaic studies.
JTS students who are new to New York City will want to delve into attractions such as the Empire State Building, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and Metropolitan Museum of Art. Music students at JTS can visit the Lincoln Center and Metropolitan Opera, or take in a Broadway show. Students explore their Jewish heritage by visiting New York City landmarks, such as the Center for Jewish History, Museum of Jewish Heritage, and the Jewish Museum of New York.
When it's time for snow, New York has thousands of miles of snowmobile and ski trails for students to sample, plus winter festivals in abundance. For a break from classes, seminary students can travel to Lake Placid, with its Olympic fame. Then, when temperatures rise, outdoor enjoyment away from campus can range from a hike in the Catskills to camping at a New York state park. If students choose to stay closer to campus, they can discover area zoos, summer concerts in Central Park, or kayaking on the Hudson River.
Jewish Studies Prepare Community Leaders and Professionals
Albert A. List College, the undergraduate division of the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS), grants Bachelor of Arts degrees. List provides a Jewish studies education of the highest quality and strives to create an environment in which a Jewish lifestyle is supported and a mature exploration of Judaism is encouraged. Students study a mandated 49-credit core curriculum in Judaic studies that builds their education's foundation through courses in bible; Hebrew language; Jewish history, literature, and philosophy; Talmud; and rabbinics. Students may choose from among twelve majors, including liturgy, Jewish women's studies, and ancient Judaism, or apply to create an interdisciplinary major.
Two special programs give List College students the opportunity to earn two degrees simultaneously. They can by participate in a joint program with nearby Columbia University that leads to a B.A. or B.S. from Columbia and a B.S. in Jewish studies from List. Through a cooperative program with Barnard College, women enrolled at List College may earn their B.A. or B.S. from Barnard and a B.A. from List. In either of these special programs, students are usually able to complete both degrees within four years, including one or two summer school sessions.
Students may also attend the Cantorial School and College of Jewish Music to receive training to be cantors, music teachers, choral directors, composers, or research scholars. Students who go on to attend The Graduate School will be taught by experts in conservative Judaic studies. Advanced Judaic academics are found within various graduate programs, such as medieval Jewish studies or Jewish studies and social work.
Student Life Activities Bond Students from Five JTS Schools
An active Student Life Office coordinates events for all five of the Jewish Theological Seminary schools in an effort to strengthen campus bonds. The office recognizes the valuable role support services and extracurricular activities play in student life and coordinates holiday celebrations, off-campus cultural experiences, recreational outings, student performances, women's center activities, residence hall programs, and an annual ski trip. List College students are encouraged to pursue extracurricular opportunities in order to develop their skills and participate in meaningful community activities. There are clubs and organizations to satisfy almost any student interest, and, of course, the cultural riches of New York City are at their doorstep.
Each of the five schools has governmental student organizations for campus representation and event planning. These organizations provide leadership opportunities for students while they participate in social and charitable activities. The student organizations plan concerts, parties, and community service. The Student Life staff and student organizations also organize Shabbat dinners during the academic year.
Jewish Life Directors welcome new students, instill a homelike atmosphere, and cultivate community spirit in residence halls. Rabbis-in-residence can provide counseling to students on campus. Students may also turn to the seminary's Counseling Center for emotional support. Members of the campus often go into New York City neighborhoods to help meet local needs. Undergraduate students who attend Columbia University and JTS concurrently can compete on a variety of varsity and intramural athletic teams at Columbia. On-campus involvement contributes to a richer student life¿whether the student is planning a campus cook-out, performing at an arts festival, singing karaoke, or volunteering at orientation.
