Due to faculty retirements, no new students will be accepted to this program in 2024-25.

The Certificate in Jewish and Christian Origins provides an interdisciplinary approach to the academic study of the origins, development of and cultural impact of two world religions, Judaism and Christianity, from their beginnings in ancient Israel to the parallel developments of rabbinic Judaism and emergent Christianity subsequent to the first Jewish War of 70 C.E. to Late Antiquity, including some coverage of the origins of Islam in relation to Judaism and Christianity.

This certificate may be completed in conjunction with, or apart from any degree program, and is open to students in all colleges. This program is subject to the promotion and residency standards for degree-level certificate programs in the College of Arts & Science.

Students who have taken equivalent courses at other institutions may apply for transfer credit, which if granted will be applied to the certificate. 

Students may take the required courses concurrently with other courses in the program.

Requirements (24 credit units)

Of the courses used to fulfill the program requirements, at least 9 credit units must be at the 300-level or higher.

  • RLST 112.3
  • RLST 328.3

Biblical Literature

Choose 6 credit units from the following list of courses in Biblical Literature:

  • RLST 219.3
  • RLST 225.3
  • RLST 253.3
  • RLST 254.3
  • RLST 300.3
  • RLST 301.3
  • RLST 359.3
  • RLST 365.3

Early Judaism and Christianity

Choose 6 credit units from the following list of courses in Early Judaism and Christianity:

  • HIST 208.3
  • HIST 209.3
  • HIST 217.3
  • HIST 221.3
  • HIST 230.3
  • HIST 308.6
  • HIST 320.3
  • HIST 331.3
  • HIST 335.3
  • HIST 402.3
  • PHIL 202.3
  • PHIL 208.3
  • PHIL 209.3
  • RLST 113.3
  • RLST 227.3
  • RLST 237.3
  • RLST 361.3
  • RLST 363.3

Near Eastern and Classical Archaeology and Languages:

Choose 3 credit units from the following lists of courses in Near Eastern and Classical Archaeology, and Languages:

Near Eastern and Classical Archaeology:

  • ANTH 116.3
  • ANTH 241.3
  • ANTH 252.3
  • ANTH 257.3
  • ANTH 258.3
  • ANTH 356.3

Languages:

  • GRK 112.3
  • GRK 113.3
  • HEB 114.3
  • HEB 117.3
  • LATN 112.3
  • LATN 113.3

Choose 3 additional credit units from any of the four course lists above.