Master of Arts in Jewish Cultural Arts

Unique Program Captures Explosion of Interest in Jewish Culture

Jewish culture, from film festivals and concerts to multi-media installations, has taken hold of the modern Jewish community. Gaining momentum, this explosion of interest has the potential to become one of the most exciting developments of recent times.

To harness that energy, Judaic Studies has launched a new MA in Jewish Cultural Arts—the first of its kind in the United States—to train the next generation of cultural entrepreneurs and arts administrators. Under the direction of Jenna Weissman Joselit, the two-year master’s program will also serve as a laboratory for the support and creation of Jewish cultural expression in all of its varied manifestations.

Program Highlights

The 36-credit MA program combines the practical with the academic, providing students with the hands-on skills as well as the intellectual capital to think analytically and deeply about the history, ethnography and sociology of the modern Jewish experience and to respond innovatively to its challenges and possibilities. The rich resources of the nation’s capital as well as those of the university provide students with stellar opportunities, including internships and cultural collaborations with arts organizations, foundations, and museums.

Fellowship Funding Available

A limited number of fellowships are available that offer a stipend as well as tuition release. For more information about these funding packages, please contact Professor and Program Director Jenna Weissman Joselit.

Curriculum

A comprehensive, multidisciplinary curriculum enables program graduates to emerge with skills ranging from audience development and fiscal management to the seeding and nurturing of new forms of Jewish cultural expression. 

Core Courses

Judaic Studies 6201: Jewish Life in Contemporary America

Judaic Studies 6211: Displaying Jewish Culture: Landmark Exhibitions on Judaism and the Jewish Experience

Judaic Studies 6298: Behind-the-Scenes: Learning from the Artist (Capstone Seminar)

Museum Studies 6102: Fiscal Management of Nonprofit Organizations

Public Policy and Administration 6032: Managing Fund Raising and Philanthropy

Marketing 6255: Strategic Brand Management

Six credit hours of internships and a final project culminating in the planning and execution of an arts event for the GW community are also required.

Electives

Elective courses draw from law, business, museum studies, history, media affairs, theatre and dance, and the fine arts.