Studies in the department are divided into five periods:

• The biblical period
• The period of the Second Temple, the Mishnah and the Talmud
• The Middle Ages
• The Early Modern Era
• The Late Modern Era

The BA programme is dedicated to providing general overviews and understanding of the historical processes at work within each and every period. Studies are not limited to a handful of central topics. Rather, it is our goal to ensure that all of our graduates are thoroughly acquainted with the fascinating and unique story of the Jewish people from its beginnings to the present day. The first and second years of the programme therefore focus on the foundations: a historical overview of all of the historical periods, familiarity with the corresponding primary sources, and learning how to “make history” based on these sources. In the second and third years, students choose two of the five periods for in-depth study and preliminary research.

The Department of Jewish History combines two disciplines: history and Jewish studies. Students are therefore required to expand their knowledge of general history and Jewish studies, beyond the courses offered in the department itself.