Since the 2011/12 winter semester, students on a Master’s programme in the humanities and cultural studies at School IV have been able to further develop their academic profile by taking part in the ‘Intercultural Jewish Studies’ certificate programme.

Profile

As a co-operation project between the Jewish Lehrhaus in Oldenburg (Leo-Trepp-Lehrhaus) and the University of Oldenburg, this programme is a pilot initiative and adopts an integrative approach in terms of both content and organisation, which regards Jewish Studies as an integral part of the wider academic world and is thus able to trace the contribution of Judaism to European history and culture in all its facets.
Accordingly, the programme encompasses the analysis of historical, religious-historical, philosophical and cultural contexts, the examination of interdisciplinary research questions and methods, and the acquisition of language skills (Hebrew / Ivrit), which is essential for developing such a profile. On this basis, it becomes possible to recognise the interconnections between Jewish, Christian and Islamic traditions and cultures, both past and present; to perceive the ambivalences of coexistence arising from the dangers of latent anti-Semitism; and thus to sharpen mutual understanding.

Qualification

The certificate programme imparts skills that qualify students for both information-oriented careers in the cultural and humanities fields (including museums, foundations, politics and the media) and for an academic career. In particular, the close links with the Leo Trepp Lehrhaus and the planned placement at Jewish institutions in Germany or abroad provide, beyond the specialised discipline itself, direct insight into Jewish life in Germany and the challenges of interreligious and intercultural dialogue. Participants in the programme can, in a sense, act as cultural translators or mediators, facilitating knowledge transfer between Jewish and Christian culture and tradition, as well as their relationships with Islam.