About

We are committed to demonstrating the crucial value of Jewish Studies to the university curriculum and to the intellectual life of the campus. Jewish Studies at Santa Cruz is an intellectually compelling, interdisciplinary program that offers students a broad range of courses in Jewish culture, especially its literature, art, and history, as well as its ethics, folk practices, and philosophy.

Our program focuses on the modern era, and explores the profound impact of modernization on traditional Jewish life and, concomitantly, the critical role played by Jews on the formation of modernity. The courses in our program encompass the range of modern Jewish Studies, including Eastern European Jewish life, modern Jewish thought, contemporary Israel, the Holocaust, American Jewish culture, as well as modern Hebrew and Yiddish language and literature.

In addition to our core curriculum in modern Jewish culture, we also offer students a strong foundation in ancient and medieval Judaism, including the Hebrew Bible, rabbinic texts, Jewish mysticism, and medieval Jewish history and literature. Our curriculum is enriched by conferences and lectures that bring the best Jewish studies scholars in the world to campus to share their work and participate in the intellectual life of the university.

Contact Information

In addition to the undergraduate and graduate programs in history, the History Department administers the following undergraduate programs of study: classical studies, East Asian studies (minor only), and Jewish studies.

Driving Directions to the History Department Office

A valid UCSC permit is required to park in all non-ParkMobile parking spaces on campus. Visitors may purchase a temporary 1-Day permit from the Main Entrance Kiosk located on Coolidge Drive, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. More information about purchasing a guest parking permit can be found on the Transportation & Parking Services (TAPS) website.

The closest parking lots to the History Department main office are Cowell/Stevenson Lot 107, Stevenson Lot 109, and Stevenson Lot 110.

Directions from the Main Entrance: intersection of High Street and Coolidge Drive
Proceed north on the main road, Coolidge Drive, as you drive around the eastern edge of campus. Coolidge then turns into McLaughlin Drive after a sharp curve to the left. Once you pass the “Welcome to Central Campus” sign, make the second left turn at the “Cowell College–Humanities Building” sign. Some parking will be ahead and to the left in the Cowell College upper lot (Cowell/Stevenson Lot 107). If no spots are available there, continue down the hill past Stevenson College to the two larger lots (Stevenson Lot 109 and 110). You may park in any unmarked space in any of these lots with your temporary 1-Day parking permit. Please note: if you park in a metered spot, you must pay the meter fee regardless of whether you have a permit or not.

From the parking lot, walk up the hill toward the Humanities and Social Science buildings (there is a path on the far west side of Stevenson Lot 109). The History Department is located on the ground floor of the Humanities 1 building in room 201.

The W.L. Gross Family Collection

We would like to thank Mr. William L. Gross for the generous donation of images featured throughout our website.