About PJC

Program for Jewish Civilization

In keeping with the Georgetown mission to promote a deeper understanding of the world's religious communities and their role in global affairs, the Program for Jewish Civilization (PJC) was established in September 2003 by the School of Foreign Service under the leadership of Georgetown's Jewish chaplain, Rabbi Harold White, and Georgetown professors Robert J. Lieber, an expert on international affairs and American foreign policy, and Yossi Shain, a leading scholar on Jewish Diaspora communities. The PJC is now directed by Professor Jacques Berlinerblau and Assistant Director Melissa Weinberg Spence, with a 24 member Executive Committee led by Professor Lieber.

The Program for Jewish Civilization introduces students to Judaism's global dimensions, achievements, ethical aspects, and relationships with other peoples and polities. Our endeavor is unique among Jewish programs in American universities. In addition to the study of religion and literature, a staple of traditional "Jewish Studies" programs, we incorporate the wider economic, cultural, political, historical, philosophical, scientific, and literary accomplishments of the Jewish people.

The Program benefits from the expertise of faculty throughout Georgetown University as well as visiting scholars and practitioners who teach a variety of courses and conduct research. In 2005, the School of Foreign Service established a Certificate in Jewish Civilization, and in the following year the College of Arts and Sciences followed suit by endorsing the equivalent minor in Jewish Civilization.

In addition, the Program for Jewish Civilization has conducted an ambitious schedule of public programs, including weekly lectures, the annual endowed Herman Allen "Hal" Israel Lecture on Jewish-Catholic Relations, and two yearly conferences that bring together internationally recognized scholars in partnership with other Georgetown academic entities. The PJC publishes a series of Occasional Papers with contributions by leading authors, public intellectuals, and religious leaders who have taken part in our programs. Among these, for example, are Peter Berkowitz on "Liberalism, Morals, and the Supreme Law of the Land," Rabbi David Rosen on "Israel-Vatican relations," Steven Smith on "How Jewish Was Leo Strauss," Yossi Shain on "Memory as International Currency," Michael Walzer on "Who is an American Jew," and Jacques Berlinerblau "On Philo-Semitism." The PJC also cooperates with and co-sponsors scholarly programs and public events with a multitude of centers and organizations, both on campus and beyond.

Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service

The School of Foreign Service is the centerpiece of Georgetown University's commitment to educate students for careers in the international arena. Georgetown was the first university in the United States to develop an interdisciplinary undergraduate liberal arts program focused on international affairs. Students benefit from outstanding faculty - world-class scholars and practitioners - and the wealth of resources in the nation's capital. Graduates hold leadership positions around the globe in the private sector, government, international, and non-governmental organizations. www.georgetown.edu