Master of Arts (30 credits)

The Master of Arts in Humanities West and East explores human civilization through the study of philosophy, history, and literature. Rooted in Revel's commitment to scholarly humanities education, this program approaches cultural and philosophical traditions as subjects of academic inquiry—not as faith-based or devotional practice. The curriculum emphasizes rigorous textual analysis, critical thinking, historical methodology, and academic English writing, with comparative approaches consistent with secular academic standards in the humanities. The 30-credit (10-course) program can be completed in one year (two semesters and a summer). Students will have access to internship opportunities that provide professional experience and help strengthen their readiness for employment after graduation. Graduates are then eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT), a work authorization that allows them to gain valuable professional experience in the US. While the program will be launched with a focused curriculum, it is intended to grow in scope and faculty as enrollment expands, with future offerings extending to other areas of West–East comparison.

List of courses for the MA degree

Detailed description of the course of study (provisional):
A.    Students begin with four required courses to establish a foundation in the humanities:
       HUM5001: Introduction to the Humanities, West and East
       HUM5002: Introduction to the Scientific Study of Religious Phenomena
       HUM5003: Truth and Certainty in the Study of History
       HUM5004: Eastern Encounters with the West and Modernity

Students then choose six electives.
B.    Four survey courses, from among the following:
       HUM6001: Early Modern Western Philosophy (Descartes to Kant)
       HUM6002: Modern Western Philosophy (19th–20th Century)
       HUM6003: Early Modern European History (1500–1800)
       HUM6004: Modern European History (1800–Present)
       HUM6005: European Literature I: Renaissance to Romanticism
       HUM6006: European Literature II: Realism to Modernism
       HUM6007: Western Art I: Renaissance to Enlightenment
       HUM6008: Western Art II: Modern to Contemporary
Note: HUM6001-HUM6006 will be offered in the first academic year of the program. The courses in art, HUM6007, 6008 will be offered in the second year if there is sufficient demand.

C.    Two specialized elective courses, from among the following:
       HUM7001: Classical Chinese Ethics: Confucian, Mohist, and Daoist Perspectives
       HUM7002: Humanistic Introduction to Biblical Literature & Western Culture
       HUM7003: Treasures of the Middle Kingdom: Chinese Art and Archaeology
       HUM7004: Comparative Arts and Cultures—Chinese and Jewish
       HUM7005: Youtai Enigma: Jews in the Chinese Imagination
       HUM7006: Festivals and Sacred Time: Jewish Traditions in Comparative Perspective
Note: Initially, only two of these courses will be offered per year, on a rotating basis. As the program grows, we anticipate broadening the range of these specialized electives to reflect other dimensions of East–West engagement.

Students will also have the option to take regular Revel courses as electives, for example:
•    Introduction to Jewish Mysticism (JPH 5350)
•    Visions of a Just Society in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic Philosophy (JPH 6205)
•    Jewish Existentialism: Buber & Rosenzweig (JPH 6872)
•    Philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas (JPH 6874)
•    Jewish Art and Visual Culture (JHI 6255)
•    Cultural Responses to the Holocaust (JHI 6486)

Academic and Professional Outcomes

1. Graduate Pathways:

•    Strong foundation for doctoral studies in Humanities, Religious Studies, and International Studies, supported by faculty recommendations and research training
•    Access to internship opportunities, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities that support U.S.-based career development
•    Optional Practical Training (OPT), enabling one year of U.S. work experience to build qualifications prior to seeking a work visa

2. Career Opportunities

•    Education: Graduates may be qualified to teach subjects such as the Humanities, world history, philosophy, religion, or cultural studies at various levels—including high schools, universities, and international academic programs. Their multicultural training can enrich students’ understanding of global connections, especially between Jewish and Chinese traditions.
•    Jewish Institutions and Organizations: Many institutions seek professionals to serve as program managers, researchers, or coordinators to foster intercultural dialogue. Given growing cross-cultural ties, including between Jewish-Chinese families, graduates may offer valuable perspectives to educational, cultural, and community initiatives.
•    Publishing and Media: Graduates may pursue roles in editorial work, research, and writing focused on religious studies, history, and cultural analysis, contributing to the expanding discourse on cross-cultural and religious themes.
•    Cultural Institutions and Museums: Opportunities may include work as curators, archivists, or program coordinators in museums and cultural centers. Institutions focused on Jewish heritage often value professionals who can help connect Jewish culture with broader audiences.
•    Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Graduates may pursue roles in NGOs focused on religious tolerance, cultural exchange, and global peacebuilding, bringing expertise in cross-cultural and interfaith understanding.
•    Consulting and Advisory Roles: With knowledge of humanities, Jewish studies, and cultural analysis, graduates may be equipped to offer insights to businesses, governments, and organizations engaging with the Middle East or Jewish communities.
•    International Relations and Diplomacy: Graduates may pursue opportunities in diplomacy and intercultural communication, particularly in regions such as the Middle East.