The department of Jewish Thought focuses upon classical works of Jewish thought throughout the ages, and their intersection with wider currents in general philosophy. The goal of study within the department is to provide students with a broad foundation in the history of Jewish thought, as well as more profound knowledge in one or two areas of concentration. The method of study combines philological-textual skills and philosophical-analytical concepts, alongside a comparative and historical framework. In the first-degree program, students will take mandatory courses, including introductory courses and a couple of text-based courses ( Guide for the Perplexed, Zohar ), several mandatory and elective tutorials that focus upon Jewish thought throughout the ages, and a few elective courses from the four areas of concentration described above.