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Alumnus/Alumna profile

Sara Sharpe

Bachelor of Arts
Honours Judaic Studies

“It’s a tight-knit department, and there is a great sense of community.”

Sarah Sharpe found a home for her interests in intersectional Judaic studies

When Sarah Sharpe began her undergrad in Judaic Studies at Concordia, she didn’t assume she would continue her studies into graduate school, but the program was so engaging and welcoming, that’s exactly what she did.

How did you end up pursuing a degree in Judaic Studies?

I came to Concordia as a transfer student. I was already studying in Judaic studies, which I loved, but I was looking for a path where I could integrate gender studies and feminist work within the elements of Judaic Studies. That’s what really drew me to Concordia. The program is quite unique among Jewish studies programs in Canada because there are several professors who will teach about different intersections including gender and religion, or women and religion.

What did you enjoy most about your experience in the program?

It’s a tight-knit department, and there is a great sense of community in the whole program. We have a department building where students can stop by between classes and socialize. It’s a great community to belong to. I also got the chance to study interesting, creative and intersectional material which was quite unique to that program. The department is affiliated with the Simone de Beauvoir Institute, so there are several professors in the department that teach different classes on both gender studies and religion studies.

What opportunities does the Judaic Studies program offer its students?

My professors helped me find scholarships and further enriched my overall experience. When I came to Concordia, I wasn’t even planning on going to graduate school, but I enjoyed the program so much that I stayed in the Department for my Master's degree.

 How did it shape your career path?

I initially went into my undergraduate thinking I would apply for jobs in the Jewish non-profit sector because it would be a good fit for me. Instead, I decided to pursue a Master’s in Judaic Studies and I’m currently planning on applying for PhD programs.

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