My name is Katie McClain and I am a fourth-year Middle Eastern Studies Major. My interest in Jewish studies was kindled in a class on Jewish mysticism and as a research assistant I expanded my understanding of that topic. I learned of the minor option while taking the Gender in Judaism course, and realized the other courses required for the minor were all of interest for me. I became especially interested in studying the laws and traditions of the Jewish religion. Finally, a course on Jewish Graphic Novels sparkled my interest in Jewish culture in America and I intend on taking the new course on Jewish film to study this aspect more in-depth.