NEWTON, Mass. - Boston College, a Roman Catholic school where Jews make up 1 percent of the student body, has launched an academic minor in Jewish studies.

A minor is unusual, though many Catholic universities do offer work in Jewish studies and Jewish-Catholic relations.

Dwayne Carpenter, program co-director, told The Boston Globe, "Jewish studies has now moved from its traditional place in Catholic institutions, which is a minor place in the theology department where courses on the Hebrew Scripture have been taught, to a program that is much more expansive."

Faculty members said they did not seek advice or sponsorship from the Jewish community because they wanted to make clear that the venture would be academic, not a matter of advocacy. Professors expect many students and teachers in the program will be Christians.