DHIS 25A11 - Comparing Jewish Modernities: Jews in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, 1789-1948

This course will provide an overview of major currents in Jewish life across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa from the Enlightenment era to the creation of the State of Israel. Topics to be considered include continuity and rupture in Jewish cultural life and political and social status, interactions and influences between Jews in different geographical, political and cultural spheres, the rise of modern antisemitism and Jewish responses, European and MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Jews’ respective roles in and reactions to the emergence of the Zionist movement, the Shoah, and the creation of the State of Israel.

None

One hour of lecture, followed by one hour of discussion based on assigned required weekly readings.

Requirements for the class include doing the weekly readings, participating in class discussions (to be measured by both oral participation and short impromptu written exercises, 20%) completing one short writing assignment (3-4 pages, 30%) and one final project (choices will include writing a traditional paper or creating a podcast, short film, blog, vlog or website on a chosen theme, 50%).