AP/HIST3860 6.0 A: Modern History of the Jews
Offered by: HIST
(Cross-listed to: AP/JWST3860 6.0A )
Session
Summer 2024
Term
SU
Format
ONLN (Fully Online)
Instructor
Calendar Description / Prerequisite / Co-Requisite
A survey of Jewish history from the breakdown of traditional society in the 18th century until the present. The focus will be on the Jews of Europe and the major offshoots of Jewish Europe, Israel and North America. Course credit exclusions: None. Prior TO FALL 2009: Course credit exclusion: AS/HIST 3860 6.00.
Course Start Up
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What defines the modern era in the history of the Jews? This course proposes multiple answers to that question as it explores developments in Jewish culture, identity, religion, and politics, as well as relations between Jews and their non-Jewish neighbours, from the sixteenth century until the present. It employs a comparative perspective and surveys developments across the globe. Among the themes examined are the breakdown of traditional society, messianism, Emancipation and integration, religious reform, antisemitism, Jewish nationalism and socialism, the Holocaust, language politics, the emergence of the State of Israel, and trends in post-World War II Jewish life. The focus will be on the Jews of Europe and the Ottoman Empire and the centres of contemporary Jewish life, Israel and North America.
**TENTATIVE**
John Efron, Steven Weitzman, Matthias Lehmann, Joshua Holo, eds., The Jews: A History
Primary Sources
**TENTATIVE**
- Multiple choice quizzes about lectures and readings (15%) on eClass.
- Participation: 3 question responses (15%) on eClass; due by end of Week 3, end of Week 7, and Week 11
- Midterm examination #1 (20%); to be submitted by 11:59 PM end of week 5
- Midterm examination #2 (25%); to be submitted by 11:59 PM end of week 9
- Final examination (25%); to be written during the final exam period.
To become acquainted with how historians define modernity in contrast with other eras.
To learn the shared and unique ways in which the modern era affects Jews in different parts of the world.
To become familiar with major questions, themes, and contours of Jewish history in the last five centuries.
To practice essay writing and critical thinking.
- Academic Honesty
- Student Rights and Responsibilities
- Religious Observance
- Grading Scheme and Feedback
- 20% Rule
No examinations or tests collectively worth more than 20% of the final grade in a course will be given during the final 14 calendar days of classes in a term. The exceptions to the rule are classes which regularly meet Friday evenings or on Saturday and/or Sunday at any time, and courses offered in the compressed summer terms. - Academic Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
