Survey of the phenomenon of antisemitism providing a historical description from antiquity to today with background on the emergence of Israel in Canaan. Focuses on religious, economic, cultural, and racial motivations/justification for antisemitism, as well as Jewish religious and cultural responses to antisemitism.
Athena Title
Antisemitism
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Evaluate approaches for viewing the social phenomenon of antisemitism as well as other forms of intolerance and bigotry in history.
Contextualize antisemitism historically in order to sort peoples' assumptions from intended political and social messaging, and expose the purpose and function of antisemitism.
Analyze the impacts of antisemitism over time on Jews and non-Jews alike and consider how antisemitism affects our understanding of the human experience, especially in regard to injustice and suffering.
See older and contemporary antisemitic tropes, and the recycling of these tropes, in a continuum of historical trends that are socially damaging, and discuss specific texts as well as general cultural and intellectual problems, in class discussion, written and oral projects, and examinations.
Topical Outline
Major examples in history of antisemitism and Jewish responses
Examination of various antisemitic religious and cultural beliefs and engagement with primary sources, especially authoritative or canonical works, as a framework for contextualizing antisemitic tropes and canards
Comparative approaches to other types of bigotry and inequality (e.g., approaches to persecution based on religion, race, gender, sexual orientation)
Discussion and demystification of stereotypes across cultures
