Jewish Studies 138 - Modern Jewish History

A history of the Jews from the 16th century to the present. Jews--a small group, lacking a stable geographical or political center--played a remarkably central role in world events. Jewish history exemplifies questions of tolerance, intolerance, and diversity in the Modern Age. From Europe to the Americas to the Middle East, Jewish history witnessed constant interchange between the non-Jewish world and its Jewish subcultures. We will examine a variety of Jewish encounters with the modern world: integration, assimilation, anti-Semitism, and Jewish nationalism. The course will also contextualize the Holocaust, and the establishment of the State of Israel, as well as contemporary Jewish life.