Time Schedule:
Susan A Glenn
HIST 490
Seattle Campus
Examines special topics in history.
Class description
HIST 490A/SISJE 490B The Jew as Other: Antisemitism in America
Class description Historians frequently refer to the United States as the great "exception" to the general historical pattern of anti-Jewish persecution in Europe. The Jews of the United States were never the victims of state-sponsored inquisitions, expulsions, pogroms, or holocausts. Yet as we shall see in this course, even in the relatively free and more inclusive society of the United States, Jews faced considerable prejudice, discrimination, and, at times, outright violence. Many of the same ideas and attitudes that culminated in the extermination of Europe's Jews contributed in less catastrophic ways to Jew-hatred (antisemitism) in the United States. This course examines the history of anti-Jewish ideology and anti-Jewish activity in the United States from the end of the nineteenth century to the present, the relationship between antisemitism and racism, and the response of Jewish organizations and individuals to patterns of anti-Jewish prejudice and discrimination.
Student learning: This is a colloquium that emphasizes the skills of close reading, analysis, and communication (both oral and written) that are central to work of the historian. The course is discsussion-based. It counts as a "W" course.
Student learning goals
The course emphasizes close reading of primary and secondary sources.
It helps students learn how to frame an argument and to provide evidence in support of that argument.
The course aims to improve the student's ability to write a strong analytical essay.
The course provides opportunities to develop oral presentation skills.
The course emphasizes critical thinking skills.
General method of instruction
Student learning: This is a colloquium that emphasizes the skills of close reading, analysis, and communication (both oral and written) that are central to work of the historian. The course is discsussion-based. It counts as a "W" course.
Recommended preparation
None
Class assignments and grading
This is an intensive reading, discussion, and writing course. Grades will be based on contributions to class discussion and writing assignments.
Quality of contributions to class discussion and quality of the written work.
