Time Schedule:
Noam Pianko
SISJE 336
Seattle Campus
Political, social, economic, religious history of American Jewish community from great eastern European migration to present. Integration of immigrant community into general American community; rise of nativism; development of American socialism; World War I and II; and reactions of American Jews to these events. Offered: jointly with HSTAA 336.
Class description
This course explores the creation and evolution of the American Jewish community during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Students will investigate the ways in which Jews and Judaism adapted in response to the political, social, religious, and intellectual currents of American history. The course will pay particular attention to the strategies developed by Jewish intellectuals and leaders to construct a seamless synthesis between definitions of Americanism and Judaism. In order construct such a synthesis, Jews simultaneously transformed Judaism and also attempted to redefine definitions of American citizenship. Through the careful examination of primary sourcesÑtexts, photographs, films and musicÑthis course will provide students with the opportunity to analyze these developments and to challenge their assumptions about the development of religious, ethnic, and national identities in America.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
The course will be conducted as a lecture with considerable class time reserved for seminar-style discussion of assigned readings.
Recommended preparation
The course has no prerequisites and assumes no prior coursework in Jewish studies or American history.
Class assignments and grading
The course requires regular reading, writing, and preparation for class discussions.
Grades are determined by class participation (including weekly reflection papers and one in-class presentation), a mid-term essay exam, and a final essay exam.
