HIST 434
The Meaning of Diaspora and the Jews of Europe Spring 2016
Division II
Cross-listed JWST 434
This is not the current course catalog

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Dispersion, exile, migration, statelessness are all aspects of diaspora. And in the study of diasporic peoples and cultures, the Jews have long figured as the archetype. As a result, Jewish political figures, intellectuals, social activists and scholars have played a central role in discussions of the meaning of diaspora, including debates about its political and social implications, economic value, and cultural significance. In the first half of the semester, in discussions of common readings, this seminar examines various interpretations of Jews’ diasporic existence from the nineteenth century to the present, both as a cultural practice and a form of group identity from which political claims have been made. We will test the proposition that “The Modern Age is the Jewish Age,” that is, that the meaning of diaspora in modern Jewish history has direct relevance to students of human identity not just of Jewishness. Throughout the second half of the semester, students will conduct independent archival research on some aspect of the history of the Jewish diaspora that will culminate in a 20-page paper. The seminar will continue to meet weekly as a research colloquium, to provide a forum for students to present their research and drafts in progress and provide feedback on fellow students’ work.
The Class: Format: seminar
Limit: 15
Expected: 15
Class#: 3703
Grading: no pass/fail option, yes fifth course option
Requirements/Evaluation: evaluation will be based on class participation, several short papers, oral presentations, and a 20-page research paper
Extra Info: may not be taken on a pass/fail basis
Prerequisites: none
Enrollment Preferences: History majors and Jewish Studies concentrators
Distributions: Division II
Notes: This course is cross-listed and the prefixes carry the following divisional credit:
HIST 434 Division II JWST 434 Division II
Attributes: HIST Group C Electives - Europe and Russia
JWST Capstone Course
JWST Core Electives

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