HSY2560 - Jews in the modern world

Leader(s): Paul Forgasz

Offered

Clayton First semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit focuses on Jewish society from the eighteenth century to the opening decades of the twentieth century. This period witnessed widespread political, economic and social changes throughout the western world. Jews were thrust from the fringes of European society into its very centre, and with this transformation, they experienced changes in their legal status, religious outlook, and cultural habits. The aim of this unit is to analyse the Jewish encounter with the modern world and gentile society - the impact of that encounter on Jews and Jewish life, as well as the variety of social, ideological and cultural forms in which that encounter was expressed.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of the subject students should be able to understand the variety and complexity of Jewish existence in a modern society and be capable of analysing sources critically.

Assessment

Written work: 55% (2500 words)
Take-home exam: 45%

Contact hours

One 2-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week

Prohibitions

HSY3560, JWC2560, JWC3560