ATS1960 - Conflict and coexistence 2: Jews, Christians and Muslims in the modern world - 2017

The unit deals with the interactions between Jews, Christians, and Muslims from the Enlightenment era to the contemporary period. The historical relationship between these three religious or ethnic groups has sparked considered historical debate and popular misunderstanding. This unit will unpack some of these common assumptions by tracing the evolving relationship between Christians, Muslims, and Jews across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. The unit will begin by tracing Enlightenment debates about tolerance and difference that centred around the place of the Jews in modern European nation-states. It will then shift to discussing the social and economic positions of Jews and Muslims in 19th century North Africa, as well as the socio-economic mobility of Jews in 19th century Europe. It will finally move into the twentieth century and cover topics including the emergence of Zionism, the Holocaust and the establishment of the State of Israel, decolonization and the emigration of North African Jews and Muslims to Europe, and contemporary debates about difference in 21st century Europe.

Upon completion of the unit, students should be able:

1. Understand Enlightenment debates about minorities and ethnic difference in the establishment of modern European nation-states;
2. Understand the complex web of interactions between Christians, Jews, and Muslims in the modern era;
3. Trace the role of colonization and decolonization in North Africa in helping frame the relationship between Jews and Muslims in postwar European society.

Within semester assessment: 80% + Exam: 20%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Associate Professor Mark Baker

History

Jewish studies

Religious studies