Jewish Prague

Course NameJewish Prague
Course CodeHIS239
DescriptionWe will compare the cultural heritage, religious life, political situation, identity formation and self-understanding of Jews in Europe starting in the 9th Century through today. We will spend considerable time in the following time periods: before, during and after the breakdown of Austria-Hungary, the Second World War and the Communist Era. This history course will examine the experiences of Jews throughout Europe: from Spain to Germany in the West to Russia, Hungary and Ukraine in the East and everything in between. In this broad survey, we will pay specific attention to gender and Session analysis in our approach to this material. In addition, together, we will explore the complicated history of anti-Semitism as it affected Jewish life in Central Europe as well as the numerous ways Jews flourished in Central Europe as they worked with other minority ethnic groups.
Learning OutcomesUpon completion of this course, students will be able to:
– Sharpen critical thinking skills through proactive learning assignments;
– Outline and explain the history of Jews in Europe from their arrival to today;
– Analyze, access, and present primary documentation about Jewish life in Europe;
– Identify the main obstacles to and primary contributions of Jews in Europe; – Name and describe major figures, events and movements through presentations;
– Creatively capture course content in an artistic final project.
SchoolSchool of Humanities & Social Sciences
LevelBachelor
Number of credits (US / ECTS)3 US / 6 ECTS