Middlebury

JWST0302A-S25

American Jewish Life

American Jewish Life
In this course we will explore American Jewish life during a period of rapid change. We will begin with a survey of American Jews’ 20th century ethnic, racial, and religious identities. We will then focus on scenes of contemporary religious and communal innovation across a wide spectrum of American Jewish life, including case studies of Hasidic, Queer/progressive, Orthodox and Reform Jews, and Jews of Color. Throughout, we will examine how diverse Jewish collectivities incorporate broader American and global ideas, creating new amalgamations and contributing to social change. In the final unit, we will explore contentious issues related to Israel, antisemitism, gender, and American politics. Sources will include books, articles, films, and a study tour in New York City.
Course Reference Number (CRN):
22256
Subject Code:
JWST
Course Number:
0302
Section Identifier:
A

Course

JWST 0302

All Sections in Spring 2025

Spring 2025