Syllabus/Syllabi Period 2 on Tuesday in Newton Center Instructor: Norm Finkelstein | |
| Syllabus | |
| Modified by: | Norm Finkelstein |
| Body: | Hebrew College Prozdor
HIST 104: TOGETHER AND APART: JEWS, BLACKS AND AMERICA’S CIVIL RIGHTS STRUGGLE Course Syllabus – Prozdor Spring 2010 Tuesdays, Hebrew College Instructor: Norman Finkelstein Email: nfinkelstein@prozdor.org Course Description Few people today remember the close bonds which existed between Jews and Blacks in America during the Civil Rights era of the 1950s and 1960s. Together, they tore down barriers to discrimination which had marked American life for centuries. Using legal and non-violent means, they facilitated the end of legal discrimination in this country. That struggle for equal rights forged a close connection between African Americans and Jews. In recent years, that once amicable relationship has become strained. In this course we will discover how much the shared history of both groups unite rather than divide us. Universal Question(s) 1. How did their experiences lead Jews to fight discrimination in America? 2. How did Jews and African Americans band together to fight for civil rights? 3. What separated both groups from one another after the major legal battles were won? Learning Targets/Objectives: 1. Understanding Jewish leadership in the Civil Rights Era. 2. Understanding the evolution of Jewish “self-defense” organizations. 3. Appreciating the shared bonds that once united Jews and African Americans. 4. Understanding the roots of discrimination and becoming aware of efforts to combat it in contemporary America. Texts/Books/Material: Finkelstein, Norman H. Heeding the Call: Jewish Voices in America’s Civil Rights Struggle. Jewish Publication Society, 1997. Assessment Methods: 1. Class participation 2. Occassional written assignments 3. Final project/report 4. Attendance Tentative Schedule/Course Outline: Jan 26 Introduction: Finkelstein’s Famous Fifteen Minute History of the Jews in America Trigger Questions: How did Jews overcome discrimination to “make it” in America? How did discrimination against African Americans and Jews differ? Why? Feb 2 No Justice, No Peace: Manifestation of Hate Assignment: Chapter 1 Trigger Questions: How did Black anti-Semitism manifest itself in the late 20th century? Feb 9 One for All: Early History of Jews and Blacks in America Assignment: Chapter 2 Trigger Question: How did Asser Levy begin the Jewish fight for equal rights? Feb 23 Speaking Up: The Civil War Era Assignment: Chapter 3 Trigger Question: How did Jews view the work of the Abolitionists? Mar 2 To Help and to Heal: New Freedom for Jews and Blacks Assignment: Chapter 4 Trigger Question: What were the specific accomplishments of Lillian Wald and Booker T. Washington? Mar 9 The Call to Action: Organizing for Protection Assignment: Chapter 5 Trigger Question: What role did Jews play in the founding of African American civil rights organizations? Mar 16 Helping People Help Themselves: The Rosenwald Era Assignment: Chapter 6 Trigger Question: How did Rosenwald empower African Americans? Mar 23 Through Legal Means: Using the Courts to Obtain Justice Assignment: Chapter 7 Trigger Question: What effect did Brown v. Board of Education play in breaking down racial barriers? Apr 13 To the Streets: When All Else Fails Assignment: Chapter 8 Trigger Question: Why were so many young Jews involved in the public demonstrations? Apr 27 Thank God Almighty: Heschel and King Assignment: Chapter 9 Trigger Question: How did activist rabbis affect the Civil Rights era? May 4 Final Reports Due May 11 Building Bridges: Beyond the Civil Right Acts Assignment: Chapter 10 Trigger Question: What factors led to the breakup of the Black-Jewish coalition? |
| Syllabus Modified: | 2010-01-09 15:20:52 |
Syllabus/Syllabi Period 2 on Wednesday in Natick Instructor: Norm Finkelstein | |
| Syllabus | |
| Modified by: | Norm Finkelstein |
| Body: | Hebrew College Prozdor
HIST 104: TOGETHER AND APART: JEWS, BLACKS AND AMERICA’S CIVIL RIGHTS STRUGGLE Course Syllabus – Prozdor Spring 2010 Wednesdays, Natick Instructor: Norman Finkelstein Email: nfinkelstein@prozdor.org Course Description Few people today remember the close bonds which existed between Jews and Blacks in America during the Civil Rights era of the 1950s and 1960s. Together, they tore down barriers to discrimination which had marked American life for centuries. Using legal and non-violent means, they facilitated the end of legal discrimination in this country. That struggle for equal rights forged a close connection between African Americans and Jews. In recent years, that once amicable relationship has become strained. In this course we will discover how much the shared history of both groups unite rather than divide us. Universal Question(s) 1. How did their experiences lead Jews to fight discrimination in America? 2. How did Jews and African Americans band together to fight for civil rights? 3. What separated both groups from one another after the major legal battles were won? Learning Targets/Objectives: 1. Understanding Jewish leadership in the Civil Rights Era. 2. Understanding the evolution of Jewish “self-defense” organizations. 3. Appreciating the shared bonds that once united Jews and African Americans. 4. Understanding the roots of discrimination and becoming aware of efforts to combat it in contemporary America. Texts/Books/Material: Finkelstein, Norman H. Heeding the Call: Jewish Voices in America’s Civil Rights Struggle. Jewish Publication Society, 1997. Assessment Methods: 1. Class participation 2. Occassional written assignments 3. Final project/report 4. Attendance Tentative Schedule/Course Outline: Jan 27 Introduction: Finkelstein’s Famous Fifteen Minute History of the Jews in America Trigger Questions: How did Jews overcome discrimination to “make it” in America? How did discrimination against African Americans and Jews differ? Why? Feb 3 No Justice, No Peace: Manifestation of Hate Assignment: Chapter 1 Trigger Questions: How did Black anti-Semitism manifest itself in the late 20th century? Feb 10 One for All: Early History of Jews and Blacks in America Assignment: Chapter 2 Trigger Question: How did Asser Levy begin the Jewish fight for equal rights? Feb 24 Speaking Up: The Civil War Era Assignment: Chapter 3 Trigger Question: How did Jews view the work of the Abolitionists? Mar 3 To Help and to Heal: New Freedom for Jews and Blacks Assignment: Chapter 4 Trigger Question: What were the specific accomplishments of Lillian Wald and Booker T. Washington? Mar 10 The Call to Action: Organizing for Protection Assignment: Chapter 5 Trigger Question: What role did Jews play in the founding of African American civil rights organizations? Mar 17 Helping People Help Themselves: The Rosenwald Era Assignment: Chapter 6 Trigger Question: How did Rosenwald empower African Americans? Mar 24 Through Legal Means: Using the Courts to Obtain Justice Assignment: Chapter 7 Trigger Question: What effect did Brown v. Board of Education play in breaking down racial barriers? Apr 7 Building Legal Cases: Continued Assignment: Special Reading Apr 14 To the Streets: When All Else Fails Assignment: Chapter 8 Trigger Question: Why were so many young Jews involved in the public demonstrations? Apr 28 Thank God Almighty: Heschel and King Assignment: Chapter 9 Trigger Question: How did activist rabbis affect the Civil Rights era? May 5 Final Reports Due May 12 Building Bridges: Beyond the Civil Right Acts Assignment: Chapter 10 Trigger Question: What factors led to the breakup of the Black-Jewish coalition? |
| Syllabus Modified: | 2010-01-09 15:22:21 |
Syllabus/Syllabi Period 1 on Sunday in Newton Center Instructor: Norm Finkelstein | |
| Syllabus | |
| Modified by: | Norm Finkelstein |
| Body: | Hebrew College Prozdor
Grade 9 Core: Jewish History Who We Are: The Shaping of Jewish Civilization Course Syllabus – Prozdor - Spring, 2010 Instructor: Norman Finkelstein nfinkelstein@prozdor.org Course Description From Bible times to the present, a series of seemingly unconnected events over time have shaped our modern Jewish world. In this course we will examine the development of Jewish civilization in light of contemporary political, cultural and religious influences. Universal Question 1. What are the foundations of our history and how have they affected the development of Jewish life? 2. How has Judaism adapted to changing world conditions? Learning Objectives 1. Understanding the sweep and complexity of Jewish history. 2. Knowledge of important events that shaped Jewish continuity. 3. Understanding how history has impacted the development of Jewish law and tradition. Text Course Reader: A Sourcebook on Jewish History Assessment 1. Class participation 2. Occasional written assignments 3. Final project/report 4. Attendance Tentative Schedule and Course Outline Jan 24 Introduction. How did we get here? A Quick Timeline Overview of Jewish History. Jan 31 The Biblical Period: Origins to the First Temple 1. Exodus 2. The Covenant 3. Inheriting the Land Assignment: Reading #1 Trigger Questions: 1. How did the desert experience shape Jewish identity? 2. What steps were needed to turn a “mob” into a “people?” Feb 7 The First Temple: Religious and Political Implications 1. The First Temple 2. King David, King Solomon 3. The Prophets 4. The Divided Kingdom 5. The Fall of the the Northern Kingdom (Israel) 6. Destruction of the First Temple and Exile Assignment: Reading #2 and 3 Trigger Questions: 1. Why did Kings David and Solomon turn Jerusalem into a religious center for the Jewish people? 2. What role did the prophets historically play in Jewish tradition? 3. What was the importance of the “found scroll?” 4. Did Josiah perhaps have an ulterior motive in having the scroll “appear?” 5. How did Jewish religious practice change during the Babylonian exile? Feb 21 The Second Commonwealth: From the Greeks to the Romans 1. Return to Jerusalem 2. Rebuilding the Temple 3. Life under Greek Rule 4. Maccabean Revolt and Religious Change 5. Under Roman Rule Assignment: Reading #4 Trigger Questions: 1. What effects did oracles and “deceivers” have on the populace? 2. Compare the beliefs of Ben Zakkai with those of Eliezer ben Yair. Mar 7 Rabbinic Judaism and the Shaping of Traditions 1. The Talmudic age 2. Evolution of the Synagogue 3. The Ascent of Christianity Assignment: Reading #5 Trigger Questions: 1. How did the development of the Talmud lead to Jewish continuity? 2. What factors lead Yehudah Ha Nasi to write down the Oral Law? Mar 14 The Islamic World and Medieval Europe 1. Jews in the Arab World 2. Life as “dhimmis” 3. Crusades 4. Jewish scholarship (Maimonides) 5. Expulsions 6. Spain, 1492 Assignment: Readings #6 & 7 Trigger Questions: 1. How were “dhimmis” treated in the Islamic world? 2. What are the underlying similarities between Islam and Judaism 3. What effect did the Crusades have on European Jews? 4. Compare Jewish life under Christian and Islamic rule. Mar 21 Emancipation and Enlightenment 1. Moses Mendelssohn 2. 1789 – France and Equality Assignment: Reading #8 Trigger Questions: 1. What new forms did Judaism take in response to Emancipation? 2. Were all Jews equally enthusiastic about Emancipation? 3. What effects did the Haskalah movement have on European Jews? Apr 11 Eastern European Roots 1. Hasidism and Mitnagdim 2. The Yiddish speaking world Assignment: Reading #9 Trigger Questions: 1. How and why did Hasidism “revive” Eastern European Jewry? 2. What effect did the Shabtai Zvi phenomenon have on Jews? Apr 25 Zionism and the Creation of the Jewish State 1. Herzl and Political Zionism 2. Rebuilding the Hebrew Language Assignment: Reading #10 Trigger Questions: 1. Why does Herzl succeed in advancing Zionism while others could not? 2. How did surrounding world events affect the Zionist movement in the twentieth century? 3. What effect did the establishment of Israel have on Diaspora Jews? 4. What challenges has Israel faced and what of the future? May 2 Coming to America and Creating American Forms of Judaism 1. The immigrant experience 2. Melting Pot 3. Re-imagining Judaism in an American setting Assignment: Readings #11, 12 Trigger Questions: 1. What led Jews from the role of absorbers to creators of American culture? 2. How did the American experience affect the development of Reform and Conservative Judaism? May 9 America and the Holocaust 1. Roots of Nazism 2. Anti-Semitism in America 3. Jewish Reaction to European News 4. The Final Solution 5. Resistance and Martyrdom Assignment: Readings #13 and 14 Trigger Questions: 1. How did classic European anti-Semitism lead to the Holocaust? 2. What role did stereotyping and demonization play? 3. Could American Jews have done more to help European Jews? May 16 Final Projects Due May 23 Conflict and Tradition: Today’s Jewish World 1. Beyond Israel, Holocaust and Anti-Semitism 2. Assuring Jewish continuity Assignment: Reading #15 Trigger Questions: 1. What will American Jewry look like in another 200 years? Why? Reading assignments are due on the week noted. Be prepared to participate in class discussions by carefully reading each week’s assignment. Your attendance is important to us all. There will be several short written assignments and one major final project during the semester. No late papers or projects will be accepted except in case of illness. |
| Syllabus Modified: | 2010-01-09 15:13:08 |
Syllabus/Syllabi Period 2 on Sunday in Newton Center Instructor: Norm Finkelstein | |
| Syllabus | |
| Modified by: | Norm Finkelstein |
| Body: | Hebrew College Prozdor
Grade 9 Core: Jewish History Who We Are: The Shaping of Jewish Civilization Course Syllabus – Prozdor - Spring, 2010 Instructor: Norman Finkelstein nfinkelstein@prozdor.org Course Description From Bible times to the present, a series of seemingly unconnected events over time have shaped our modern Jewish world. In this course we will examine the development of Jewish civilization in light of contemporary political, cultural and religious influences. Universal Question 1. What are the foundations of our history and how have they affected the development of Jewish life? 2. How has Judaism adapted to changing world conditions? Learning Objectives 1. Understanding the sweep and complexity of Jewish history. 2. Knowledge of important events that shaped Jewish continuity. 3. Understanding how history has impacted the development of Jewish law and tradition. Text Course Reader: A Sourcebook on Jewish History Assessment 1. Class participation 2. Occasional written assignments 3. Final project/report 4. Attendance Tentative Schedule and Course Outline Jan 24 Introduction. How did we get here? A Quick Timeline Overview of Jewish History. Jan 31 The Biblical Period: Origins to the First Temple 1. Exodus 2. The Covenant 3. Inheriting the Land Assignment: Reading #1 Trigger Questions: 1. How did the desert experience shape Jewish identity? 2. What steps were needed to turn a “mob” into a “people?” Feb 7 The First Temple: Religious and Political Implications 1. The First Temple 2. King David, King Solomon 3. The Prophets 4. The Divided Kingdom 5. The Fall of the the Northern Kingdom (Israel) 6. Destruction of the First Temple and Exile Assignment: Reading #2 and 3 Trigger Questions: 1. Why did Kings David and Solomon turn Jerusalem into a religious center for the Jewish people? 2. What role did the prophets historically play in Jewish tradition? 3. What was the importance of the “found scroll?” 4. Did Josiah perhaps have an ulterior motive in having the scroll “appear?” 5. How did Jewish religious practice change during the Babylonian exile? Feb 21 The Second Commonwealth: From the Greeks to the Romans 1. Return to Jerusalem 2. Rebuilding the Temple 3. Life under Greek Rule 4. Maccabean Revolt and Religious Change 5. Under Roman Rule Assignment: Reading #4 Trigger Questions: 1. What effects did oracles and “deceivers” have on the populace? 2. Compare the beliefs of Ben Zakkai with those of Eliezer ben Yair. Mar 7 Rabbinic Judaism and the Shaping of Traditions 1. The Talmudic age 2. Evolution of the Synagogue 3. The Ascent of Christianity Assignment: Reading #5 Trigger Questions: 1. How did the development of the Talmud lead to Jewish continuity? 2. What factors lead Yehudah Ha Nasi to write down the Oral Law? Mar 14 The Islamic World and Medieval Europe 1. Jews in the Arab World 2. Life as “dhimmis” 3. Crusades 4. Jewish scholarship (Maimonides) 5. Expulsions 6. Spain, 1492 Assignment: Readings #6 & 7 Trigger Questions: 1. How were “dhimmis” treated in the Islamic world? 2. What are the underlying similarities between Islam and Judaism 3. What effect did the Crusades have on European Jews? 4. Compare Jewish life under Christian and Islamic rule. Mar 21 Emancipation and Enlightenment 1. Moses Mendelssohn 2. 1789 – France and Equality Assignment: Reading #8 Trigger Questions: 1. What new forms did Judaism take in response to Emancipation? 2. Were all Jews equally enthusiastic about Emancipation? 3. What effects did the Haskalah movement have on European Jews? Apr 11 Eastern European Roots 1. Hasidism and Mitnagdim 2. The Yiddish speaking world Assignment: Reading #9 Trigger Questions: 1. How and why did Hasidism “revive” Eastern European Jewry? 2. What effect did the Shabtai Zvi phenomenon have on Jews? Apr 25 Zionism and the Creation of the Jewish State 1. Herzl and Political Zionism 2. Rebuilding the Hebrew Language Assignment: Reading #10 Trigger Questions: 1. Why does Herzl succeed in advancing Zionism while others could not? 2. How did surrounding world events affect the Zionist movement in the twentieth century? 3. What effect did the establishment of Israel have on Diaspora Jews? 4. What challenges has Israel faced and what of the future? May 2 Coming to America and Creating American Forms of Judaism 1. The immigrant experience 2. Melting Pot 3. Re-imagining Judaism in an American setting Assignment: Readings #11, 12 Trigger Questions: 1. What led Jews from the role of absorbers to creators of American culture? 2. How did the American experience affect the development of Reform and Conservative Judaism? May 9 America and the Holocaust 1. Roots of Nazism 2. Anti-Semitism in America 3. Jewish Reaction to European News 4. The Final Solution 5. Resistance and Martyrdom Assignment: Readings #13 and 14 Trigger Questions: 1. How did classic European anti-Semitism lead to the Holocaust? 2. What role did stereotyping and demonization play? 3. Could American Jews have done more to help European Jews? May 16 Final Projects Due May 23 Conflict and Tradition: Today’s Jewish World 1. Beyond Israel, Holocaust and Anti-Semitism 2. Assuring Jewish continuity Assignment: Reading #15 Trigger Questions: 1. What will American Jewry look like in another 200 years? Why? Reading assignments are due on the week noted. Be prepared to participate in class discussions by carefully reading each week’s assignment. Your attendance is important to us all. There will be several short written assignments and one major final project during the semester. No late papers or projects will be accepted except in case of illness. |
| Syllabus Modified: | 2010-01-09 15:14:27 |
Syllabus/Syllabi Period 3 on Sunday in Newton Center Instructor: Norm Finkelstein | |
| Syllabus | |
| Modified by: | Norm Finkelstein |
| Body: | Hebrew College Prozdor
Grade 9 Core: Jewish History Who We Are: The Shaping of Jewish Civilization Course Syllabus – Prozdor - Spring, 2010 Instructor: Norman Finkelstein nfinkelstein@prozdor.org Course Description From Bible times to the present, a series of seemingly unconnected events over time have shaped our modern Jewish world. In this course we will examine the development of Jewish civilization in light of contemporary political, cultural and religious influences. Universal Question 1. What are the foundations of our history and how have they affected the development of Jewish life? 2. How has Judaism adapted to changing world conditions? Learning Objectives 1. Understanding the sweep and complexity of Jewish history. 2. Knowledge of important events that shaped Jewish continuity. 3. Understanding how history has impacted the development of Jewish law and tradition. Text Course Reader: A Sourcebook on Jewish History Assessment 1. Class participation 2. Occasional written assignments 3. Final project/report 4. Attendance Tentative Schedule and Course Outline Jan 24 Introduction. How did we get here? A Quick Timeline Overview of Jewish History. Jan 31 The Biblical Period: Origins to the First Temple 1. Exodus 2. The Covenant 3. Inheriting the Land Assignment: Reading #1 Trigger Questions: 1. How did the desert experience shape Jewish identity? 2. What steps were needed to turn a “mob” into a “people?” Feb 7 The First Temple: Religious and Political Implications 1. The First Temple 2. King David, King Solomon 3. The Prophets 4. The Divided Kingdom 5. The Fall of the the Northern Kingdom (Israel) 6. Destruction of the First Temple and Exile Assignment: Reading #2 and 3 Trigger Questions: 1. Why did Kings David and Solomon turn Jerusalem into a religious center for the Jewish people? 2. What role did the prophets historically play in Jewish tradition? 3. What was the importance of the “found scroll?” 4. Did Josiah perhaps have an ulterior motive in having the scroll “appear?” 5. How did Jewish religious practice change during the Babylonian exile? Feb 21 The Second Commonwealth: From the Greeks to the Romans 1. Return to Jerusalem 2. Rebuilding the Temple 3. Life under Greek Rule 4. Maccabean Revolt and Religious Change 5. Under Roman Rule Assignment: Reading #4 Trigger Questions: 1. What effects did oracles and “deceivers” have on the populace? 2. Compare the beliefs of Ben Zakkai with those of Eliezer ben Yair. Mar 7 Rabbinic Judaism and the Shaping of Traditions 1. The Talmudic age 2. Evolution of the Synagogue 3. The Ascent of Christianity Assignment: Reading #5 Trigger Questions: 1. How did the development of the Talmud lead to Jewish continuity? 2. What factors lead Yehudah Ha Nasi to write down the Oral Law? Mar 14 The Islamic World and Medieval Europe 1. Jews in the Arab World 2. Life as “dhimmis” 3. Crusades 4. Jewish scholarship (Maimonides) 5. Expulsions 6. Spain, 1492 Assignment: Readings #6 & 7 Trigger Questions: 1. How were “dhimmis” treated in the Islamic world? 2. What are the underlying similarities between Islam and Judaism 3. What effect did the Crusades have on European Jews? 4. Compare Jewish life under Christian and Islamic rule. Mar 21 Emancipation and Enlightenment 1. Moses Mendelssohn 2. 1789 – France and Equality Assignment: Reading #8 Trigger Questions: 1. What new forms did Judaism take in response to Emancipation? 2. Were all Jews equally enthusiastic about Emancipation? 3. What effects did the Haskalah movement have on European Jews? Apr 11 Eastern European Roots 1. Hasidism and Mitnagdim 2. The Yiddish speaking world Assignment: Reading #9 Trigger Questions: 1. How and why did Hasidism “revive” Eastern European Jewry? 2. What effect did the Shabtai Zvi phenomenon have on Jews? Apr 25 Zionism and the Creation of the Jewish State 1. Herzl and Political Zionism 2. Rebuilding the Hebrew Language Assignment: Reading #10 Trigger Questions: 1. Why does Herzl succeed in advancing Zionism while others could not? 2. How did surrounding world events affect the Zionist movement in the twentieth century? 3. What effect did the establishment of Israel have on Diaspora Jews? 4. What challenges has Israel faced and what of the future? May 2 Coming to America and Creating American Forms of Judaism 1. The immigrant experience 2. Melting Pot 3. Re-imagining Judaism in an American setting Assignment: Readings #11, 12 Trigger Questions: 1. What led Jews from the role of absorbers to creators of American culture? 2. How did the American experience affect the development of Reform and Conservative Judaism? May 9 America and the Holocaust 1. Roots of Nazism 2. Anti-Semitism in America 3. Jewish Reaction to European News 4. The Final Solution 5. Resistance and Martyrdom Assignment: Readings #13 and 14 Trigger Questions: 1. How did classic European anti-Semitism lead to the Holocaust? 2. What role did stereotyping and demonization play? 3. Could American Jews have done more to help European Jews? May 16 Final Projects Due May 23 Conflict and Tradition: Today’s Jewish World 1. Beyond Israel, Holocaust and Anti-Semitism 2. Assuring Jewish continuity Assignment: Reading #15 Trigger Questions: 1. What will American Jewry look like in another 200 years? Why? Reading assignments are due on the week noted. Be prepared to participate in class discussions by carefully reading each week’s assignment. Your attendance is important to us all. There will be several short written assignments and one major final project during the semester. No late papers or projects will be accepted except in case of illness. |
| Syllabus Modified: | 2010-01-09 15:14:54 |
Syllabus/Syllabi Period 4 on Sunday in Newton Center Instructor: Norm Finkelstein | |
| Syllabus | |
| Modified by: | Norm Finkelstein |
| Body: | Hebrew College Prozdor
Grade 9 Core: Jewish History Who We Are: The Shaping of Jewish Civilization Course Syllabus – Prozdor - Spring, 2010 Instructor: Norman Finkelstein nfinkelstein@prozdor.org Course Description From Bible times to the present, a series of seemingly unconnected events over time have shaped our modern Jewish world. In this course we will examine the development of Jewish civilization in light of contemporary political, cultural and religious influences. Universal Question 1. What are the foundations of our history and how have they affected the development of Jewish life? 2. How has Judaism adapted to changing world conditions? Learning Objectives 1. Understanding the sweep and complexity of Jewish history. 2. Knowledge of important events that shaped Jewish continuity. 3. Understanding how history has impacted the development of Jewish law and tradition. Text Course Reader: A Sourcebook on Jewish History Assessment 1. Class participation 2. Occasional written assignments 3. Final project/report 4. Attendance Tentative Schedule and Course Outline Jan 24 Introduction. How did we get here? A Quick Timeline Overview of Jewish History. Jan 31 The Biblical Period: Origins to the First Temple 1. Exodus 2. The Covenant 3. Inheriting the Land Assignment: Reading #1 Trigger Questions: 1. How did the desert experience shape Jewish identity? 2. What steps were needed to turn a “mob” into a “people?” Feb 7 The First Temple: Religious and Political Implications 1. The First Temple 2. King David, King Solomon 3. The Prophets 4. The Divided Kingdom 5. The Fall of the the Northern Kingdom (Israel) 6. Destruction of the First Temple and Exile Assignment: Reading #2 and 3 Trigger Questions: 1. Why did Kings David and Solomon turn Jerusalem into a religious center for the Jewish people? 2. What role did the prophets historically play in Jewish tradition? 3. What was the importance of the “found scroll?” 4. Did Josiah perhaps have an ulterior motive in having the scroll “appear?” 5. How did Jewish religious practice change during the Babylonian exile? Feb 21 The Second Commonwealth: From the Greeks to the Romans 1. Return to Jerusalem 2. Rebuilding the Temple 3. Life under Greek Rule 4. Maccabean Revolt and Religious Change 5. Under Roman Rule Assignment: Reading #4 Trigger Questions: 1. What effects did oracles and “deceivers” have on the populace? 2. Compare the beliefs of Ben Zakkai with those of Eliezer ben Yair. Mar 7 Rabbinic Judaism and the Shaping of Traditions 1. The Talmudic age 2. Evolution of the Synagogue 3. The Ascent of Christianity Assignment: Reading #5 Trigger Questions: 1. How did the development of the Talmud lead to Jewish continuity? 2. What factors lead Yehudah Ha Nasi to write down the Oral Law? Mar 14 The Islamic World and Medieval Europe 1. Jews in the Arab World 2. Life as “dhimmis” 3. Crusades 4. Jewish scholarship (Maimonides) 5. Expulsions 6. Spain, 1492 Assignment: Readings #6 & 7 Trigger Questions: 1. How were “dhimmis” treated in the Islamic world? 2. What are the underlying similarities between Islam and Judaism 3. What effect did the Crusades have on European Jews? 4. Compare Jewish life under Christian and Islamic rule. Mar 21 Emancipation and Enlightenment 1. Moses Mendelssohn 2. 1789 – France and Equality Assignment: Reading #8 Trigger Questions: 1. What new forms did Judaism take in response to Emancipation? 2. Were all Jews equally enthusiastic about Emancipation? 3. What effects did the Haskalah movement have on European Jews? Apr 11 Eastern European Roots 1. Hasidism and Mitnagdim 2. The Yiddish speaking world Assignment: Reading #9 Trigger Questions: 1. How and why did Hasidism “revive” Eastern European Jewry? 2. What effect did the Shabtai Zvi phenomenon have on Jews? Apr 25 Zionism and the Creation of the Jewish State 1. Herzl and Political Zionism 2. Rebuilding the Hebrew Language Assignment: Reading #10 Trigger Questions: 1. Why does Herzl succeed in advancing Zionism while others could not? 2. How did surrounding world events affect the Zionist movement in the twentieth century? 3. What effect did the establishment of Israel have on Diaspora Jews? 4. What challenges has Israel faced and what of the future? May 2 Coming to America and Creating American Forms of Judaism 1. The immigrant experience 2. Melting Pot 3. Re-imagining Judaism in an American setting Assignment: Readings #11, 12 Trigger Questions: 1. What led Jews from the role of absorbers to creators of American culture? 2. How did the American experience affect the development of Reform and Conservative Judaism? May 9 America and the Holocaust 1. Roots of Nazism 2. Anti-Semitism in America 3. Jewish Reaction to European News 4. The Final Solution 5. Resistance and Martyrdom Assignment: Readings #13 and 14 Trigger Questions: 1. How did classic European anti-Semitism lead to the Holocaust? 2. What role did stereotyping and demonization play? 3. Could American Jews have done more to help European Jews? May 16 Final Projects Due May 23 Conflict and Tradition: Today’s Jewish World 1. Beyond Israel, Holocaust and Anti-Semitism 2. Assuring Jewish continuity Assignment: Reading #15 Trigger Questions: 1. What will American Jewry look like in another 200 years? Why? Reading assignments are due on the week noted. Be prepared to participate in class discussions by carefully reading each week’s assignment. Your attendance is important to us all. There will be several short written assignments and one major final project during the semester. No late papers or projects will be accepted except in case of illness. |
| Syllabus Modified: | 2010-01-09 15:15:17 |
Syllabus/Syllabi Period 1 on Tuesday in Newton Center Instructor: Norm Finkelstein | |
| Syllabus | |
| Modified by: | Norm Finkelstein |
| Body: | Hebrew College Prozdor
HIST: 148 MAN WITH A BEARD: THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND TIMES OF THEODOR HERZL Course Syllabus – Prozdor Spring 2010 Tuesdays, Hebrew College Instructor: Norman Finkelstein Email: nfinkelstein@prozdor.org Course Description His image is familiar to everyone. His story is not. Who was Theodor Herzl and how did he become the father of the modern State of Israel? In this course we explore the life of this charismatic leader in light of Jewish life in the latter part of the nineteenth century. We will discover the steps he took beginning in 1897 which led to the establishment of Israel in 1948 and explore the factors that led him to succeed when others could not. Universal Question(s) 1. How important was Theodor Herzl to the creation of the modern State of Israel? 2. Why did he succeed while others could not? 3. What conditions in nineteenth century Europe led to the growth of Zionism? Learning Targets/Objectives: 1. Understanding the pivotal role played by Herzl in establishing the modern State of Israel. 2. Knowledge of how the state of Jewish life in Europe, particularly Eastern Europ, affected the development of Zionism in the late nineteenth century. 3. Understanding how the Zionist movement embraced different aspects of the international Jewish community. Texts/Books/Material: Finkelstein, Norman H. Theodor Herzl: Architect of a Nation, Lerner, 1991 Assessment Methods: 1. Class participation 2. Occassional written assignments 3. Final project/report 4. Attendance Tentative Schedule/Course Outline: Jan 26 Introduction: Finkelstein’s Famous Fifteen Minute History of the Jewish People Trigger Questions: 1. How did ghetto life shape the lives of European Jews? 2. How did Jews keep alive the 2,000 year yearning for a return to Zion? Feb 2 In the Uttermost West Assignment: Chapter 1 Trigger Questions: 1. How do you think Herzl’s childhood affected his later life? 2. Why couldn’t the Herzl family’s assmilation protect young Dori from anti-Semitism? Feb 9 A Writer Assignment: Chapter 2 Trigger Questions: 1. Why were his parents not keen on Herzl’s writing career? 2. Why did Herzl jump at the chance to move to Paris? Feb 23 It Is No Dream Assignment: Chapter 3 Trigger Questions: 1. How did the Dreyfus Affair change Herzl’s life? 2. How can you explain the depth of anti-Semitism which existed then in France? Mar 2 The Simple, Ancient Maneuver Assignment: Chapter 4 Trigger Question: 1. What did Herzl think the re-establishment of the Jewish homeland would do to change the condition of European Jews? Mar 9 They Will Have It Assignment: Chapter 5 Trigger Questions: 1. Why was Herzl’s book so popular among Russian Jews? 2. How did he become a “hero” almost overnight? Mar 16 Only One Way Out Assignment: Chapter 6 Trigger Questions: 1. Why did Herzl put so much effort into diplomatic efforts? 2. Why did members of royalty receive Herzl and listen to his arguments? Mar 23 The Jewish State:The Book That Started a Revolution Assignment: Selected Excerpts (photocopy) Trigger Question: 1. In what way is this book a “”blueprint” for the establishment of the Jewish State? Apr 13 At Basel I Founded the Jewish State Assignment: Chapter 7 Trigger Question: 1. What was the symbolic importance of the First Zionist Congress? Apr 27 Old, Tired and Poor Assignment: Chapter 8 Trigger Question: 1. What effect did Herzl’s only visit to Palestine have on him? 2. What was the importance of Herzl’s meeting with the Kaiser in Palestine? May 4 Final Reports Due May 11 On the March Assignment: Chapter 9 Trigger Question: 1. Why did the Uganda Plan nearly put an end to the Zionist Movement? |
| Syllabus Modified: | 2010-01-09 15:16:54 |
Syllabus/Syllabi Period 1 on Wednesday in Natick Instructor: Norm Finkelstein | |
| Syllabus | |
| Modified by: | Norm Finkelstein |
| Body: | Hebrew College Prozdor
HIST 148: MAN WITH A BEARD: THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND TIMES OF THEODOR HERZL Course Syllabus – Prozdor Spring 2010 Wednesdays, Natick Instructor: Norman Finkelstein Email: nfinkelstein@prozdor.org Course Description His image is familiar to everyone. His story is not. Who was Theodor Herzl and how did he become the father of the modern State of Israel? In this course we explore the life of this charismatic leader in light of Jewish life in the latter part of the nineteenth century. We will discover the steps he took beginning in 1897 which led to the establishment of Israel in 1948 and explore the factors that led him to succeed when others could not. Universal Question(s) 1. How important was Theodor Herzl to the creation of the modern State of Israel? 2. Why did he succeed while others could not? 3. What conditions in nineteenth century Europe led to the growth of Zionism? Learning Targets/Objectives: 1. Understanding the pivotal role played by Herzl in establishing the modern State of Israel. 2. Knowledge of how the state of Jewish life in Europe, particularly Eastern Europ, affected the development of Zionism in the late nineteenth century. 3. Understanding how the Zionist movement embraced different aspects of the international Jewish community. Texts/Books/Material: Finkelstein, Norman H. Theodor Herzl: Architect of a Nation, Lerner, 1991 Assessment Methods: 1. Class participation 2. Occassional written assignments 3. Final project/report 4. Attendance Tentative Schedule/Course Outline: Jan 27 Introduction: Finkelstein’s Famous Fifteen Minute History of the Jewish People Trigger Questions: 1. How did ghetto life shape the lives of European Jews? 2. How did Jews keep alive the 2,000 year yearning for a return to Zion? Feb 3 In the Uttermost West Assignment: Chapter 1 Trigger Questions: 1. How do you think Herzl’s childhood affected his later life? 2. Why couldn’t the Herzl family’s assmilation protect young Dori from anti-Semitism? Feb 10 A Writer Assignment: Chapter 2 Trigger Questions: 1. Why were his parents not keen on Herzl’s writing career? 2. Why did Herzl jump at the chance to move to Paris? Feb 24 It Is No Dream Assignment: Chapter 3 Trigger Questions: 1. How did the Dreyfus Affair change Herzl’s life? 2. How can you explain the depth of anti-Semitism which existed then in France? Mar 3 The Simple, Ancient Maneuver Assignment: Chapter 4 Trigger Question: 1. What did Herzl think the re-establishment of the Jewish homeland would do to change the condition of European Jews? Mar 10 They Will Have It Assignment: Chapter 5 Trigger Questions: 1. Why was Herzl’s book so popular among Russian Jews? 2. How did he become a “hero” almost overnight? Mar 17 Only One Way Out Assignment: Chapter 6 Trigger Questions: 1. Why did Herzl put so much effort into diplomatic efforts? 2. Why did members of royalty receive Herzl and listen to his arguments? Mar 24 The Jewish State:The Book That Started a Revolution Assignment: Selected Excerpts (photocopy) Trigger Question: 1. In what way is this book a “”blueprint” for the establishment of the Jewish State? Apr 7 The Dreyfus Affair Assignment: Special Reading (photocopy) Trigger Questions: 1. What led to Dreyfus’s conviction for treason? 2. What role did anti-Semitism play in his verdict? Apr 14 At Basel I Founded the Jewish State Assignment: Chapter 7 Trigger Question: 1. What was the symbolic importance of the First Zionist Congress? Apr 28 Old, Tired and Poor Assignment: Chapter 8 Trigger Question: 1. What effect did Herzl’s only visit to Palestine have on him? 2. What was the importance of Herzl’s meeting with the Kaiser in Palestine? May 5 Final Reports Due May 12 On the March Assignment: Chapter 9 Trigger Question: 1. Why did the Uganda Plan nearly put an end to the Zionist Movement? |
| Syllabus Modified: | 2010-01-09 15:18:58 |