This course examines an important topic in historical or contemporary antisemitism. It traces the evolution of antisemitism as a cultural code, form of social exclusion, political program, and/or ideology. Course materials situate given cases of antisemitism in the larger cultural, social, and political contexts of a given time and place. Students gain deep knowledge and comparative perspective on the structure, development, causes, and impact of anti-Jewish hatred, exclusion, and discrimination.

This course provides students an opportunity to investigate the similarities and differences between premodern and modern group identity narratives. Premodern narratives of peoplehood will be analyzed alongside modern racial narratives utilizing a comparative approach to reading primary sources, coupled with a critical engagement with secondary sources on the issues of race, racism, and religion. The course will focus on narratives related to Western Civilization, white people, black people, Antisemitism, and Orientalism. It will also cover some of the parallels and differences between Western ideologies of racism and Antisemitism and those found in certain parts of the premodern Islamic world and the Middle East.

Repeat Rules