Jewish History 750-1492 (203-1-20)

Instructors

David Shyovitz
847/467-1967
Harris Hall - Room 314

Meeting Info

Shepard Hall B25: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

This course surveys the development of Jewish culture and civilization in the medieval period, from roughly 750 (the rise of the Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad) to 1492 (the expulsion of the Jews of Spain). We will explore the varied, rich, nuanced experiences of Jewish communities in Europe and the Islamic East, and trace the ways in which Jewish culture, thought, and socio-political life developed over a vast chronological and geographical expanse. We will consistently seek to situate Jewish experiences both against the backdrop of earlier Jewish history, as well as in relation to the contemporary Christian and Islamic cultures in which medieval Jews were embedded. The course will also trace some of the ways in which medieval Jewish history has been instrumentalized to further modern social and political agendas. Readings for this course include both primary documents (in English translation) and secondary sources. The goals of the course will include grappling with how historians use primary documents to reconstruct Jewish history, and learning to read works of historical interpretation with a careful and critical eye.

Learning Objectives

Grappling with how historians use primary documents to reconstruct history, and learning to read works of historical interpretation with a careful and critical eye.

Evaluation Method

papers, take-home final exam

Class Materials (Required)

sources to be made available via Canvas

Class Notes

History Area of Concentration: European, Asia/Middle East

Class Attributes

Historical Studies Foundational Discipline
Historical Studies Distro Area
Global Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity