Political Research Seminar (395-0-23)

Topic

The Politics of Antisemitism and Zionism

Instructors

Jeff Rice
847/491-8916
1908 Sheridan

Meeting Info

Scott Hall 212: Wed 2:00PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

A class on Antisemitism and Zionism in 2024 is by nature a very provocative topic. I will present a dialectical relationship between Antisemitism and Zionism which will encompass the emergence of both secular and religious Zionism (in the 19th and 20th centuries). The bulk of the class will begin in the mid to late 19th century and run until 1967 when Israel extended its lands to cover the dream of the religious Zionists/Revisionist movement). When I say dialectical, I mean that these two phenomena are inextricably linked. Since we cannot imagine a world without the systematic hatred of Jews, we find ourselves with Jews grabbing on to the 19th century ideas of nationalism in pursuit of a sovereign nation (sovereign people) wherein the "nation of Jewry" can live with existential security. Jewry at risk versus Jewry secure. While the origins of antisemitism are complex in themselves, the murder of a large segment of European Jewry by the Nazis raised the stakes and Zionism in pursuit of a state was realized in 1948. Some of the above violates certain threads of Zionism but I believe it to historically accurate to suggest the Holocaust was a motivator for the formation of Israel as a concrete nation rather than an idea(l). Religious Zionists might contend that the above-mentioned contingency allowed God’s gift to be realized. Leftists and political science realists might argue that this was the result of collapsing empires being "juiced" by the genocide and the cold war, i.e. power politics and neo-colonialism. Think as you will, I am not seeking to impose one or another explanation in this class.

Registration Requirements

Juniors/Seniors only

Learning Objectives

The goal of this class is to explore the heightened debate over the relationships between antisemitism and zionism on the one hand and criticism of Israel and antisemitism on the other.

Teaching Method

Seminar

Evaluation Method

Each student will write a short summary of the intended research project, a bibliography, and a final paper 15-20 pages long which can also be done as a power point. Each student will present this to the class.

Class Materials (Required)

Stephen Beller: "Antisemitism: A very Short Introduction";

Derek Penslar" "Zionism: An Emotional State";

Avi Shlaim, "The Iron Wall";

Rashid Khalidi, "The Hundred Years War";

other library readings.

Class Notes

This provocative seminar is predicated on two things: free speech and respect. Anything less will not be permitted.

Class Attributes

Advanced Expression

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Political Science students who are Juniors or Seniors