HIST 216 American Jewish History

This course begins in the Colonial period and focuses on the unprecedented growth of the American Jewish community throughout the modern era. Historically, Jews have sought refuge and greater prospects in the United States from Spanish, Portuguese, Germanic, and Dutch lands, as well as from Eastern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. By using a diverse framework of analysis, we will cover topics such as: the early settlers, Jews and the American Revolution, the German migration, the influx of Jews from Poland and Russia, New York City and the rise of the Jewish Lower East Side, the Jewish labor movement and politicization, Yiddish culture, suburbanization, the plight of Soviet Jews, the growth of insular ultra-religious communities, and disenchantment and hipster Jewish life today. Readings will consist of primary and secondary material.