JWST 12.03 Irish and Jewish Identities: Crossovers in Culture

This course offers a comparative study of Jewish and Irish national identities from the nineteenth century onward. It examines the complex range of stereotypes that defined both nations as somehow distinct from other Europeans, as well as the ways in which each national movement responded to these stereotypes—both independently and in dialogue with one another.

Until the 1990s, Jews were the only “foreign” minority to reside in Ireland over the course of many centuries. Their physical presence is reflected in a wide range of cultural expressions that developed within Irish society.

The course is designed for students with an interest in Irish, Jewish, or Israeli-Palestinian history; James Joyce; the history of nationalism, imperialism, and diasporas; whiteness studies; and European history, particularly its lesser-studied peripheral regions. Readings draw on both primary sources and scholarly research. No prior knowledge of Irish or Jewish history is required.

Degree Requirement Attributes

WCult:CI

The Timetable of Class Meetings contains the most up-to-date information about a course. It includes not only the meeting time and instructor, but also its official distributive and/or world culture designation. This information supersedes any information you may see elsewhere, to include what may appear in this ORC/Catalog or on a department/program website. Note that course attributes may change term to term therefore those in effect are those (only) during the term in which you enroll in the course.

Department-Specific Course Categories

Jewish Studies