|
|
|
||
|
Theories of Antisemitism (JPM071)
Instructor: Hana Kubatova Email: hana.kubatova@fsv.cuni.cz Office Hours: konzultace.fsv.cuni.cz, and by appointment Office Location: Room 516, Jinonice Campus Course Site: Moodle
Course Description This course explores major theoretical perspectives on antisemitism, examining how these frameworks help us understand its historical roots, contemporary manifestations, and enduring political challenges. We begin with foundational debates on the definitions of antisemitism and “the Jewish Question” and move through diverse theoretical lenses, including Marxism, critical theory, postcolonial thought, nationalism, and identity studies. Throughout the course, students critically engage with the material, applying these theories to different historical and contemporary contexts. Special emphasis is placed on the evolving nature of antisemitism, its intersections with other forms of discrimination, and its role in current political and social discourses, including the complex relationship between antisemitism and Zionism.
Learning Objectives - Identify, evaluate, and interpret key debates on antisemitism. - Understand the usefulness and limitations of theoretical frameworks in comprehending historical and modern manifestations of antisemitism. - Explore intersections between antisemitism and other forms of discrimination, such as racism, nationalism, and religious intolerance.
General Course Disclaimer This course is built on critical engagement and encourages open debate. Disagreement and questioning are fundamental parts of the learning process, so students should expect to challenge assumptions, critically evaluate readings, and engage in discussions that may push the boundaries of their perspectives. This graduate course is reading-intensive and combines lectures and seminars, with a strong emphasis on participation and critical analysis.
Course Outline
Class I (October 3): Introduction, Course Aims, and Objectives Overview of course structure, expectations, and thematic exploration.
Class II (October 10): On Defining Antisemitism Readings: Deborah Lipstadt, Antisemitism: Here and Now (2019), ix-10. David Feldman, “Toward a History of the Term ‘Anti-Semitism,’” The American Historical Review 123(4), 2018, pp. 1139–1150.
Class III (October 17): “The Jewish Question” Readings: Karl Marx, “On the Jewish Question” (1844), in The Collected Works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, vol. 3, pp. 146-174. Isaac Deutscher, “The Non-Jewish Jew,” in The Non-Jewish Jew and Other Essays (1968), pp. 25-42.
Class IV (October 24): Nationalism Readings: Anthony D. Smith, “Nationalism and the Historians,” International Journal of Comparative Sociology 33.1–2 (1992): 58–80. Benedict Anderson, Imagined Communities (1983), Chapter 6: “Official Nationalism and Imperialism,” pp. 83-111.
Class V (October 31): Common Sense and Conspiracy Theories Readings: Hannah Arendt, “Antisemitism,” in The Origins of Totalitarianism (1951), pp. 3-53. J. Eric Oliver & Thomas J. Wood, “Conspiracy Theories and the Paranoid Style(s) of Mass Opinion,” American Journal of Political Science 58(4), pp. 952-966.
Class VI (November 7): Structural Antisemitism Readings: Moishe Postone, “Anti-Semitism and National Socialism: Notes on the German Reaction to ‘Holocaust,’” New German Critique 19, Special Issue 1: Germans and Jews (Winter 1980): 97–115. Jonathan Judaken, “So what's new? Rethinking the ‘new antisemitism’ in a global age,” Patterns of Prejudice 42.4–5 (2008): 531–560.
Class VII (November 14): Antisemitism and Whiteness Readings: Frantz Fanon, “The Lived Experience of the Black Man,” in Black Skin, White Masks (1952), pp. 89-119. Eric L. Goldstein, "The Unstable Other: Locating the Jew in Progressive-Era American Racial Discourse," American Jewish History 89.4 (2001): 383–409.
November 21: Reading Week – Proposal Due Submit project proposals via Moodle.
Class VIII (November 28): Orientalism, Antisemitism, and Academia Readings: Edward Said, Orientalism (1979), Introduction, pp. 1-30. Susannah Heschel, “Revolt of the Colonized: Abraham Geiger’s Wissenschaft des Judentums as a Challenge to Christian Hegemony in the Academy,” New German Critique 77, 1999, pp. 61-85.
Class IX (December 5): Anti-Zionism and Antisemitism Readings: Derek J. Penslar, “Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism: A Historical Approach,” in Contemporary Antisemitism: Canada and the World, edited by Michael R. Marrus, Derek J. Penslar, and Janice Gross Stein (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2005), 80–95. Brian Klug, “The Myth of the New Anti-Semitism,” The Nation (February 2, 2004): 22–26.
Class X (December 12): Postcolonial Perspectives and Critiques Readings: Aamir R. Mufti, "Auerbach in Istanbul: Edward Said, Secular Criticism, and the Question of Minority Culture," Critical Inquiry 25.1 (1998): 95–125. Ella Shohat, “Sephardim in Israel: Zionism from the Standpoint of Its Jewish Victims,” Social Text 19/20, 1988, pp. 1-35.
Class XI (December 19): The Future of Antisemitism Studies Readings: Frederick D. Weil, “The Variable Effects of Education on Liberal Attitudes: A Comparative-Historical Analysis of Anti-Semitism Using Public Opinion Survey Data,” American Sociological Review 50 (1985): 458–474. Brendan Nyhan, Shun Yamaya, and Thomas Zeitzoff, “How the Relationship Between Education and Antisemitism Varies Between Countries,” Research & Politics 11.2 (2024).
Assignments and Evaluation
Attendance, Preparation, and Participation (40% or 40 points): Active participation in class discussions and debates is expected. A maximum of two absences is permitted without a penalty. Engagement: Students will rotate in a “debate leader” role, preparing questions and arguments to prompt class debates, and in a “commentary” role, offering a brief response on weekly readings.
Proposal (20% or 20 points): A research project proposal is due on November 21 (Reading Week). The proposal should outline your final paper topic and include a preliminary bibliography. Submissions are via Moodle.
Final Research Paper (40% or 40 points): Students are expected to submit a research paper (15–20 pages, 1.5 spacing, Times New Roman, font size 11) that critically applies theoretical perspectives to a chosen case study. The paper will be evaluated based on originality, argument structure, review of literature, and organization. The deadline is January 31, 2025.
Final Grade Calculation Grades are awarded according to Charles University regulations: A: 100–91 points B: 90–81 points C: 80–71 points D: 70–61 points E: 60–51 points F: Below 50 points (fail)
Accommodations and Support If you encounter any challenges in participating or have concerns about your grades, please reach out. Should you require accommodations for religious, medical, or other reasons, or need additional support to succeed in this course, please contact me early in the semester.
Academic Integrity Academic integrity is crucial. Plagiarism, intentional or not, is a serious offense and will be reported to the Disciplinary Committee. All students are expected to uphold high standards of honesty and scholarship.
AI Use Policy The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools is permitted but must be fully disclosed. Clearly specify the tools used, their contributions, and their impact on the final work. Undisclosed use may result in disciplinary action for breaching academic integrity. Please cite AI-generated content properly and consult the instructor if you are unsure about appropriate use.
Poslední úprava: Kubátová Hana, M.A., Ph.D. (03.10.2024)
|