Modern Jewish History

Subject 131-201 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Gideon Reuveni
Subject Overview:

The modern Jewish experience has often been characterized as an era of increasing participation in civil society, and is juxtaposed with the "premodern" era of Jewish separateness. By re-integrating the history of the Jews into the social and cultural fabric of their host societies, this course seeks to challenge these dichotomies and introduce students to the complexity of the Jews' experience. It begins by exploring the meaning for Jews of the transformation from traditional society, as defined by religious identity and socio-economic structure, into a modern society of complex religious, ethnic, social and political identities. Then it turns to examine the different ways in which Jewish men and women in various parts of the world responded to the challenges of modernity. The subject will look at various aspects of the Jewish encounters with modernity ranging from economic and social transformations, religious reform, relations with the non-Jewish environment, emancipation and gender, the rise nationalism and the dilemmas of Jewish identities in the post-Holocaust period. This examination will show that modernity did not only refashioned Jewish cultures, but also provided Jews with new venues for imagining cultural belonging. Special emphasis will be placed on the use of primary texts and documents, including memoirs, diaries, visual images, and literary works.

Assessment: A take home exam 1500 words, 40% (due mid-semester), a research essay 2500 words 50% (due end of semester) and tutorial participation 10%.
Prescribed Texts: Prescribed Texts:A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester
Breadth Options: This subject is a level 2 or level 3 subject and is not available to new generation degree students as a breadth option in 2008.
This subject or an equivalent will be available as breadth in the future.
Breadth subjects are currently being developed and these existing subject details can be used as guide to the type of options that might be available.
2009 subjects to be offered as breadth will be finalised before re-enrolment for 2009 starts in early October.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;

  • show critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and determining strength of an argument;

  • demonstrate understanding of changing knowledge base in specialist area

Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts
Diploma in Arts (History)
Graduate Certificate in Arts (History)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (History)

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