Economy, Ethnicity and [Jewish] Identity

Subject 131-412 (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 1, - 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

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Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: .
Prerequisites: Usually admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in history.
Corequisites: .
Recommended Background Knowledge: .
Non Allowed Subjects: .
Core Participation Requirements: .

Coordinator

Dr Gideon Reuveni
Subject Overview:

Jewish historiography generally tends to highlight religious, cultural and political aspects of the Jewish past more intensively than its economic features. This tendency is all the more striking given the centrality of economics to Jewish life and to the image of Jews and Judaism in modern times. Indeed, the general image of the Jews is often overloaded with patterns and emblems taken from the sphere of economics. It even seems to involve something like a "Jewish habitus". This seminar aims to address this neglected subject in Jewish history. By placing economics and especially consumption at the center of modern European Jewish experience, it seeks to confront central issues of Jewish history, such as assimilation and dissimilation, anti-Semitism and especially Jewish identity formation in modern times from a new perspective.

Assessment: A class presentations 1000 words, 20% (throughout the semester) and a research essay 4000 words 80% (due end of semester)
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester
Recommended Texts: .
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
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): Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (History)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (History)

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