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Description
The Jewish eastern European encounter was among the most significant in the history of the European diasporic encounter.
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the political, legal, religious, cultural, and social ramifications of this encounter. It offers in-depth analysis of the emergence of Jewish autonomy and of the variegated cultural life of Jewish communities. It reflects on religious diversification including heretic and dissenting challenges to communal hierarchies and on the scope and limits of social, cultural and legal integration, as well as on the dramatic consequences of the partitions of Poland. It offers insights into the trajectories of formerly Polish-Jewish communities in Russia, the Habsburg Empire, and Prussia, as well as the impact of mass emigration. The emergence of very large Jewish communities and the impact of emigration from Eastern Europe in the late 19th century will include a reflection on the echoes of Eastern European Jewish culture in the Americas and in Palestine/Israel. Jewish political mobilisation in the 20th c., the impact of antisemitism and anti-Jewish violence, and the catastrophe of the German occupation and the Holocaust will be discussed as well as the attempts to rebuild Jewish life aftter the war and under communism. The seminars will allow for in-depth analysis of textual source material provided in English translation. In case of sufficient interest, an excursion to visit the Polin Museum for the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw will be organised.
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 8th April 2024.
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