ITL 323 - Jewish Italy

Course unit(s): 1
Meets GAR (students beginning prior to Fall 2024): Meets general academic requirements HU and DE.
Meets Explore Core requirement (students beginning Fall 2024 and later): HS, GP
The Jews of Italy constitute the most ancient uninterrupted Jewish community outside of Israel, dating back at least to the first century B.C.E. Over the course of the last 2100 years, the Jewish minority in Italy has experienced periods of freedom and cultural brilliance, as well as moments of repression and violent persecution. This course explores the history, culture, literature, and art of Italian Jews, beginning with their ancient origins, through the Renaissance, the ghetto period, political emancipation, Fascist persecution, the Shoah, the post-war return, and the present day. We will discover the multifaceted nature of this long-lived group, and the many ways in which the Jews of Italy have sought to adapt to changing political and social conditions in order to survive. This course is taught in English and no knowledge of Italian language is necessary.