3440 - French Jewry: The Long History
Course Description
IN PERSON: How long have there been Jews in France? Short answer: About 2,000 years. Longer answer: Take this course to learn! You will also learn about their tremendous contributions to French life. While the history of the Jews in France has been marked by persecution, expulsion, prejudice and murder, it is also a story of heroism and a rich cultural Life. The Jewish community seems to have been largely aided by the French Revolution, and Napoleon gave them civil rights. Yet prejudice remained, exemplified by the Dreyfus case of 1894. And then a few decades later came the occupation of World War II, in which the murderous aims of the Nazis could not have succeeded without the willing collaboration of many French. Today, while the specter of the past has partially abated, many French Jews are leaving France or talking of leaving. Classes will be amply illustrated. The course is primarily lecture, but discussion is actively encouraged! | Lecture + Q&A, Facilitated discussion.
Max enrollment: 30.