This class explores the development of Jewish culture in America during the last half century. We examine a range of cultural forms including literary works, essays, films, plays, stand-up comedy, and musical recordings. Specific themes include the tensions between “high” and popular culture, the problem of responding to the Holocaust, American assimilation and its discontents, the meaning of Israel for American Jews, and the quest to express cultural traditions in modern and postmodern forms. Figures whose work we study include theologian Abraham Joshua Heschel; fiction writers Bernard Malamud, Grace Paley, Philip Roth; poets Allen Ginsberg and Adrienne Rich; and comics Lenny Bruce, Larry David, and Sarah Silverman.
This course satisfies the following CURRENT English major/minor requirement: American Literature, Identity & Difference
This course satisfies the following NEW English major/minor requirements: Foundations & Methods (300/400-level), Regions: Americas, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Time: Contemporary/Modern
Course Requirements:
Course requirements include regular participation, discussion posts, short essays, one longer essay, and a take-home final exam.
Intended Audience:
This course is accessible to all undergraduate students at all levels. All students interested in ethnic and religious identity in America are welcome.