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ETH 105 American Jewish Ethnic Studies 3.0 units 

ETH 105 is a brand-new undergraduate-level course at American Jewish University. In one semester, students will work at their own-weekly pace in an asynchronous online modality.  

Ethnic studies is the history of American civilization. This course provides more context into the American Judaic history and intersectionality of historically marginalized communities.   

  • ETH 105 American Jewish Ethnic Studies 3.0 units

    This course examines the Jewish-American ethnic experience in the United States, highlighting the cultural, economic, political, and social factors that shape Jewish identity. By analyzing the socio-political dynamics of race, resistance, and power, students will gain a nuanced understanding of the historical and contemporary forces that influence the identities and roles of Jewish Americans.  

    A central focus of the course is Jewish Americans who also identify with four major ethnic groups: African American, Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x, Native American, and Asian American and Pacific Islander. To provide a well-rounded perspective, it also explores the histories and cultural contributions of these broader communities in the United States. This foundational knowledge enhances students’ appreciation of these groups and fosters a deeper understanding of the multifaceted identities of Jewish Americans within them. This foundational knowledge enriches students’ appreciation of these communities and deepens their understanding of the complex identities of Jewish Americans who belong to them.  

    Additionally, the course explores the dynamics of race, resistance, and power, addressing topics such as discrimination, historical injustices, identity formation, stereotyping, inclusion, and the interrelations among different groups and communities. Through these lenses, students will critically examine the multifaceted experiences of Jewish Americans within the broader fabric of American society.  

  • Course Learning Objectives

    By the completion of this course, students will be able to…   

    • Analyze the socio-political dynamics of race, resistance, and power to understand the factors that have shaped the experiences and identities of ethnic groups in the United States.  

    • Define and explore key concepts in ethnic studies, including race, antisemitism, code switching, ethnicity, equity, settler colonialism, racialization, bias, stereotyping, diversity, intersectionality, and inclusivity.  

    • Examine the histories and cultural contributions of African American, Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x, Native American, and Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the United States.  

    • Learn about and evaluate the experiences and contributions of Jewish Americans across U.S. history.  

    • Explore the unique histories and cultural contributions of Jewish Americans who also identify as African American, Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x, Native American, or Asian American and Pacific Islander.  

    • Develop cultural competency and critical thinking skills by evaluating the intersections of the Jewish American community’s experiences with resistance, social justice, liberation, and societal challenges, both historical and contemporary.  

  • Course Topics

    Topics covered in ETH 105 American Jewish Ethnic Studies include: 

    • What is Race? What is Ethnic Studies? An Overview.  

    • Black/African American & Asian American and Pacific Islander Studies  

    • Latina/o/x and Chicano/a/x American and Native American Studies  

    • Inequality in America 

    • Early (Jewish) US Settlers  

    • Early & Modern American Jewish Experiences  

    • Identities & Experiences of American Jews of Color   

    • The History and Experiences of Black/African American Jews of Color  

    • The History and Experiences of Latina/o/x and Chicano/a/x American Jews of Color  

    • The History and Experiences of Native American Jews of Color  

    • The History and Experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islander Jews of Color  

    • Reflections & Activism