Description:
This course will explore where Jews have fit in the diverse ethnic and racial mix that has been characteristic of American history. By exploring the history of Jewish integration into American society in comparative context with the histories of other groups (African Americans, Asian Americans, Latinos, and other European ethnics) we will answer the following questions: What groups' experiences have been most similar to those of Jews and what groups' experiences have been most different? How have American definitions of "difference" shaped Jewish integration and what impact have they had on Jewish efforts to assert a distinctive identity? Are Jews insiders or outsider in American society? Are Jews white?

In the first half of the course, students will gain a framework for exploring these issues through the reading of a number of primary and secondary sources and the writing of two short papers. The second half of the course will be devoted to the completion of a major research paper (15-20 pages) on a topic related to the theme of the course. Students will have to turn in bibliographies, outlines, drafts, and other components of their final papers at various points during the writing and research process, and there will be opportunities for sharing and peer-review work during class sessions.

Readings:
The following books are required for the course and can be purchased at the Emory bookstore:
•Alfred Uhry, The Last Night of Ballyhoo
•Hasia R. Diner, In the Almost Promised Land: American Jews and Blacks, 1915-1935
•James McBride, The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother
•Gish Jen, Mona in the Promised Land
•David Hollinger, Postethnic America: Beyong Multiculturalism
In addition, there will be several book chapters and articles placed on on-line reserve. These can be accessed on Reserves Direct, but it will be simpler to visit the web version of this syllabus at http://userwww.service.emory.edu/%7Eegoldst/OOS.htm and click on the links.

Particulars:
Students are responsible for preparing answers to the questions listed with the assigned readings, and will be called on in class to share their ideas. Once during the semester, students will also be asked to facilitate class discussion and to prepare for this by writing their answers to the discussion questions in the form of a short (5 page) paper (they will sign up for a given week in advance). In addition, students will complete an original research paper (15-20 pages) using relevant primary and secondary sources (specific guidelines will be discussed later in the semester). Aspects of the final research paper (proposal, bibliography, outline, rough draft, etc.) will be due on specific dates during the term and will be the focus of in-class workshops. The grade on the research paper will not only take into consideration the final product, but also how the student performed the various steps along the way. Final course grades will be composed of the following:

-- Attendance and participation: 30%
-- Class facilitation and short paper: 20%
-- Final paper: 50%

Class Schedule:

Aug. 30

Course Introduction

What Are the Jews? Changing Times, Changing Definitions
Reading:
Naomi W. Cohen, "The Jewish Question and Some Jewish Answers," parts one and two
Alfred Uhry, The Last Night of Ballyhoo
Question: How did the so-called "Jewish Question" push Jews to define themselves in different ways? What does being Jewish mean to the various characters/families in Ballyhoo? How do these definitions change in different situations and what are the factors that cause the definitions to change?
In-Class Activity: Analyze primary sources that argue for various definitions of the "Jew."

Sept. 13

Jews and Other European Immigrants
Reading:
Steven Steinberg, "The Myth of Ethnic Success: The Jewish Horatio Alger Story" and "Why Irish Became Domestics and Italians and Jews Did Not"
Hasia Diner, "Ethnicity and Emotions in America: Dimensions of the Unexplored"
David Roediger, "Inbetween People: Race, Nationality, and the 'New Immigrant' Working Class"
Question: 1) Identify, by underlining, the passage you think best represents the thesis of each article; 2) Based on these wide-ranging articles, how were Jews similar to other European immigrants groups and how were they different? Give at least two major examples of each.

Sept. 20

African Americans and American Jews: Symbolism vs. Social Reality
Reading: Hasia Diner, In the Almost Promised Land and
Diner, "Between Words and Deeds: Jews and Blacks in America, 1880-1935"
Question: What are the differences between Diner's book and her article? How does the introduction of new subject matter in the article change her overall argument? Give specific examples.

Presentation of Paper Topics
Assignment: Two-page thesis statement and bibliography of primary (at least five) and secondary (at least 10) sources due.
In-Class Activity: We will present our topics, give feedback and work in pairs to sharpen our thesis statements.

IN-CLASS PRESENATIONS, continued.

ALL FINAL PAPERS ARE DUE by 5:00pm. You may send them by email to Prof. Goldstein at egoldst@emory.edu.