060040 SE Modern Jewish Thought - An Introduction (2022S)

This course is a critical survey of the most significant Jewish responses to the experience of the modern era. Beginning with Spinoza's political and hermeneutic thought, we will explore how Jewish thinkers met the social, cultural, and religious challenges of modernity and, in turn, influenced the transformation of modern Jewry. Jewish Thought is understood in a broader sense to include philosophers, religious reformers, and political leaders. Changing and conflicting perspectives on tradition, education, culture, and religion will be in the center of our interest.

The following units will guide the course:

1) Introduction: Jewish Philosophy in the Middle Ages
2) Where does the Modern Period Begin?
3) Spinoza’s Theologico-Political Treatise
4) The Challenge of the Enlightenment
5) Moses Mendelssohn
6) Reform and Orthodoxy
7) Jewish Scholarship and Historicism
8) Jewish Renaissance and Zionism
9) Hermann Cohen and Leo Baeck
10) Martin Buber and Franz Rosenzweig
11) After the Holocaust: Jewish Perspectives from the New World
12) Contemporary Questions

Format:
Lecture with Discussion. Students are required to prepare short primary texts in advance.

Objective:
Introductory survey of the historical and thematic development of modern Jewish thought, 1670-2000.