Jews in the Modern Middle East and North Africa, 1800-Present
FYSEMR 66P
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
Not so long ago, nearly every corner of the Middle East and North Africa was home to thriving Jewish communities who spoke dialects of Arabic, Persian, Spanish and other languages who professed their loyalty to Ottoman sultans, the beys of Tunis, or the sultans of Morocco; and who thought, dreamed, loved, and died according to the rhythms of Muslim-majority societies. Starting in the mid-twentieth century, Jews began leaving the Middle East and North Africa in increasingly large numbers—heading to the new state of Israel, Europe, or to North and South America. Today, very few Jews live in the region outside of Israel/Palestine, though the memory of their presence remains vibrant in many places.
The conflict in Israel/Palestine often casts more shade than light on the history of Jews from the Middle East and North Africa. Alongside the mass departure of Jews from this region, current politics can make enmity among Jews and Arabs (and/or Muslims) seem inevitable. This seminar encourages students to resist seeing the past through the lens of the present, and instead to consider how Jewish communities navigated the rapid pace of change in places where Jews had lived for centuries. Students will engage with an array of primary sources, from novels to popular music. Rather than focusing on “the conflict,” this seminar engages with a lesser-known dimension of both Jewish and Middle Eastern histories.
Class Notes
First-Year Seminars are available only to first-year students. You may apply to both Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 First-Year Seminars via the FYS lottery between July 6 and August 6, 2026 at 11:59PM-midnight.
You may apply to as many seminars each term as you would like, but we recommend you apply to at least six in fall and three in spring.
As part of your application, you must provide a brief statement on why you are interested in each seminar. You will be notified of lottery results for both fall and spring seminars at 5 pm on August 11. If you are unsuccessful in the lottery, you may still join any seminar with open seats. A list of open seminars and instructions on next steps will be available on the First-Year Seminar Program website August 11 at 12 Noon.
Not Available for Cross Registration
