This course centers gender as it examines the Jews of Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA)—a region typically defined as stretching from Morocco to Afghanistan. Our exploration will include delving into life prior to the 19th century in places like medieval Egypt and late 1700s Morocco before colonialisms supported by western imperialism narrowed expressions of Jewish identities and histories. With a focus on correcting the negative effects of eurocentrism and colonialism, the course will uncover the potential pasts possible in SWANA where gendered Jews have been integral. Sources and topics will include fictional accounts such as Ninette of Sin Street exploring Jews and gender in early 20th century North Africa; speeches from early women’s rights activists throughout Egypt and the Levant such as those from Esther Moyal; biographies and music from Jewish women of culture such as artists Layla Murad in Egypt and Salima Pasha in Iraq; autobiographical accounts; and films such as Dimona Twist which discusses SWANA Jewish women’s racist discrimination in Israel/Palestine. By the end of the course, students will feel empowered to make more speculative assertions as a challenge to imperialist violence and possess a more varied and dynamic picture of Jewish communities and Jewish people.
This is a 4-unit course. On average, you should expect to spend at least twelve (12) hours a week (including in-class time) on this course.