Netflix and Shul: Jews on TV
CJST 218
Fall 2022
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01
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Jews have always been an inseparable part of the small screen--first, mainly (but not only) as writers and producers, and gradually as characters and protagonists. Today, American television is more Jewish than ever. Jews changed TV. But did it also change them? This course will study the long history of Jews and Jewishness in American Television--from The Goldbergs in the 40's through Seinfeld and Mad Men in the 90's and 00's to The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Russian Doll today. Each class will revolve around one episode of a show and discuss how it reflects on different aspects of Jewish life--Jewish humor, Jewish crime, Jewish Upward mobility, Jewish guilt, the Jewish mother, Jewishness and whiteness, antisemitism and more. In keeping with the Jewish tradition, we will obviously ask many questions, including the most complex one--What does "Jewish" mean? |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS CJST |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: None |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
David Zurawik. THE JEWS OF PRIME TIME
Vincent Brook. SOMETHING AIN'T KOSHER HERE.
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Examinations and Assignments:
Bi-Weekly (twice a week) comments on readings and/or TV shows: 50 %
Final essay: 20 %
Creative mid-term assignment: 20 %.
Participation: 10%
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Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
This course counts toward the minor in Jewish and Israel Studies |
| Instructor(s): Shavit,Avner Times: ..T.R.. 02:50PM-04:10PM; Location: FISK208; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 19 | | SR major: 0 | JR major: 0 | | |
| | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 5 | JR non-major: 5 | SO: 5 | FR: 4 |
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