Jewish Americans: Gen X to Gen Z
CJST 247
Fall 2026
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01
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What does it mean to be Jewish? What does it mean to be American? What does it mean to be young? This course explores these three questions, with a particular focus on where these identities intersect. We will examine how young Jewish Americans have been represented and how they have represented themselves over the past four decades. Through books, films, TV shows, comedy specials, social media, and more, we will trace how these representations have shifted from Generation X to Generation Z, and consider how they may continue to evolve in the future. We will also discuss the extent to which Jewish identity is essential or peripheral to how young Jews understand themselves, express their identities, and engage with the world. The course includes close readings of both canonical and lesser-known texts, alongside several creative projects. These may include analyzing a case study of a prominent contemporary Jewish celebrity, reimagining older Jewish media in a contemporary setting, writing a Jewish pop song, and more. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA CJST |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (Jewish & Israel Studies Minor) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Jonathan Branfman. MILLENNIAL JEWISH STARS: NAVIGATING RACIAL ANTISEMITISM, MASCULINITY, AND WHITE SUPREMACY.
Melissa Broder. MILK FED.
Alexandra Tanner. WORRY.
Emily Tamkin. BAD JEWS: A HISTORY OF AMERICAN JEWISH POLITICS AND IDENTITIES.
Elizabeth Wurtzel. PROZAC NATION.
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Examinations and Assignments:
Bi-Weekly (twice a week) comments on class materials: 50%
Three creative projects: 40%
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.... 07:10PM-10:00PM; Location: TBA |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 19 | | SR major: 0 | JR major: 0 | | |
| Seats Available: 19 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 8 | JR non-major: 6 | SO: 4 | FR: 1 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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