Odesa: Jews in the Modern World

University of California, Santa Cruz via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/odesa

Introduction

## Course Review: Odesa: Jews in the Modern World ***Overview:*** Curated by esteemed emeritus professors Peter Kenez and Murray Baumgarten from UC Santa Cruz, the Coursera course *Odesa: Jews in the Modern World* intricately weaves the rich tapestry of Jewish life in the historically significant port city of Odesa, Ukraine. Set against the backdrop of the 19th and early 20th centuries, this course offers an engaging analysis steeped in history, culture, music, and literature—a must for anyone fascinated by the Jewish experience and heritage. The course starts by establishing a vivid picture of Odesa as a flourishing hub that attracted Jewish populations seeking opportunities in a time of great socio-political change. Throughout the lectures, learners are treated to a comprehensive exploration of key figures, artistic contributions, and the complex socio-economic realities faced by Jews during this transformative period. --- ### **Syllabus Breakdown:** 1. **Lecture 1: A City Like No Other** The course commences by transporting participants to Odesa circa 1850-1930. Kenez and Baumgarten expertly illustrate the vibrant Jewish life that thrived amidst an intriguing multicultural milieu, spotlighting writers and artists like Bialik and Babel whose works came to define Odesa’s literary landscape. 2. **Lecture 2: Jewish Life in the Russian Empire** Here, Professor Kenez dives into the demographic shifts and the ramifications of industrialization on Jews living in the Pale of Settlement. This lecture sets a crucial historical context, enriching our understanding of the community’s evolution during a pivotal time. 3. **Lecture 3: Modernism & Internationalism** This segment focuses on the interconnections between Jewish creatives and broader intellectual movements. Professor Baumgarten discusses Babel’s short story “Gedali,” illuminating the cross-cultural exchanges that took place in the sphere of modernism. 4. **Lecture 4: Antisemitism in the Russian Empire** A sobering yet essential discussion, this lecture addresses the various forms and consequences of antisemitism faced by Jewish communities, including an examination of infamous documents like the *Protocols of the Elders of Zion*. Kenez thoughtfully dissects these societal pressures and their impact on Jewish identity. 5. **Lecture 5: Jewish Achievement in the Modern World** Professor Kenez presents a compelling narrative on Jewish resilience and innovation, spotlighting the emergence of the Jewish working and entrepreneurial classes amidst societal upheaval. The formation of labor organizations like the Bund is explored, setting the stage for further political turmoil. 6. **Lecture 6: Jewish Virtuosity** Baumgarten’s analysis of Babel’s work offers unique insights into the life experiences of Jews in Odesa and the fleeting moments of hope amidst a threatening social environment. This lecture humanizes the historical narrative, connecting past struggles to personal stories. 7. **Lecture 7: Revolution & Civil War** In this concluding lecture, Kenez and Baumgarten discuss the tumultuous role of Jews in the Russian Revolution and Civil War, highlighting both the perils they faced and their contributions to the revolutionary movements. **Final Project: A Postcard from Odesa** As a capstone to their learning, participants will create a peer-reviewed project entitled "A Postcard from Odesa." This creative assignment encourages students to synthesize their acquired knowledge and insights, engaging them in a reflective process—a brilliant way to reinforce learning outcomes. --- ### **Recommendation:** I wholeheartedly recommend *Odesa: Jews in the Modern World* for anyone eager to deepen their understanding of Jewish history, particularly in the context of Eastern European culture. The course's thoughtful synthesis of literature, historical events, and cultural analysis makes it an invaluable educational experience. The collaborative teaching style of Professors Kenez and Baumgarten creates an inviting learning atmosphere, suited for historical scholars and casual learners alike. Their evident passion and expertise foster an enriching environment, encouraging a broader appreciation of the resilience and creativity inherent in Jewish culture. No matter your prior knowledge, this course is a treasure trove of insights, beautifully encapsulating a unique chapter of Jewish history that is often overlooked. Engage with the course to explore Odesa's rich narrative, and unlock the stories of its remarkable Jewish community.

Syllabus

Lecture 1: A city like no other

In this first lecture, Professors Kenez & Baumgarten describe life in Odesa circa 1850-1930, a port city in Ukraine that was a dynamic opportunity zone for its Jewish population. They also introduce Jewish virtuosos Bialik, Babel, and other writers and artists of Odesa.

Lecture 2: Jewish life in the Russian Empire

Professor Kenez discusses the lives of Jews in the Pale of the Settlement, demographic changes, and the impact of industrialization on Jews in late 19th-century Russia.

Lecture 3: Modernism & Internationalism

Professor Baumgarten discusses Babel’s short story “Gedali,” the intercultural lives of Jewish virtuosos, and the impact of modernism and internationalism on their creative output.

Lecture 4: Antisemitism in the Russian Empire

Professor Kenez discusses programs, varieties of antisemitism, and the Protocols of the Elders of Zion.

Lecture 5: Jewish achievement in the modern world

Professor Kenez discusses the culture, skills, and talents that Jews used to achieve something extraordinary in the modern world. He focuses on the development Jewish working and entrepreneurial classes, the advent of the Bund (the Jewish Labor Force), and the onset of the Revolution and Russian Civil War.

Lecture 6: Jewish virtuosity

Professor Baumgarten discusses Babel’s stories about growing up in Odesa where, for a brief window of time, Jews could have a better life than anywhere else in the Russian Empire. Simultaneously this was a dangerous and contested social space.

Lecture 7: Revolution & Civil War

In this final letcure, Professors Kenez & Baumgarten discuss the role and fates of Jews during the Russian Revolution and Civil War.

Final Project: A Postcard from Odesa

Learners will compete a peer reviewed final project: "A Postcard from Odesa"