Expulsion, Inquisition, Ladinismo: Experiences of Sephardi Jews 1492-Present (210045-WiSe 2023/24)

This course will examine the history, religious experiences, and cultural output of Jews or those of Jewish descent from Portugal and Spain from the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492 to the present.  We will examine various Sephardi diasporas throughout Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa.  Conflicts with the Inquisition, the experiences of conversos (Jews who converted to Christianity and their descendants) and their relationship with those who remained or resumed their Jewish identities will also be prominent themes in this course.  Other topics will include: representations of martyrdom, the ways in which Sephardim became integrated into the Ottoman empire, Sephardic ballads and music, women as prophets and keepers of religious traditions; the development of Ladino, modern Sephardi religious practices.  Taught in English.