Medieval Judaisms in a Global Context R3 (WiSe 2026/27)

Medieval Judaisms in a Global Context (R3)

Thursdays 12:00-14:00

Instructor: Alexandra Cuffel (GB 3/55)

Office hours: By Appointment

Email: alexandra.cuffel@rub.de

Beginning in late antiquity and continuing through the Middle Ages, Jews traveled from Mesopotamia and the Levant to regions in Arabia, Northern Europe, Central Asia, China and India. They established themselves in North Africa. Various groups in West and South Asia and Ethiopia claimed Jewish descent and, in the case of Ethiopia, Jewish practice. In this class we will examine the ways in which Jews interacted with and adapted to the various cultures and religions in these regions. Particular attention will be paid to the plurality within Judaism, so that students will become familiar with not only various expressions of Rabbinic Judaism, but also Karaites, the Isawiyya, and the Beta Isra’el, and “Jewish-adjacent” communities such as the Samaritans. We will also examine how and why “Jewish” was sometimes used as a symbolic identity in Europe, West Asia, and Ethiopia. No previous knowledge of Judaism or medieval history is required. Course taught in English. German clarification provided as needed. Written assignments may be in English, German or another language with approval from the instructor.

Requirements for Participation CPs:

1. 1) Read the weekly readings and discuss them in class
2. 2) Post questions and comments on the discussion forum on moodle no later than Wednesday 23:59 (Midnight) before class.
3. 3) Select one primary source (= translated source from the Middle Ages) relevant to the course – it may be one we read in class, or one of your own choosing – and write a 5 page analysis of the source. The essay may be in English, German, or another language with the permission of the instructor.

Requirements for the Full CPs:

1. 1) In addition to the above, write a research paper/Hausarbeit of 4,000 words (16 pages double spaced, times new roman 12 point type). You may incorporate parts of your analysis of the chosen primary source into your research paper’s text. The research paper may be in English, German, or another language with the permission of the instructor.

*Note: Plagiarism is forbidden and will result in disciplinary action and potential failure of the class. The use of AI is allowed for correcting language, but not for composing your papers, or your weekly comments. Inappropriate use of AI may also result in failure or disciplinary action.