At Northwestern University, an innovative class titled “What is Antisemitism?” grapples with one of the most pressing issues in contemporary discourse: understanding the boundaries of antisemitism. The course, led by Professor David Shyovitz, invites students to explore not only historical and scholarly perspectives but also to confront challenging questions surrounding the topic. For example, it poses inquiries such as whether calling a Jewish person a pig or advocating for boycotts against Israel can be deemed antisemitic.
Shyovitz’s course does not provide definitive answers; instead, it aims to equip students with the necessary historical context and frameworks to engage thoughtfully with such complex inquiries. The class is a response to rising tensions and discussions around antisemitism, especially in light of increased protests on college campuses advocating for pro-Palestinian viewpoints. Shyovitz developed this curriculum in late 2020, during a period when antisemitism was becoming a contentious subject on many American campuses, including Northwestern.
This was particularly noticeable during student protests in October 2020, where demonstrators chanted “Piggy Morty” against then-University President Morton Schapiro, who interpreted the phrase as an antisemitic trope. The incident underscored the need for more rigorous academic discussions about the implications of antisemitism in both historical and modern contexts. Shyovitz remarked on the lack of academically rigorous engagement during these debates, emphasizing the importance of informed dialogue.
The course debuted in winter 2024, shortly after high-stakes incidents in the region heightened awareness and urgency around this topic. Shyovitz aims to dissect the historical roots of antisemitism and its evolution, noting that the term itself was coined only in 1879, which complicates how we understand earlier instances of Jew hatred.
Contentious discussions about definitions of antisemitism abound, with varied interpretations from different advocacy groups. While some definitions, such as those from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), consider much anti-Zionism as antisemitic, others like the Jerusalem Declaration offer a narrower view that allows more critical discourse about Israel. Shyovitz emphasizes that such a complex and historically rich issue deserves a nuanced approach rather than relying on instinctive judgments.
Recent controversies at Northwestern have highlighted the delicate balance between free speech and the need for combating antisemitism on campuses. The resignation of former president Michael Schill and incidents surrounding anti-Zionist sentiments have only intensified the need for open dialogues, which Shyovitz’s class aims to facilitate.
Students enrolled in the course, such as senior Maria Chebli, describe the class as a transformative experience. The diverse opinions and respectful atmosphere fostered by Shyovitz allowed for meaningful conversations that would not have occurred in other contexts. Shyovitz himself considers the class profoundly fulfilling, as it creates a space for students to engage earnestly with the serious issues surrounding antisemitism.
Ultimately, the course not only serves an educational purpose but also acts as a microcosm of the broader societal conversations about identity, prejudice, and discourse. As students dissect these pivotal debates through a historical lens, they build the foundations for more informed discussions that extend well beyond the classroom.