Final Take Home Exam, Soci227 ( 48 hrs. )
April 28, 2 PM.
Due back as email attachment to morton.weinfeld@mcgill.ca and also as a myCourses assignment by
April 30 at 2 PM. Only a medical or similar note can excuse any extensions.
Answer two of the following four questions.
Each answer should be a a minimum of 180 and a maximum of 360 words. No need for any reference
lists or footnotes but you are free in the text to write “ as Smith argues” or if you quote, “ …as Smith
argues on p. 123 “
You should rely only on the course readings and lecture notes for sections 6, 7 and 9 of the course
outline. You should try to demonstrate familiarity with the arguments or evidence presented in the
readings and lectures. And you might try to integrate some of the readings. Your own views can come
in, if you want, as critiques or interpretations or assessments of the readings and lectures. ( e.g. Smith
said X, Jones said Y, and I feel Jones is right for the following reasons….)
You can also answer in point form if you wish, but keep to the word length requirements.
1.
Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the role of Israel and the holocaust as elements of
contemporary Jewish identity.
2. What is the state of Jewish culture today for “moderately affiliated “ Jews in North America.?
3. In what ways is contemporary antisemitism in North America similar to, and different from,
that of say 50 years ago?
4. To what extent is intermarriage/assimilation a significant challenge to the future survival of
North American Jewish communities?
Best wishes to you all. Stay safe!!! Perhaps may see you in future courses, which I hope will be in
person.