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Antisemitism: From Its Origins to the Present

Join 50 leading scholars in exploring antisemitism, from its roots to its contemporary forms.

27,460 enrolled on this course

  • Duration

    6 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours

Trace the history of antisemitism - from antiquity to the present

In this course, 50 leading scholars from all over the world will explore questions and issues relating to antisemitism including: what is antisemitism? How has it changed throughout history? Why can it be found among so many diverse cultures, and even among opposing ideologies? What happened to antisemitism after the Holocaust? How is antisemitism expressed today, and what are the main spheres in which it can be found?

We will examine different periods and societies, exploring the development of antisemitism as well as its changing nature over time, place and culture.

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What topics will you cover?

  • The nature of hate
  • The perception of the “other” in the Greco-Roman world
  • The advent of Christianity and its effect on the history of antisemitism
  • The Middle Ages and anti-Jewish discourse, libels and violence
  • The ideologies and revolutions of the Modern Period and their impact on the development of antisemitism
  • Nazi ideology and the Holocaust
  • Antisemitism in the Far-right and Far-left
  • Holocaust Denial
  • Anti-Zionism and antisemitism
  • The case of the Islamic and Arab world
  • Online hate

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Discuss what antisemitism is and what is unique about it
  • Identify antisemitic language and actions in the past and in the present
  • Explain the historical and ideological roots of antisemitism and how it has developed
  • Identify different types of antisemitism presented in the course and explain the differences, commonalities and dynamics between them
  • Discuss the characteristics of antisemitism today
  • Distinguish between antisemitism and legitimate criticism of the State of Israel

Who is the course for?

This course, designed by Yad Vashem - The World Holocaust Remembrance Center, is for anyone with an interest in history, in social dynamics and human nature, and in the phenomenon of antisemitism.

Who will you learn with?

Dr Yossi Kugler is a project manager, content developer and educator at Yad Vashem's International School for Holocaust Studies

Dafna Dolinko completed her graduate studies in Jewish History. She is a content developer and educator at the E-Learning Department at Yad Vashem's International School for Holocaust Studies

Dmitry Kolotilenko completed his graduate studies in History. He is a content developer and educator at the E-Learning Department at Yad Vashem's International School for Holocaust Studies

Who developed the course?

Yad Vashem

As the Jewish people’s living memorial to the Holocaust, Yad Vashem safeguards the memory of the past and imparts its meaning for future generations.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn

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Get a taste of this course

Find out what this course is like by previewing some of the course steps before you join:

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