This course examines the history of the American Jewish immigrant experience from colonial times to the present as a means of trying to understand how newcomers navigate the processes of adaptation, acculturation, and integration into American life. We will pay careful attention to issues of class and gender, as well as the impact of xenophobia and immigration laws on how Jewish immigrants were welcomed and treated. We will also compare and contrast the experiences of Jewish immigrants with other immigrant groups. To enhance our studies, we will travel to Galveston and New York City during Spring Break to visit significant historical sites and tour immigrant communities.