Recognizing Antisemitic Narratives and Rhetoric

Antisemitic rhetoric and conspiracy theories continue to persist across different cultures, political movements, and digital spaces. Understanding how these harmful narratives form and spread is the first step toward recognizing and addressing them in modern discourse. This text-only course provides a foundational overview of the history of antisemitism, helping you trace the evolution of anti-Jewish prejudice from medieval myths to contemporary digital environments. By studying key historical texts and analyzing modern case studies, you will develop the critical reading skills needed to spot dehumanizing language and conspiracy theories in everyday media. What you will learn: Understand the fundamental terminology, historical origins, and core concepts of antisemitism; Trace the evolution of anti-Jewish tropes from medieval religious myths to modern political conspiracy theories; Identify common rhetorical strategies and coded language used to dehumanize communities in media and public discourse; Analyze how digital platforms and online echo chambers accelerate the spread of modern antisemitic narratives; Apply critical reading frameworks to recognize and constructively deconstruct biased messaging. You will begin by learning essential historical definitions and foundational concepts before moving on to analyze real-world case studies and modern digital patterns through guided written exercises. This course is designed for beginners, educators, media consumers, and anyone interested in history and human rights, with no prior historical training required. Start reading today to build the analytical tools needed to recognize and counter prejudice in the modern world.