Analyzing Antisemitic Discourse and the Mechanics of Othering

How do prejudice and exclusion persist across centuries, and what role does language play in shaping these biases? To combat antisemitism effectively, we must first understand "Othering"—the social and psychological process of casting a group as fundamentally different and alien. This text-only course guides you through the historical roots and modern manifestations of antisemitic rhetoric. You will develop the analytical skills to recognize exclusionary language, decode historical tropes, and understand how these patterns continue to influence contemporary discourse in online and offline spaces. What you'll learn: Understand the foundational concepts of Othering, social exclusion, and prejudice formation; Trace the historical origins of antisemitic stereotypes from ancient contexts to the modern era; Analyze how coded language and dog whistles operate in contemporary media and online platforms; Identify common rhetorical patterns used to marginalize Jewish communities; Evaluate the social impact of exclusionary discourse on community relations; Practice deconstructing harmful narratives using critical discourse analysis techniques. You will begin by exploring essential terminology and the psychological foundations of prejudice before tracing these concepts through historical and modern written texts. Through guided reading and analytical exercises, you will learn to spot and dissect exclusionary rhetoric in everyday communication. This course is designed for beginners, educators, writers, and anyone interested in media literacy, history, or social justice, requiring no prior background in linguistics or sociology. Start reading today to build the critical tools needed to recognize and counter divisive language in our global conversation.