Dr. Derek Penslar

Professor

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Biography

Derek J. Penslar is the William Lee Frost Professor of Jewish History at Harvard University, where he directs the Center for Jewish Studies. Penslar is a resident faculty member at the Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies and is affiliated with the Center for Middle Eastern Studies. His research takes a comparative transnational approach to modern Jewish history, exploring contexts of modern nationalism, capitalism, and colonialism. His notable books include 'Zionism and Technocracy: Engineering the Jewish Settlement of Palestine 1870-1918' and 'Shylock's Children: Economics and Jewish Identity in Modern Europe.' He has published works on military history and emotional history, and co-edited volumes that integrate Jewish studies with postcolonial studies. Penslar is currently working on a book that examines global reactions to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. His courses reflect a commitment to teaching modern Jewish history within broader global contexts, including nationalism and military history.

Research Interests

Experience

William Lee Frost Professor of Jewish History

2023-09-01 — Present

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA, US

Holds the position of William Lee Frost Professor of Jewish History, directing the Center for Jewish Studies and engaging in various research and teaching activities.

Requirements for Harvard University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Total
Required:80
IELTS
Overall
Required:6.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a technical or quantitative field
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Administered by the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS).