Jews have been writing about life in America—or the goldene medinah—even before disembarking at Ellis Island. But what makes a story Jewish? American? Jewish American? What are the markers of these works of fiction that reflect the realities of Jewish American life, and why do they matter? This course will trace the historical trajectory of the Jewish experience in the United States through their storytelling. We will examine the literature produced by each generation of American Jews, ranging from immigrants on the Lower East Side to prominent post-1945 authors. This course will engage with the core issues facing thoughtful American Jews today through the lens of literature, allowing us to reckon with questions regarding identity and tradition as we look towards the future.