Deborah A Kaye

Principal Lecturer Deborah A Kaye is affiliated with the Judaic Studies Department at the University of Arizona (College of Humanities). She also teaches in the History and Religious Studies departments. Her research focuses on 19th-century Italian liberalism, Jewish corporatism, and the interplay between Jewish emancipation and institutional Catholic Church politics in Italy. A forthcoming book project explores how Jewish emancipation impacted the Catholic Church’s influence, challenging conventional narratives of Napoleonic reforms.

Education:

• PhD in Modern European History (University of Arizona)
• MA in Jewish History (University of Michigan)

Her current research includes a peer-reviewed article in European History Quarterly analyzing how Jewish ghettos and political reforms shaped Italian democracy. She has received major grants from the Fulbright, Krieble Delmas, Mellon, and Marshall programs.

Teaching & Innovation:

• Pioneered online Judaic Studies courses (since 2008) and expanded weekend/saturday class offerings
• Developed courses such as Modern Israel (JUS 377), Women & Judaism (JUS 321), and Holocaust History (HIST 374)
• Currently teaches French/Italian culture courses (e.g., FREN 231, FREN 300)

Grants & Awards:

• Fulbright Fellowship
• Krieble Delmas Fellowship
• Mellon Fellowship
• Marshall Fellowship