The course deals with the encounter in social and cultural life between the Christian majority and the Jewish minority in Europe, from the birth of Christianity to the beginning of the modern age. It surveys the impact of this encounter on both groups, and its significance for the development of western culture and for the course of Jewish history. The course has no prerequisites, and targets anyone interested in European history and in religion.

Every week comprises 4-5 video lectures with interactive computer-based quizzes that provide instant feedback. The video lectures reference an online textbook which is fully and freely accessible to all of the students. Weekly assignments and course projects allow students to use the textbook and additional learning materials to study the topic in depth. Forums are provided to enable students to collaboratively study with peers from around the world, discussing the course materials and the course assignments. The course is structured to allow students to choose whether they want to simply audit the course passively, spending about two hours a week in lectures and online quizzes, or to engage with the materials in depth.