Discuss the role and contribution of Jews in medieval Europe.

Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the level of integration of Jews in society. There may be consideration of the position of Jews in society and whether there were differences in the position of Jews in different states. Jews were often treated as scapegoats and there was often very little positive acceptance of them, their role or the contributions. Some candidates may argue that despite this negative perception of Jews they made some positive contributions to society. Discussion of their contribution could focus on areas such as finance, trade, scholarship, and medicine. Some candidates may argue that the position of Jews became more difficult after the Black Death and in some instances, they became segregated from society (for example in the Ghetto in Venice).