The CSUN Jewish Studies Program will be having a special lecture on Jewish historical experiences portrayed in film on Sept. 12 with former San Diego State professor Lawrence Baron as guest speaker.

“It’s not about a positive or negative Jewish experience,” said Jody Myers, Jewish studies professor and program coordinator. “It’ll be different aspects of those experiences with emphasis on European and Middle Eastern films.”

Myers will be hosting the lecture in her classroom, Sierra Hall 102, and seating is limited.

“I’m hoping to move the lecture to a bigger classroom,” she said. “But if not, I don’t want students sitting on the floor. That’s why we have a number where people can RSVP.”

Baron, who recently retired after 15 years as a Jewish history professor for San Diego State, will show clips from several international films, such as the European  and American versions of “Fiddler on the Roof.” Most will be from the 1940s and 1950s and will give students an idea of how cinema portrays historical events differently.

Myers teaches History of Jews in the Modern Era and wants students to know how European and Middle Eastern films portray historical events versus their textbooks so they can have a better understanding of what is in store for the semester.

Baron will also talk about Jewish experiences during the French Revolution and the Russian Revolution.

He is a columnist on films for the San Diego Jewish World and author of four books, two of which are “The Wandering View: Modern Jewish Experiences in World Cinema” and “Projecting the Holocaust into the Present: The Changing Focus of Contemporary Holocaust Cinema.”

Students interested in attending the lecture can call (818) 677-4724 to RSVP.