Introductory Topics in Middle East and North African Studies (290-6-1)
Topic
Modern Jewish Literature: Love Stories in Hebrew L
Instructors
Guy Erlich
Crowe, 5-167
Office Hours: Wednesday 1:00 - 2:00
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-331: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM
Overview of class
Topic: Modern Jewish Literature: Love Stories in Hebrew Literature
Whether as a dangerous rival of traditional Jewish life or the only escape from the cruel, alienated modern world, love has always been a preoccupation in modern - and post-modern - Hebrew literature and culture. This course seeks to observe the various depictions of the notion of "love" from the early 20th century onwards, as captured in Hebrew novels, short stories, films, and other cultural representations. What stories do Hebrew and Israeli culture tell us about love? What kinds of love (and sexualities) does it portray? And why does it seem that even the greatest love stories must be painful and complicated? The eruption of love and its decline; the excitement of desire revealing itself and the disappointment in the (inevitable?) failure that follows; the diasporic Jewish men's complex attitude toward Eros and the suffering of the abandoned wives of the shtetl; the gendered roles and the queer alternatives; the excitement, the anticipation, the pain and the melancholy - these are some of the themes that the course will explore. During the course we will read literary texts from Shmuel Yosef Agnon, Yosef Haim Brenner, Dvora Baron, Yehudit Hendel, Orly Castel-Bloom, Alon Hilu and others. We will also watch some recent Israeli films/TV shows. The literary discussions will be accompanied by relevant theoretical texts. No previous knowledge of Hebrew, Israel or Judaism is required! All the Hebrew prose texts will be read in translation.
Learning Objectives
• Provide a broad knowledge of Hebrew and Israeli literature. • Acquire tools to examine and interpret literary texts. • Acquire knowledge of literary and critical theory. • Develop critical reading and thinking. • Encourage active engagement in class discussions. • Develop writing, collaboration, and interpersonal communication skills.
Evaluation Method
Paper, final
Attendance
Class participation
Papers
Other (see below):
Attendance/Class participation: 20% Papers: 30% Final Paper: 50%
Class Materials (Required)
Materials will be provided by the instructor.
Class Attributes
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area