Introductory Topics in Middle East and North African Studies (290-6-1)
Topic
Specters of the Canon: Women Writers in Modern Heb
Instructors
Guy Erlich
Crowe, 5-167
Office Hours: Wednesday 1:00 - 2:00
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-440: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM
Overview of class
Course title: Specters of the Canon: Women Writers in Modern Hebrew Literature
The last decade of the 20th century was marked by the "feminization" of Hebrew literature. What thoughts arise regarding this "phenomenon" from our current perspective? Has the literary canon also undergone a "feminization" or has it remained male dominated? This course seeks to introduce central, important Hebrew women prose writers and to rethink their place in the historiography of modern Hebrew literature - from Dvora Baron, the first "mother," up to contemporary women writers. Have women writers succeeded in shifting from the margins to the center, or is their presence in the Hebrew canon merely spectral and partial as it had been before? During the course, we will read from the works of important and influential women prose writers, such as Baron, Yehudit Hendel, Amalia Kahana-Carmon, Orly Castel-Bloom, Ronit Matalon, Maya Arad, as well as contemporary writers from the new generation of women writers, such as Hila Amit Abas and Maayan Eitan. We will also read feminist, gender and queer theories that will accompany the literary discussions. While some classes will be solely dedicated to a specific writer, others will explore various writers through a prism of a common theme or a theoretical aspect. In this manner, the course seeks to point to the potential relations and correlations between these authors, which often remain outside of "strong" (male) historiographic depictions. By the end of the course, we will try to think of an alternative to the "strong" models of historiographic depictions through the recent prism of "weak theory." No previous knowledge of Hebrew, Israel or Judaism is required! All the Hebrew prose texts will be read in translation.
Learning Objectives
-Gain 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 -Engage in active participation during class discussions -Develop writing, collaboration, and interpersonal communication skills
Teaching Method
Lecture
Seminar
Class participation
Discussion
Evaluation Method
Paper, final
Attendance
Class participation
Papers
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