Hebrew IV: Advanced Topics in Hebrew Literature (316-0-1)

Instructors

Hanna Tzuker Seltzer
847/467-5684
Crowe 5-159

Meeting Info

Locy Hall 314: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

Many define the Hebrew Bible as the best literature ever written. Indeed, the Hebrew Bible inspired numerous canonical novels, poems, paintings and sculptures in Western culture. In the case of Hebrew literature, the connection to the Hebrew Bible is even more binding, as the biblical texts informed and inspired Zionist ideology and the revival of Hebrew as a modern language. In this class we will read a selection of biblical stories in their original language, biblical Hebrew, a reading which will enable us to see the immense influence of biblical Hebrew on modern Hebrew language. We will then read Hebrew poems that are based on the stories we have read. We will analyze both the biblical stories, the Hebrew poems, and the connections between them. The poems we will read in class are interpretations of the biblical stories. Beyond the grammatical and periodical difference between the texts and the poems (Biblical Hebrew vs. Modern Hebrew), the poems can be a political, ideological, social, or personal critique or sometime a dialogue related to the biblical story. All course materials and class discussions will be in Hebrew.

Registration Requirements

At least one Hebrew 216-0 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor.

Learning Objectives

In this class, students will
experience with reading biblical Hebrew by reading texts from the Hebrew Bible in their original language.
learn basic linguistic principles of biblical Hebrew.
be introduced to some of the canonical stories in the Hebrew Bible such as the Binding of Isaac, the barrenness of Rachel, the story of Joseph and his brothers, and more.
learn how to perform "Close Reading", which is a literary analysis of the text and will practice it through the biblical stories and the poems we will read.
read modern Hebrew poems of various poets in their original language and will be able to identify the resemblance between modern Hebrew and biblical Hebrew, as well as the biblical Hebrew as foundational to modern Hebrew.

Teaching Method

Classes will be in the form of class discussions, as well as shared learning. We will read together the biblical stories, learn how to decipher the unique grammatical structures of the Hebrew Bible and the stylistics of the biblical narrator. We will read modern Hebrew poems and look for the connections between the biblical text and the modern poems we read. Students will work frequently in pairs and groups to practice the reading and understanding of biblical texts as well as modern Hebrew poems.

Evaluation Method

During the course there will be regular homework assignments to practice what we learned in class and to prepare for following classes. There will be class presentations throughout the course, and a final presentation in lieu of a final exam.

Class Materials (Required)

No need to purchase any specific textbooks for this class; class materials will be distributed by the instructor or will appear in the class Canvas site as PDFs.

Class Notes

This class is intended for students who are either heritage speakers of Hebrew or are in a very advanced level of Hebrew. The class level is equal to Hebrew fourth year.

Class Attributes

Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: REASON: Pre-registration is not allowed for this class. Please try again during regular registration.