Introductory Topics in Middle East and North African Studies (290-6-2)

Topic

Short History of the Jewish Short Story

Instructors

Guy Ehrlich
Crowe, 5-163
Office Hours: Wednesday 1:00 - 2:00

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-335: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

Short History of the Jewish Short Story

This course explores short stories written by Jewish writers across different languages, countries, periods, and contexts. Is there such a thing as a "Jewish short story"? How do different writers explore and portray Jewish identity and life? What does the short form enable that longer literary works cannot? Throughout the course, we will explore these questions - as well as themes related to social and historical shifts, identity formation, and gender and sexuality - by reading works by Shmuel Yosef Agnon, Franz Kafka, Grace Paley, Etgar Keret, Ida Fink, Isaac Bashevis Singer, J. D. Salinger, Orly Castel-Bloom, and others. All literary texts will be read in English translation.

Learning Objectives

• Explore the literary form of short stories, their characteristics, and narrative techniques;
• Examine and interpret literary texts using practices of both close reading and comparative reading;
• Critically evaluate and analyze literary, cultural, and theoretical texts;
• Identify and analyze key themes and trends in Jewish short stories;
• Draw connections and correlations between and across literary texts;
• Consider why these stories are called "Jewish" and what elements contribute to defining a short story as "Jewish"; Develop writing, collaboration, and interpersonal communication skills

Evaluation Method

Attendance & Class participation: 10%
Final paper: 40%
4 Short Response Papers/Mini quizzes: 20%
Long Response Papers: 30%

Class Materials (Required)

Materials will be provided by instructor.

Class Attributes

Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area