COURSE:
HEBREW STUDIES
401
Fall 2005
Instructor: Prof.Rachel
F. Brenner
1354 Van Hise
262-6102
e-mail: brenner@wisc.edu
Classes: MWF
1:20-2:10
Office Hours: MW
MAJOR THEMES--First Term
1. Introduction -
What is a living language?
2. The European
Enlightenment -- Emmanuel Kant
3. Haskalah and
the revival of Hebrew – Moses Mendelssohn
4. Modern Hebrew
Literature Y. L. Gordon, Tchernichovsky, Bialik.
5. The
collapse of the Haskalah ideal and the
beginning of Zionism: Theodor Herzl.
Objectives: We shall focus on developing the
skills of reading,
discussing, and writing in the context of the studied texts.
Comprehension of
the influence of the historical process of the European Enlightenment
on the
Haskhalah and the ensuing revival of the Hebrew language and Modern
Hebrew
literature is the conceptual focus of the course. The course examines
the role
Modern Hebrew literature played in shaping the Zionist movement.
Requirements:
This is an
intensive writing course. Exact directions concerning submission
of the assignments will be given in the first class of the term. The
students
will pick up graded papers before each class. There is always
the option of correcting the assignment and improving the
grade. The corrected assignment must
be handed in within a week. You have the opportunity to discuss the
assignments
before class time, since I usually come to class well ahead of time to
answer
students’ questions. In addition to regular homework assignments, a
mid-term
essay two special lecture assignments, and the final essay the students
are
required to sign up for two presentations - summaries of material
studied in
class, and two presentations of current issues.
Please Note: Attendance and participation in
class on
regular basis are important components of the final grade. Please note
that our
classes start exactly at
Grading (the distribution is approximate
and is subject to change)
Written assignments - 35%
Mid-term essay -
15%
Lecture
Assignments - 10%
Final essay – 25%
Participation
(including presentations): - 15%
Required Text: Multi-Dictionary: Bilingual
Learners’
Dictionary and
Other texts will
be distributed in class.
Please write the
check for $20 for the photocopy expenses to The Dept. of Hebrew and
Semitic
Studies.
Please note: There won’t be a class on
Nov.30th. Instead
students are required to attend lectures (see below) and write a
special
assignment on each.
Lectures:
1.
Prof.
Kenneth Stow, “’Jewish Dogs’ – An Image and Its Interpreters:
Continuity in the
Jewish-Catholic Encounter.”
Oct. 20th
–
2.
Prof.
Josh Cohen, “I Have No Childhood Memories:
Nov. 7th
–
3.
Prof.
Allan Nadler, “Who Is No Longer a Jew:
Excommunication in Modern
Jewish History.”
Nov.
17th –
Bonus:
Ms. Helen Epstein, “Jewish Women’s Memoir:
What do Jewish Women Write When They Write Memoir?” Monday, Nov. 8.
If you have trouble accessing this page, contatct: Chris Dargis (cadargis@wisc.edu)
Latest revision date: 8/11/2005 (cad)