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COURSE: HEBREW STUDIES 401
SURVEY OF MODERN HEBREW LITERATURE
Fall 2004
Instructor: Prof.Rachel F. Brenner
1354 Van Hise
262-6102
e-mail: brenner@wisc.edu
Classes: MWF 1:20-2:10
Office Hours: MW 2:15-3:15 or by appointment
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 the beginning of the 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 any questions that may arise.
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 1:20 and students are expected to be on time. Please inform me of any expected lateness or absence ahead of time.
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 Oxford English-Hebrew Dictionary
Other texts will be distributed in class.
Please write the check for $20 for the photocopy expenses and for the Hebrew Helper materials to The Dept. of Hebrew and Semitic Studies.
Please note: There won’t be classes on Oct. 18 and Nov. 8. Instead students are required to attend lectures (see below) and write a special assignment on each.
Lectures:
1. Prof. Yael Feldman, “Take Thy Daughter: Israeli Women Novelists Challenging the Father’s Tongue.” Tuesday, Sept. 21.
2. Prof. Alan Berger, “Mel Gibson and the Interfaith Dialogue” (tentative title). Monday, Oct. 4.
3. Prof. Glenda Abramson, “’Into the Darkness:’ Hebrew Writers Describe their Experience in the First World War.” Monday, Nov. 1
Bonus:
Ms. Helen Epstein, “Jewish Women’s Memoir: What do Jewish Women Write
When They Write Memoir?” Monday, Nov. 8, 2004.