HEBREW STUDIES 534

READINGS IN CONTEMPORARY HEBREW LITERATURE

Spring 2009

Instructor:Assaf Meshulam

E-mail: meshulam@wisc.edu

Class:  MW 2:30 - 3:45

Office Hours:  MW 1:20 - 2:15 or by appointment; 1342 Van Hise

THEME: Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv

Of the many places and locations composing the Israeli space, the cities of Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv provide an exceptional description of history and future, tradition and secularization, peace and war. In its thousands of years of history, Jerusalem has been conquered, destroyed, and rebuilt countless times. It has been the destination and target of many empires, holy for all monotheist religions, strategic for many nations. The complexities of this history, the tensions and cultural mosaic that were and are the inevitable product of this, have shaped the modern version of the ancient city of Jerusalem. Tel-Aviv, on the other hand, the first "Hebrew" city, will celebrate its 100th birthday this year. Emerging from the sand dunes alongside the ancient port town of Jaffa, it became Israel's financial and cultural center, a dynamic "non-stop" metropolis. At the same time, it has been called the "State of Tel Aviv", with some claiming it to be in disconnect with the rest of the country. For many, it is the epitome of escapism and alienation from the conflicts and complexities embodied in Jerusalem, particularly between Israel and the Palestinians, even evading these issues in the context of the Arab population in Jaffa, which is annexed to Tel Aviv.

In this class, we will look at literary reflections of Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv in Hebrew literature and the contrast and tension between the two. We will examine a selection of both historical texts and modern ones to understand the different layers and complexities of each and their interrelation and distancing: historically, socio-politically, and culturally. At the same time we will also try to understand these insights in the broader context of national social, political, and cultural conflicts.

Requirements

Attendance and participation in class on regular basis are important components of the final grade. Written papers are assigned each session. Papers should be posted on the Learn@UW course space by the beginning the next class. Late papers will not be accepted.

In addition to regular homework assignments, two in-class assignments, lecture reports, current issues presentations, and a final essay will make up the final grade. The final essay must be handed in by 13/5, a week after our final session. Any paper submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

Please Note:

Class starts at 2:30 and students are expected to be on time.

Please inform me of expected lateness or absence ahead of time.

If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to complete the material covered in this class and to do the written assignment, which must be submitted by the beginning of the next class.

Course Grading (this grading scale is approximate and may be subject to change):

Homework assignments: 35%

Lecture reports: 10%

In-class assignments: 15%

Participation: 15% (participation includes oral class summaries, current issues presentations, class discussions, and attendance)

Term essay: 25%

Texts: Multi-Dictionary: Bilingual Learner's Dictionary or any other up-to-date Hebrew dictionary.

Texts will be available on the Learn@UW course space.

Lectures: You are expected to attend the following lectures and submit a report:

The Palestinian Refugees as a Jewish Question: The Lost Voice of Simon Rawidowicz.

Professor David Myers
Thursday, March 26th, 4 pm, Pyle Center (702 Langdon)

"Israel's First Sixty Years: Achievements and Challenges". Dr. Robert O. Freedman
Wednesday, April 1st, 7 pm, Memorial Union (800 Langdon)

Ancient Synagogues in the Land of Israel. Professor Jodi Magness
Tuesday, April 28th, 7:30 pm, Pyle Center (702 Langdon)

Presentations:

Each student is expected to sign up and present in class:

1) a current event presentation;

2) a presentation on one of the cities, Jerusalem or Tel-Aviv (you can use a newspaper or magazine article, movie/TV episode, personal experience/story, etc.).

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Latest revision date: 1/20/2009 (cad)

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