HEBREW STUDIES 534
Spring 2005
Instructor: Prof. Rachel F. Brenner
1354 Van Hise
262-6102
E-mail: brenner@wisc.edu
Class
MW
Office Hours
MW
THEME: Literary Reflections of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Recent political developments raise some hope for the resolution of the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In this course we attempt to gain a deeper understanding of this difficult situation and its psychological consequences for both parties, as reflected in literature. While most texts included in the course are by Jewish writers and poets, who try to understand the immense cost of the conflict on Israeli society, we shall also look at some stories and poems by Palestinian writers in order to understand their perspective. Through text-based discussions, which attempt to understand the reasoning and the feelings of each side, we shall attempt to expand our understanding of the conflict. We shall begin, however by tying our theme of today’s conflict to the quintessential biblical story of the Akeda while noting the interpretation of the story in Moslem tradition. We shall see the transformation of the classical message of faith and redemption in the biblical story into a message of contemporary painful doubt and loss of hope. We shall question the assumption whether the sacrifice is inevitable.
The purpose of our study is both aesthetic and ethical. Through art literature opens us to ideas and feelings we have not been able to either discern or to express on our own. Through its images and metaphors, literature reveals new ways of understanding; it raises our consciousness and allows us to understand the other despite ethnic, religious, and cultural differences. Thus, we intend to examine the texts in terms of their literary value by exploring the language and the literary strategies. Simultaneously, we aim at the exploration of the ideas, ideals, and emotions from the particular viewpoint of the literary work. The question that will preoccupy us at all times will be the ways in which this literature has affected and even changed our views of the Israeli Palestinian conflict, and how it has expanded our understanding of ourselves, of others, and of the world in which we live.
Requirements
This is an intensive writing course. Written papers are assigned each session. There is the option to correct a grade below AB. The corrected assignments should be handed in within a week. Take advantage of the opportunity for clarifying issues before class time, since usually I am in class ahead of time to answer any questions that may arise.
In addition to regular homework assignments, mid-term essay, special lecture assignments, and the final essay, the students are required to sign up for three summaries of material studied in class and three presentations of current issues. It is possible to access Ha’aretz in the computer lab, floor 4th in Van Hise Bldg.
Please note:
Attendance and participation in class on regular basis are important components of the final grade.
Our class starts at
If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to find out about the material covered in this class and the written assignment.
There will be a few lecture reports based on the lectures the students will attend. See listed below.
Course grading (this grading scale is approximate and may be subject to change)
Homework assignments: 35%
Lecture reports: 10%
Special lecture assignment: 5%
3-4 short essays: 15%
Participation: 10% (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 distributed in class.
Please write the check for photocopying expenses of $15% to the Depart.of Hebrew and Semitic Studies.
Lectures: You are expected to attend the following lectures and submit a report:
Prof. Alon Confino, “Culture and the Holocaust”
March 4th
Prof. Sammy Smooha, “To Be a Palestinian Arab Citizen in the Jewish State
Thursday, March 17th
–
Prof. Shlomo Avineri, “Diplomacy without a State: A Jewish Contribution to Statecraft? From
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Latest revision date: 1/11/2005 (cad)