Topics in Jewish Literature and Culture

Catalog description

This course will examine conflicts regarding the place of religion in the public sphere within the Jewish and Israeli context, through close readings of pivotal moments in modern Hebrew literature and culture. How did modern Hebrew literature evolve from the end of the 19th century until the present? What role did questions of religion and secularism play? We will begin by examining the literary formation of the 'new Jew' in the writings of the revival period, such as Berdichevsky and Bialik, followed by the concept of "the negation of the Diaspora" and the construction of binaries such as strength and weakness, health and sickness. We will further explore the works of prominent authors, including: S.Y. Agnon, Pinchas Sadeh, and Yona Wallach. Finally, we will apply a critical lens to the rise of contemporary religious-Zionist Literature and film in light of current social and political changes in Israel. Knowledge of Hebrew is not required - all texts are in English.