Hebrew Literature I

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

This yearlong course will be aimed at introducing students to literary works including prose and poetry in Hebrew, accompanied with English translation. Our exploration of major literary Hebrew sources will enable us to examine major historical events and cultural trends, as depicted by Jewish and Israeli essayists, poets, authors, novelists, and playwrights. The survey of these literary texts will fully represent all stages of modern Hebrew literature, from the rise of the Jewish Enlightenment Haskalah, the Revival period Tehiyya (1881-1919), the Modern period (1920-1947), and works which originated by Israelis after the establishment of the State of Israel in1948 continuing to the present. As such, throughout the study of these works a particular emphasis will be placed on the specific historical context in their immediate cultural medium.