Medieval Hebrew Poetry

(3 Credits)

This course provides an in-depth introduction to the major themes and genres of medieval Hebrew poetry. It covers both the sacred compositions of the liturgy and the secular realm of belletristic and entertainment literature. The readings begin with the earliest development of Hebrew liturgical verse in Late Antiquity (known as piyyut), trace the continuation of that tradition in medieval Germany (Ashkenaz), examine the new aesthetic culture and secular spirit of Hebrew poetry during the Andalusian period, and culminate with the rise of novel literary genres beginning in the thirteenth century, from poetic prose to humorous satire to moral fables.