Spring 2007

HEB 374 • POSTMODERNIST ISRAELI LIT-W

Course Description

The first decades of Israeli literature were marked by an intense stylistic and thematic seriousness, partly because of its driving forces - the establishment of the new state in the aftermath of the Holocaust, the never-ceasing conflict with Palestinians and surrounding Arab nations, generational conflicts that were linked to the difference between the new place and the old as much as they were to a gap in years. While the somberness has not disappeared from the Israeli reality, the last two decades have brought fresh and original modes of literary expression that break away from the concerns of earlier literary generations and present utterly innovative perspectives. This course explores these works, which range from deeply psychological modernist musings to shockingly apathetic portrayals, examining their contribution to a distinctly Israeli postmodernism. PLEASE NOTE: No knowledge of Hebrew is necessary

Grading Policy

Paper 1, 4-5 pages: 15% Paper 2 (Rewrite) 5-6 pages: 25% Paper 3, 7-8 pages: 30% Participation: 30% (10% oral presentation; 20% participation in discussion)

Texts

Dolly City, Castel-Bloom Human Parts. " The Heart is Katmandu, Hoffmann Christ of Fish, " Bus Driver Who Wanted to be God, Keret Pizzeria Kamikaze, " Book of Intimate Grammar, Grossman Four Meals, M. Shalev The One Facing Us, Matalon Love Life, Shalev Badenheim 1939, Appelfeld Dancing Arabs, Kashua

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