Fall 2008

HEB 374 • POSTMODERNIST ISRAELI LITERATURE-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%

Texts

Dolly City, Castel-Bloom Human Parts. " Christ of Fish, Hoffmann Bus Driver Who Wanted to be God, Keret Pizzeria Kamikaze, " See Under: Love, Grossman The One Facing Us, Matalon Badenheim 1939, Appelfeld Dancing Arabs, Kashua Past Continuous, Shabtai

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