Fall 2009

MES 322K • SACRED AND SECULAR IN JEWISH LITERATURE FROM ISRAEL, FRANCE & US-W

Course Description

This course will examine contemporary Jewish literature from the U.S., France, and Israel, in terms of their relationship (or lack thereof) with Judaism and Jewishness. In this context, we will read well-known works by several major authors from each country. How does their work interpret Jewishness, if at all? Does it redefine the sacred? Conversely, what is the role of the secular in these texts? We will consider these and other questions, taking into account not only nationality, but also gender, ethnicity, and generational differences.

Grading Policy

Active participation - 30% Paper 1, 3-4 pages - 10% Paper 2, 6-7 pages (rewrite) - 20% Paper 3, 7-8 pages - 30% Oral presentation - 10%

Texts

Rebecca Goldstein, Mind-Body Problem Cynthia Ozick, Shawl Allegra Goodman, Kaaterskill Falls P. Roth, Counterlife A. Memmi, Pillar of Salt Albert Cohen, Book of My Mother Elisabeth Gille, Shadows of a Childhood Shulamit Hareven, City of Many Days A. B. Yehoshua, Lover Orly Castel-Bloom, Dolly City

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