Fall 2005

MES 322K • Sacred & Secular in Jewish Literature from France, Israel, & US-W

Course Description

CONTAINS A SUBSTANTIAL WRITING COMPONENT 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, 4-5 pages - 20% Paper 2, 6-7 pages - 30% 3 brief response papers, 2 pages each 10% Oral presentation - 10%

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