Fall 2008

SPN 352 • Latin American Jewish Writers

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with some of the outstanding Jewish writers from Latin America, with special emphasis on those who portray in their work the situation of the Jewish communities of their respective cities and countries. The readings will include works by both Ashkenazic and Sephardic writers and from a range of Spanish-speaking Latin American countries. We will also look briefly at the work of Spanish American (mostly Argentine) writers who have made aliyah and have created a Spanish-language literary scene within Israel. Another secondary focus will be the Jewish themes that appear prominently in some of the short stories of Jorge Luis Borges. No Brazilian works are included among the required readings because the course is offered in Spanish. However, any student with a reading knowledge of Portuguese is welcome to write his or her term paper on a Brazilian Jewish writer.

Grading Policy

proposal for term paper 15% midterm examination 25% final version of term paper 27.5% quizzes and participation 5% final examination 27.5%

Texts

There will be a course packet containing essays, poetry, and short stories by Spanish American Jewish writers. In addition, the class will read and discuss several novels, which will be made available through the University Co-op. The list below is still provisional because the texts need to be obtained from international suppliers. If any text proves to be too difficult to order, it will be replaced. Gerchunoff, Los gauchos judíos Glantz, Las genealogías Steimberg, Músicos y relojeros Goldemberg, La vida a plazos de don Jacobo Lerner Freilich, Cláper

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