GERM270

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GERM270

Resurrection, Destruction, and Exile: Studies in Modern Yiddish Literature and Culture GERM270 SP

Crosslistings: COL 271, GELT270

Not Currently Offered

Focusing on Yiddish literary and cultural tradition, this course will explore the diverse currents of Yiddish expression from the late 19th century to the post-Shoah era. The primary works (in English translation) will include prominent examples of prose, poetry, drama, film and the visual arts. We will also examine a selection of related theoretical and literary-historical texts. Some of the main questions addressed in this course will be: How does Yiddish literature conform to and/or deviate from Western models of aesthetic production? What relationship does European modernism have to its Yiddish counterpart? How might Yiddish culture be viewed in light of current discussions of cultural identity formation?

MAJOR READINGS

Mendele Moykher Sforim, THE TRAVELS OF
BENJAMIN THE THIRD
I.L. Peretz, THE I.L. PERETZ READER
Sholem Aleichem, TEVYE THE DAIRYMAN AND THE RAILROAD STORIES
Isaac Beshevis Singer, COLLECTED STORIES
Sh. Ansky, THE DYBBUK
Anthology of Yiddish Poetry
Films: YIDL MITN FIDL, TEVYE, THE DYBBUK, GRINE FELDER
Selections from Benjamin Harshav, Irving Howe, Ruth Wisse,
Sol Liptzin, and others.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Weekly one-page position papers, two short essays;, and one final paper (ca. 10 pp.)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Students of all disciplinary backgrounds and majors are invited to enroll. No previous knowledge of Yiddish required.

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UG Credit: 1.00 Gen Ed Area & Dept: HA GERM

Prerequisites: None

Last Updated on MAR-22-1999

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