0868. World Society in Literature & Film (3 s.h.) RCI: GG.

(Formerly: GE-WRLD 0060.)

Learn about Israeli culture by taking a guided tour of its literature and film. You don’t need to speak a language other than English to take this exciting course, and you will gain the fresh, subtle understanding that comes from integrating across different forms of human expression. Some of the issues that will be illuminated by looking at culture through the lens of literature and film include family structures and how they are changing, national self-perceptions, pivotal moments in history, economic issues, social change and diversity.

Note: This course fulfills the World Society (GG) requirement for students under GenEd and International Studies (IS) for students under Core.

Students cannot receive credit for this course if they have successfully completed any of the following: Arabic 0868/0968, ASIA ST 0868, Chinese 0868/0968, English 0868/0968, French 0868/0968, German 0868/0968, Italian 0868/0968, Japanese 0868/0968, Jewish Studies 0868, LAS 0868/0968, Russian 0868/0968, or Spanish 0868/0968.

0871. Arts in Cultural Context (4 s.h.) RCI: GA.

View the arts as an expression of cultural identity as it occurs across the globe. Each semester, we will focus on a particular world region or country, including but not limited to Russia, Japan, and Latin America. The exploration of cultural identity begins with an overview of the region or country’s historical and religious influences and then studies the culture’s arts, including the visual arts (painting, sculpture), musical traditions, literature (folktales, national mythology), the vernacular arts (crafts, storytelling), film and theater. You will take field trips or have experiences that will allow you to encounter the region’s arts firsthand, and to develop a blended understanding of a people’s cultural identity and the larger world.

Note: This course fulfills the Arts (GA) requirement for students under GenEd and Arts (AR) for students under Core.

Students cannot receive credit for this course if they have successfully completed any of the following: Arabic 0871, Asian Studies 0871, Russian 0871.

1001. Elements I (4 s.h.) F. RCI: LA.

(Formerly: HEBREW 0051.)

Introducing the Hebrew alphabet (print and cursive), functional grammar, basic vocabulary for daily life and basic sentence structures. The goal is to set up a solid base for the communication skills of reading unvocalized text, writing and basic conversation.

1002. Elements II (4 s.h.) S. RCI: LA.

(Formerly: HEBREW 0052.)

Prerequisite: Hebrew 1001 (0051) or equivalent.

Continuation of Hebrew 1001. Introducing more advanced sentence structures and three additional grammar paradigms and the past tense. The emphasis is on expansion of vocabulary to aid in understanding more varied texts and facilitating more ease in speaking, writing and reading.

2001. Intermediate I (3 s.h.) F. RCI: LB.

(Formerly: HEBREW C061.)

Prerequisite: Hebrew 1002 (0052) or equivalent.

Reading of moderately difficult Hebrew texts with discussion in Hebrew. Introducing more advanced sentence structures, the rest of the grammar paradigms and the future tense. Class is conducted mostly in Hebrew with the goal of strengthening communication skills.

2002. Intermediate II (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: HEBREW 0062.)

Prerequisite: Hebrew 2001 (C061) or equivalent.

Reading of moderately difficult Hebrew texts with discussions in Hebrew. Learning more advanced sentence structures, the rest of the grammar paradigms in all tenses. Class is conducted mostly in Hebrew with strong emphasis on understanding text and speaking with more ease.

2447. Kabbalah and Mysticism (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: G+R CL 0147.)

Cross Listed with Jewish Studies 2447 and Religion 2447.

Introduction to the basic concepts, worldview and psychology of the Kabbalah. Mystical experiences and spiritual practices of the Kabbalists are situated within the context of comparative mysticism.

2779. Love Themes in Hebrew Literature (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: G+R CL 2711 (0150).)

Cross Listed with Jewish Studies 2779.

A selection of love poetry from the Biblical Song of Songs, through the Middle Ages to contemporary Israel, including secular and mystical poems. Love themes and aspects, images, metaphors, symbols and poetic structures will be analyzed with special attention to influences and interrelationships between the different periods.

2797. Jewish Humor Past and Present (3 s.h.) S. RCI: WI.

(Formerly: G+R CL W278.)

Cross Listed with Jewish Studies 2797.

A survey course of Jewish humor from its sources in 19th century Europe through early Jewish American humor to modern American and Israeli humor. The course analyzes humor themes and their connection to Jewish life and issues as they are expressed in literary forms of humor and satire as well as folk wit and jokes. Some authors studied are Shalom Aleichem, Philip Roth and Ephraim Kishon.

Note: The course will be conducted in English.

3002. Advanced Hebrew Readings II (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: HEBREW 0102.)

Prerequisite: Hebrew 3098 (W101) or equivalent.

Reading and discussing difficult texts and newspaper articles. Acquisition of idiomatic phrases. Emphasis on writing and conversing fluently.

3082. Independent Study (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: HEBREW 0381.)

Permission of instructor required.

3098. Advanced Hebrew Readings I (3 s.h.) F. RCI: WI.

(Formerly: HEBREW W101.)

Prerequisite: Hebrew 2002 (0062) or equivalent.

Reading and discussing difficult texts. Acquisition of idiomatic phrases. Emphasis on writing and conversing fluently.

3711. Israelis and Palestinians (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: G+R CL 3711 (0275).)

Cross Listed with Jewish Studies 3711 (0141).

The course explores the Israeli/Palestinian relationship, from the beginning of the 20th century till today, as it is represented in both Israeli and Palestinian literature and art. We will analyze themes, feelings and belief systems with a strong emphasis on the development of the image of the other in each group and its connection to self identity.

Note: The course will be conducted in English.

3720. Topics in Hebrew Culture (3 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: G+R CL 0261.)

Cross Listed with Jewish Studies 3720.

Topics from Hebrew culture, which are of general and current interest based on reading Hebrew texts in translation. Lectures, audiovisual presentations, and large and small group work used to explore the significance of the texts.

3797. Literature and Art of the Holocaust (3 s.h.) F SS. RCI: WI.

(Formerly: G+R CL W279.)

Cross Listed with Jewish Studies 3797 (0231).

In the midst of the horrors and atrocities of the Holocaust, there were many acts of Kiddush Ha`chaim - the sanctification and affirmation of life. We will study stories, poems, paintings and drawings composed during the Holocaust as well as stories of people who risked their lives to save minorities as a proof that the human spirit cannot be broken. The course elaborates on the injunction these artists left for us: “And you shall choose life.”

Note: The course will be conducted in English.

3798. Writing Seminar I (3 s.h.) F S. RCI: WI.

(Formerly: G+R CL W261.)

Topics from Hebrew culture, which are of general and current interest based on reading Hebrew texts in translation. Lectures, audiovisual presentations, and large and small group work used to explore the significance of the texts.

4082. Independent Study (4 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: HEBREW 0382.)

Permission of instructor required.

4382. Independent Study (3 s.h.)

Prerequisite: Special authorization required for all students.

Arranged each semester; please consult with the instructor.