Near Eastern Studies

Ancient Civilizations and Biblical Studies (ACABS) (Division 314)

100(GNE 100/101)/APTIS 100/HJCS 100. Peoples of the Middle East. (4). (HU).
See Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and Islamic Studies 100. (O'Connor)

121(ABS 120)/Rel. 121. Introduction to the Tanakh/Old Testament. (4). (HU).
The course is designed to introduce the student to the modern study of the Old Testament or Tanakh (no prerequisites). Lectures and readings will focus on ancient Israel's religion, literature, and history and their contribution to modern Western civilization. The approach will be literary, historical, and critical using methods employed by scholars of different religious persuasions. The course is designed to challenge the student with a series of questions and issued often ignored or neglected in spite of the widespread use of the Bible today. The format of the course consists of three lectures per week by the instructor and a weekly discussion session conducted by a teaching assistant. The course grade will be based upon daily assignments, and attendance (20%), two major examinations – a midterm written exam (30%) and a final oral exam (30%), and an introductory essay (8-10 pages) on a topic of choice in consultation with the instructor. Cost:2 WL:3 (Boccaccini)

181(ABS 160)/Hist. 130. The First States and Civilizations: Introduction to the History of the Ancient Near East. (4). (HU).
Section 001 – Introduction to the History of the Ancient Near East. Introduction to the first 3000 years of human history as recorded in the texts of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Anatolia, Iran, and the Levant. The origins of complex societies in Sumer and Egypt will be briefly considered and the subsequent development of the cuneiform and hieroglyphic civilizations studied in more detail, down to their common conquest by the Macedonians in the fourth century BCE. Particular attention will be given to the effects of ecological factors upon economic, political, religious, and intellectual history. A number of primary documents from the Ancient Near East will be read in translation. Course requirements include midterm and final examinations as well as a 10-15 page term paper. Cost:2 WL:1 (Beckman)

202(ABS 402). Intermediate Biblical Hebrew, II. ACABS 201. (3). (LR).
The student will be introduced to the elements of Biblical Hebrew syntax and other aspects of advanced grammar. Selected Biblical texts will be read and their historical and literary backgrounds analyzed and discussed. (Krahmalkov)

221(ABS 280)/Rel. 280. Jesus and the Gospels. (4). (HU).

The course will probe the Gospels, including some non-canonical versions (e.g., the Gospel according to Thomas), as sources of the life and teachings of Jesus, the Jew. How reliable are the portraits of Jesus in the Gospels, the oldest of which having been written some forty years after his execution? Through an acquirement of the various critical methods which are applied to the Gospel texts by scholars, the students will be enabled to form a defensible answer to this question. In addition to the methodological instruction and exercises, there will be an impartion of the necessary knowledge about he historical, social, and religious world of Jesus and the Gospels, so that a correct reading of Jesus within Judaism might be given. The format of the course consists of three lectures per week by the instructor and a weekly discussion session conducted by a teaching assistant. The course grade will be based upon daily assignments, and attendance (20%), two major examinations – a midterm written exam (30%) and a final oral exam (30%), and an introductory essay (8-10 pages) on a topic of choice in consultation with the instructor (20%). Cost:2 WL:3 (Boccaccini)

281(GNE 260). Ancient Egypt and its World. (4). (HU).

What was the world of the ancient Egyptians? The course is an undergraduate survey of ancient Egyptian culture and history. Through lectures, films, and demonstrations, the student will gain an overview of the main periods and trends in Egyptian political history and material culture, as well as an understanding of Egyptian society, religion, and literature. Other topics will include notions of kingship; the status of women; attitudes towards death and strategies for denying it; contacts and relationships with the outer world; principal types of archaeological sites; and hieroglyphs, the ancient Egyptian writing system. A visit will also be made to the Egyptian collections at the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, to see the material remains of Egyptian culture firsthand. No prerequisites. Midterm and final exam; two textbooks and a course pack are required. Cost:2 WL:1 (Richards)

393/APTIS 393/Rel. 393. The Religion of Zoroaster. (3). (HU).

This course explores the emergence and development of Zoroastrianism, from its beginnings in central Asia to its rise as the religion of the pre-Islamic empires of Persian Achaemenids, the Parthians, and Sasanians, and its survival to the present day. Zoroastrianism is mostly recognized as the religion of the Magi. This course will offer students the opportunity to examine the authentic sources of this dualistic religion, in particular the prophetic-apocalyptic hymns of Zoroaster (ca. 1,000 BC) and the Zoroastrian views on the world as the battlefield of the forces of Good and Evil, and the fundamental role of mankind in the fight against Evil, towards universal Salvation. In the latter part of the course, discussion will be the other high religions, and Classical and Modern Western Thought. Cost:1 (Windfuhr)

412(ABS 522). Akkadian Texts. ACABS 411. (3). (Excl).
Introduction to the Semitic language of ancient Babylonia and to the cuneiform writing system. The first term (411) concentrates on a presentation of basic grammar, and the second term (412) on the reading of several ancient texts in cuneiform. Grammatical lectures, student recitation, homework assignments. Weekly quizzes, midterm, and final examination. Cost:2 WL:3 (Beckman)

414(ABS 442)/Rel. 442. Mythology and Literature of Ancient Mesopotamia. (3). (Excl).
The oldest literary texts in the world come from ancient Mesopotamia, from the lands of Sumer, Babylonia and Assyria. In this course we will read translations of many of these ancient texts, which were written on clay tablets thousands of years ago. The lectures will provide the historical and social information necessary for the understanding of this very old literature. Because most of the literary texts were religious in nature, much attention will be focused on the mythology and religion of ancient Sumerians and Babylonians. We will concentrate on the problems of understanding myths and poems from a culture that was very different from ours. This will provide the opportunity to discuss issues of literary analysis, theories of myth, sociolinguistics, and literary history. No prior knowledge of the area is required; curiosity, a willingness to work hard, and an open mind will suffice. Grading will be based on two examinations: a midterm and a final. WL:3 (Michalowski)

Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and Islamic Studies (APTIS) (Division 325)

100(GNE 100/101)/ACABS 100/HJCS 100. Peoples of the Middle East. (4). (HU).
As an introduction to the Middle East, this course examines the various elements that contribute to socio-political formations in the Middle East. By studying the region's literature, music, art, and film, students can examine the important role that the construction of cultural boundaries has played in the political and economic formations of the region. Rather than examining the issues of ethnic and political strife from the vantage point of diplomatic history alone, this class adapts an interdisciplinary approach. The seemingly rigid basis for ethnic and national identification is called into question through the study of feminism, orientalism, and colonialism in the Middle Eastern setting. Students will take a midterm and a final examination. Cost:2 (O'Connor)

102(Arabic 102). Elementary Modern Standard Arabic, II. APTIS 101 or equivalent. (4). (LR).
In 102, the focus on acquisition of the basic vocabulary and fundamental structures of Arabic is continued through vocabulary lists, grammar presentations and oral and written practice based on short readings including simple news items, narration, and description. There is increased emphasis on developing conversational, reading, and writing skills. There will be focus on communicative drills and activities involving student-teacher, student-student, and group interactions. Daily written assignments are required involving short descriptions and narration utilizing vocabulary and structures covered in class. Grades are based on class participation, weekly achievement tests, periodic comprehensive tests, and a final exam including an oral component. Textbooks: (1) Elementary Modern Standard Arabic, Part One (Lessons 11-20) and (2) course pack including supplementary cultural material, dialogues, and activities. Cost:1 WL:3

104(Arabic 222/202). Intensive Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic, II. APTIS 103 or 102. (6). (LR). Laboratory fee ($9) required.
This course is especially recommended for students concentrating in Arabic or those who expect to use Arabic. The primary goals of this course are to have students develop the ability: (1) to communicate/ speak in Arabic with native speakers of Arabic on familiar topics; (2) to understand familiar spoken Arabic; (3) to read and understand the specific content of an elementary level; and (4) to communicate in writing and provide correct responses within the scope of the content of this course. This course is taught in Arabic using a communicative approach emphasizing the use of language. Course grade is based on class attendance and participation, written assignments, texts and quizzes, and a final exam. Required text: Peter Abboud et al., Elementary Standard Arabic, Part I. Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan, 1975. Cost:2 (Khaldieh)

142(Iranian 202). Elementary Persian, II. APTIS 141. (4). (LR).
This course is the continuation of Elementary Persian 141. All four language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) will be emphasized. The class will be conducted in Persian with occasional recourse to English for grammatical explanations. There will be daily assignments and in-class conversation groups. By the end of the term, students will have acquired an adequate knowledge of all major points of Persian grammar. They will be able to conduct simple conversations in Persian, read non-technical simple prose, and write passages on a variety of topics. Grading will be based on attendance, homework, quizzes, a midterm and final examination. Incoming students may join the class pending examination and approval by the instructor. (Talattof)

152(Turkish 202). Elementary Turkish, II. APTIS 151. (4). (LR).
This course is the sequel to Turkish 151 and is the second half of Elementary Turkish. We will focus on speaking and writing the language of Modern Turkey. Course topics include the phonological structure of Turkish, basic sentence patterns, and basic vocabulary. The aural-oral approach is emphasized and serves as the basic course format. There are tapes which accompany the text, Turkish for Foreigners. Student evaluation is based on written and oral quizzes, and a final examination. Cost:1 WL:3

154(Turkish 154). Elementary Uzbek, II. APTIS 153. (4). (Excl).
Principles of Uzbek grammar; phonological structure, sentence patterns and morphology of the language. Course will be taught according to the proficiency method, with emphasis on conversation and written work. Textbook: Introductory Uzbek, by Hairullah Ismatulla (cost $28). Grade will be based on participation, daily homework, biweekly quizzes, midterm and final exams. (Kamp)

202(Arabic 202/232). Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic, II. APTIS 201 or 206. (4). (LR).
Primary goals are to have students develop the ability (1) to communicate/speak in Arabic with native speakers of Arabic on familiar topics, (2) to understand familiar spoken Arabic, (3) to read and understand specific content on an intermediate level, and (4) to communicate in writing and provide correct responses within the scope of the content of this course. This course is taught in Arabic using a communicative approach. Course grade is based on class attendance and participation, written assignments, tests and quizzes, and a final exam. Required text: Abboud and McCarus, Elementary Modern Standard Arabic, Part Two, 1975. Same texts as Arabic 201. WL:3

242(Iranian 402). Intermediate Persian, II. APTIS 241. (4). (LR).
This course is a continuation of Persian241. The emphasis will be increasingly on reading, composition, and dialogue with the objective of achieving intermediate competency. The two main textbooks are Windfuhr-Bostanbakhsh, Modern Persian. Intermediate Level I, and Windfuhr, Modern Persian, Intermediate Level II. Additional material include tapes and videos. Special needs or interests of the students will be taken into consideration. (Windfuhr)

252(Turkish 402). Intermediate Turkish, II. APTIS 251. (4). (LR).
Part of the departmental sequence in Modern Turkish. The course is designed for students who have completed APTIS 251 or its equivalent as determined by the instructor. It provides further study of Turkish grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Comprehension and oral and written expression will be developed through translations and compositions. Readings will be emphasized. Evaluation will be determined on the basis of class quizzes and performance, a midterm and final examination. Books cost $20.00 if not already purchased for fall term. (Stewart-Robinson)

254(Turkish 254). Intermediate Uzbek, II. APTIS 253. (4). (Excl).
Principles of Uzbek grammar; phonological structure, sentence patterns and morphology of the language. Course will be taught according to the proficiency method, with emphasis on conversation and written work. Textbook: Chrestomathy of Modern Literary Uzbek, by Ilse Laud-Cirtautas. Grade will be based on participation, daily homework, biweekly quizzes, midterm and final exams. (Kamp)

262(GNE 204)/Rel. 204. Introduction to Islam. (4). (HU).
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Islam as a religious tradition. After examining the fundamental sources of Islam, particularly the Qur'an and the reports about the activities and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, we will discuss how these foundations gave rise to the beliefs and practices of Muslims and to an Islamic civilization with spectacular achievements in such areas as law, theology, science, philosophy, and mysticism. Our emphasis will be on the first thousand years of Islam, but modern developments will be covered as well. Quizzes, a midterm, and final exam. Cost:2 (Knysh)

331(GNE 330/140). Introduction to Arab Culture and Language. (4). (Excl).
This course is designed for undergraduate students who wish to explore social, religious, historical, and linguistic aspects of Arab culture through an exciting collection of videos, lectures, readings, and discussions. It includes an Arabic language component focusing upon Arabic sounds, letters, and basic communication needs. There will be an emphasis on developing effective outlining, writing, and oral presentation skills. Evaluation is based on written reports (50%), monthly language tests (20%), term project (20%), and preparation and participation in class discussions (10%). (Rammuny)

381(Arabic 440). Introduction to Arab Literature in Translation. Taught in English. (3). (HU).
Materials in English translation will illustrate the progression of Arabic literary culture from the earliest recorded sources to the present. Lectures and discussion, along with audio-visual materials, will introduce the essentials of the history of the Arabs and the cultural context expressed in their writings. Examination of pre-Islamic poetry will lead to discussion of the religious and historical texts of Islam. The literary legacy of the Caliphal period will be presented. The Arabian Nights will be seen to illustrate the popular culture of the times. Bell-lettrist works and those of the Arab explorers, scientists and philosophers will be sampled. The contacts between the Arab world and the West in the modern era will be seen to have resulted in new departures in Arabic literature, with the rise of the play, the short story, and the novel. Particular attention will be given to the works of Naguib Mahfouz, the Egyptian winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature. Students will write a series of short papers commenting upon aspects of the works assigned. Credit will also be given for attendance and for class discussion. A professor of Arabic literature, the instructor is a much-published translator and commentator on Arabic literature. (LeGassick)

393/ACABS 393/Rel. 393. The Religion of Zoroaster. (3). (HU).
See Ancient Civilizations and Biblical Studies 393. (Windfuhr)

404(Arabic 422/402). Advanced Modern Standard Arabic, II. APTIS 403. (6). (Excl).
This course is required of all students concentrating in Arabic and is recommended for other students who expect to learn Arabic for use in related fields. It is the second part of a one-year sequence of Intermediate Modern Arabic whose objectives are to enable the student: (1) to comprehend spoken literary Arabic comparable in content and difficulty to the student's intermediate level; (2) to participate with a native speaker of Arabic in a dialogue or conversation using familiar vocabulary and structures; (3) to read with understanding of subject matter comparable to what he/she has learned; and (4) to write a summary of about 100 words of a short story or passage read, and answers to questions in the form of short paragraphs. The method of instruction stresses the four language skills with particular emphasis on oral and written practice based on selected readings taken from various genres of modern prose fiction and non-fiction and A-V cultural materials. The course is conducted in Arabic and meets six hours weekly with 8-10 extra hours per week for outside-of-class preparation including listening to lesson tapes, writing assignments, and review. Course grade is based on classroom performance, weekly written assignments and quizzes, a midterm, and a final examination. Cost:1 (Khaldieh)

416(Arabic 414). Colloquial Egyptian Arabic, II. APTIS 415. (3). (LR).
This course builds on the skills developed in Arabic 415. Although published texts as well as handouts prepared by the instructor will be utilized for reference purposes, oral exchange is the main activity to which explanations and drills will be directed. The objective of the class is to enable students to function adequately and with reasonable fluency in natural life communication involving the use of the Egyptian dialect. Aspects of Egyptian culture, e.g., customs, humor, songs, and the like, will be made familiar to the students in the course of language practice. Evaluation will be based entirely on class participation and effective oral comprehension and performance.

434(Arabic 434). Arabic Historical Linguistics and Dialectology. Permission of instructor. Taught in English. (3). (Excl).
Prerequisite: one year of Modern Standard Arabic. This introductory course surveys the development of the Arabic language from its origins to the present, with emphasis on its external history. The structure and development of Old, Middle, and New Arabic and their affinities to other indigenous languages are outlined. The historical implications of the development of communal dialects; sociolinguistic variation; and inherent linguistic variability are treated. Basic text: K. Versteegh, Pidginization and Creolization: The Case of Arabic, (1984). Other required reading materials will be made available in a packet. Course requirements: a sequence of three brief essays as per guidelines and deadlines given in syllabus and a unified and coherent comprehensive essay which develops and integrates the three essays into one final written paper. Cost:3 (Cadora)

452(Turkish 412). Introductory Ottoman Turkish, II. APTIS 451. (3). (Excl).
Second half of first year Ottoman intended to sharpen skills in the handling of a variety of styles, topics and scripts through the reading and analysis of specially selected texts. Quizzes and a final examination required. Materials cost: less than $10.00 worth of photocopied material. (Stewart-Robinson)

487(GNE 474)/Hist. 443. Modern Middle East History. (3). (Excl).
See History 443. (Cole)

495(GNE 495)/WS 471. Women's Issues in the Middle East. Taught in English. (3). (Excl).
This course offers an interdisciplinary approach to the subject of women in Middle East. Until recently, women were absent from most studies in the region. Middle Eastern women were assumed to be passive, their lives immutable, their voice irrelevant to the shaping of larger social processes. Recent studies have shown that our understanding of politics, economics, history, and literatures of the region are widely expanded by more fully incorporating the role of women in Middle Eastern societies. No exams. (Balaghi)

502(Arabic 502). Advanced Arabic Readings in Special Subjects. APTIS 501. (3). (Excl).
Students are required to read five pages or more of Arabic text of their choice each week, prepare a short list of basic vocabulary and useful expressions along with an English translation to be distributed to other members of the class; a written summary report is required as well as an oral presentation to the class (not more than 10 minutes in duration); the presenter is asked to respond to questions raised by other class members during a follow-up discussion. General topics will be read by the entire class with an intensive and critical discussion to follow. In addition, lectures will be given in Arabic delivered by guest speakers, videocassettes and films in Arabic of special interest to the students will be viewed and discussed, and there will be group projects. This class should help develop analytical study skills, including critical reading and listening, outlining and note-taking, as well as effective writing and public speaking. The grade will be based on weekly written reports, class attendance and participation, a final group project, and an oral interview. (Rammuny)

544(Iranian 551). Modern Persian Fiction. APTIS 242. (3). (Excl).
Section 001 – Masterpieces of Persian Literature in English Translation. This course is designed to introduce the non-specialists to one of the world's greatest literary treasures, namely Persian literature. Persia's 1,000 years of literary tradition has produced celebrated authors such as Omar Khayyam, Nezami, and Hafiz, whose works were admired by the likes of Goethe and Fitzgerald. Readings will include the Shahnameh, the 'Book of Kings,' the delightful romances of medieval Iran and the love poetry of the Persian mystics. Also included will be selections from contemporary authors. Grades will be based on a midterm and a final. Graduate students will also write a short term paper. (Daneshgar)

556(Turkish 551). Modern Turkish Prose Literature. APTIS 252. (2). (Excl).
Part of sequence in required language courses for concentrators, M.A. and Ph.D. candidates. The objective is to continue to develop comprehension ease in modern Turkish through the reading of the literary products of modern Turks. Recitation type course includes reading, translation, and discussion of content and style. Quizzes and a final exam are required. Cost:about $5.00 of photocopied material. (Stewart-Robinson)

567(Arabic 543). Readings in Classical Islamic Texts. APTIS 202 or 403. Taught in English. (2). (Excl).
This course focuses on the analytical reading of Classical Arabic texts from different fields of Islamic tradition. Priority will be given to medieval Arabic works dealing with the Qur'an, hadith, biography, theology, law, and Islamic mysticism. We shall read and analyze the texts, discuss their authors as well as the religio-political context in which they were written. Special attention will be given to Arabic grammar and Islamic scholarly terminology. Each student will be asked to choose an Arabic text related to his/her field of research, distribute its copies among the other members of the class, whereupon he/she will lead one reading and discussion section devoted to the text in question. Evaluation will be based on class participation and a final exam (translation from Arabic). Cost:1 (Knysh)

Hebrew and Jewish Cultural Studies (HJCS) (Division 389)

100(GNE 100/101)/APTIS 100/ACABS 100. Peoples of the Middle East. (4). (HU).
See Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and Islamic Studies 100. (O'Connor)

102(Hebrew 202). Elementary Modern Hebrew, II. HJCS 101. (5). (LR).
Continuation of the development of basic communication skills of reading, writing, and speaking modern standard Hebrew. Class drills, class discussions in Hebrew, language laboratory drills.

202(Hebrew 302). Intermediate Modern Hebrew, II. HJCS 201. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in Hebrew 312. (5). (LR).
The focus of instruction will be on the four language skills, with a continued emphasis on oral work and writing. In addition to continued study of morphology and syntax, some reading selections in fiction and non-fiction prose will be introduced. Cost:1 WL:5

292. Seminar in Hebrew and Judaic Cultural Studies. (3). (Excl).
Section 001 – Modern Hebrew and Israeli Literature in Translation. A survey of modern Hebrew and Israeli literature from the turn of the century to the present. Reading materials will include works of fiction, poetry, and plays. Israeli films will be included as well. The course will follow the development of Hebrew literature in pre-state times and the emergence of Israeli literature in the second half of the century. The historical context will be discussed as well. A midterm and final examination, a final paper, and short written assignments, as well as class participation will form the basis for grades. (Coffin)

302(Hebrew 402). Advanced Hebrew, II. HJCS 301. (3). (Excl).
The focus of instruction will be an introduction to literary texts. All four language skills will be emphasized, with special attention to reading, writing, and oral skills. (Sacerdoti)

379(GNE 469)/Judaic Studies 379. Jewish Civilization. (4). (SS).
Lectures on topics in Jewish Intellectual History, with class discussion based on selected assignments. Some of the topics are: Monotheism, Law, Messianism, Mysticism, Language and Literature; Sabbath and the Festivals, Sacrifice and Prayer. Students are evaluated on the basis of two exams. Cost:2 WL:3 or 4 (Schramm)

402(Hebrew 404). Hebrew of the Communications Media, II. HJCS 202. (3). (Excl).
Section 001 – Advanced Modern Hebrew. Emphasis is on reading and listening and viewing comprehension. There is a particular emphasis on the expansion of vocabulary in the domain of current events and the development of discussion skills. Course materials are based on the social genre of the communications media (newspapers and television). Unedited newspaper selections will be read and news broadcasts and television programs will be used in the class and in the language laboratory. Grades will be based on two exams and special projects. (Coffin)

472(Hebrew 452). Introduction to Modern Hebrew Literature, II. HJCS 302. (3). (Excl).
Section 001 – The Rise of National Hebrew Fiction in the 20th Century. The course will draw the stages of development of Hebrew fiction as national fiction. It will look at this literature as located in the juncture of poetic, historical, and ideological decisions in the 20th century. The course will follow the change taking place in Hebrew literature from its role in the constitution of a modernist national Hebrew images in Europe of the beginning of the 20th century, to the transformation it sent through and its new roles in the newly founded State of Israel. All this will be studied through close readings of works of fiction. A midterm and final examinations, a final paper and short written assignments, as well as class participation will form the basis for grades. (Hever)

478(GNE 468)/Judaic Studies 468/Rel. 469. Jewish Mysticism. (3). (Excl).
A study of the historical development of Jewish mysticism, its symbolic universe, meditational practices, and social ramifications. While we will survey mystical traditions from the late second Temple period through modernity, the central focus will be on the rich medieval stream known as kabbalah. Among the issues to be explored are: the nature of mystical experience; images of God, world, and Person; sexual and gender symbolism (images of the male and female); the problem of evil; mysticism, language, and silence; mysticism and the law; mysticism and community; meditative and ecstatic practices (ranging from visualization to chant, letter combination, and modulated breathing); kabbalistic myth and ritual innovation; and kabbalistic interpretations of history. Modern interpretations of mysticism will also be considered. Readings for the course consist of secondary sources from the history of Judaism and comparative religion, and selected primary texts (in translation). Requirements include two exams and a research paper. Class lectures will be supplemented by discussion, and on occasion, music and other media. This course will meet TTh 11:30-1. Note: Contrary to the Time Schedule, HJCS 477 will not be offered in the winter term. (Ginsburg)

545(Hebrew 543). Medieval Jewish Literature. HJCS 302. (3). (Excl).
Readings of medieval genres, including secular and liturgical poetry, the romance and prose narratives. Discussions will center on literacy innovations and the role of medieval Hebrew literature within the context of the history of Western European literature. Cost:1 (Schramm)

572(Hebrew 552). Israeli Literature, II. HJCS 302. (3). (Excl). May be elected for a total of 6 credits.
Section 001 – Cultural History of Modern Hebrew Poetry (1890-1990). The course will follow the development of modern Hebrew poetry from the end of the 19th century to our time. It will look at Hebrew poetry as a component in the development of modern Hebrew culture. The poetic and ideological dynamics of Hebrew poetry will be studies in its various and changing positions and roles in the rise of Hebrew culture. All will be done through close readings of poetry, together with critical readings of a variety of texts in Hebrew culture. A midterm and final examination, a final paper, and short written assignments, as well as class participation will form the basis for grades. (Hever)

577(GNE 467)/Judaic Studies 467. Seminar: Topics in the Study of Judaism. (3). (Excl). May be repeated for a total of 9 credits.

Section 001 – A Time to Mourn, A Time to Dance: On Emotion and the Senses in Judaism. Volatile. Stoic. Fiery. Calm. The ways in which human communities understand, express, repress, intimate and explain their emotions are stunningly varied. Laws, customs, song, ritual life, e.g., all serve to simultaneously give vent to the emotions and to control their chaos. This seminar will explore dynamics of emotional expression with special emphasis on the Jewish tradition. We will explore some of the following: joy, brokenheartedness, fear, wonder, awe, grief, disgust, shame, expiation, love (ecstatic and contained, filial and erotic), wholeness, equanimity, rage, regret (that complex amalgam of feeling and cognition); as well as those "mixed" emotions that contain shifting measures of emptiness and fullness: longing, anticipation, savoring. We will explore how these emotions are framed, nurtured, celebrated, and denied in Jewish religious and literary sources, as well as in cross-cultural and theoretical writings. Thus, we use the category "emotion" to investigate Judaism, and use "Judaism" to ask questions about human emotion. Throughout, we will explore the role played by the senses (vision, smell, touch, movement) in shaping the world of feeling and in mobilizing and concentrating desire. Brief weekly essays (2 pp.) and a term paper/project. (Ginsburg)

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