JWC2610 - Yiddish Writers in Translation

Leader: Danielle Charak

Offered

Clayton First semester 2007 (Day)

Synopsis

This subject covers the diversity of Yiddish literary life against the backdrop of 19th and 20th century social-cultural influences. Through the works of classical Eastern European Yiddish writers, as well as those who settled in the United States and Australia, students will examine themes related to the changing traditional patterns of Jewish life in response to modernity - exile and the search for belonging; faith and doubt; acculturation and assimilation; immigration and nostalgia; memory and preservation. Students will also consider how Yiddish writers have incorporated and interpreted folk genres, as well as biblical and chassidic tales in their works.

Objectives

On successful completion of this subject students will be able to:

• analyse and recognise the prescribed texts in terms of their historical, social and cultural contexts.
• describe, analyse and recognise the emergence of new forms of Jewish experience through the study of literary texts.
• analyze and understand the process of change and continuity in the shifting cultural, historical and political contexts.
• describe, recognise, analyse and understand the relationship between a particular location, genre and language of composition.

Assessment

2,000 word essay: 40%
500 word seminar paper and presentation: 10%
2 X 500 word reading reports: 20%
One hour exam: 30%

Contact hours

One-hour lecture followed by a 90-minute seminar

Prerequisites

First year sequence in Jewish Civilisation or English; or 12 points at level 2 in Jewish Civilisation or English; or by special permission.

Prohibitions

JWC3610