JWC3610 - 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

As for JWC2610, but in addition, third year students will be able to:

• a deeper understanding of the thematic concerns in the literature
• the ability to apply this understanding to the nature of Jewish self-definition from the study of the texts.
• the ability to examine relevant texts of their choice not analysed in lectures and tutorials.

Assessment

As for JWC2610

Contact hours

One-hour lecture followed by a 90-minute seminar

Prerequisites

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

Prohibitions

JWC2610