Not offered in 2008
What is the place of Israel in Jewish thought? How is Israel both homeland and holy land? How has Israel been figured in Jewish literature and law? This unit seeks to explore the place of Israel both in different periods of Jewish history and in different genres of Jewish literature. This unit begins with an examination of classical Jewish sources - the Bible, Talmud and medieval Jewish writers - and then moves to an examination of classical and post-classical Zionist thinkers. Having gained this broad historical overview, we seek to explore the continuities and ruptures that mark Zionist thought.
On successful completion of this subject students will be expected to demonstrate an ability to:
Research essay (5000 words): 50%
Seminar paper (1000 words): 15%
Textual exercise in a take-home exam (2000 words): 25%
Seminar preparation and participation: 10%
One 2-hour seminar and one 1-hour tutorial