JWC4020 - Between homeland and holy land: Israel in Jewish thought

Leader(s): Nathan Wolski, Michael Fagenblat and Melanie Landau

Offered

Caulfield Second semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

What is the place of Israel in Jewish thought? How is Israel both homeland and holy land? How has Israel 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. The unit also investigates 'Aliyah literature', the literary responses of Jewish immigrants to the land, and the continuities and ruptures that mark Zionist thought.

Objectives

On successful completion of this subject students will be expected to demonstrate an ability to:

1. Understand the place of Israel in different strata of the classical Jewish tradition - biblical, rabbinic and medieval.

2. Appreciate the continuities and differences between these strata.

3. Analyse and discuss the key 'Israel texts' of the Jewish tradition.

4. Demonstrate familiarity with the thought of classical Zionist thinkers.

5. Understand the place of Zionist thought within the continuum of the Jewish tradition.

6. Understand more recent trends in Zionist thought - ranging from post-classical zionism to post-zionism.

Assessment

Research essay (5000 words): 50%
Seminar paper (1000 word): 15%
Textual exercise in a take-home exam (2000 word): 25%
Seminar preparation and participation: 10%

Contact hours

One 2-hour seminar and one 1-hour tutorial