Class Schedule Winter 2003

The following list includes courses offered by faculty associated with the Center for Judaic Studies, as well as other courses of interest to Judaic Studies students. We try to make this list as accurate and comprehensive as possible. If you have questions about offerings or times, check with the department in which the course is listed for the latest information.

English (Division 361)

English 417 (Section 007)

Senior Seminar: Yiddish Literature in America

TTH 1-2:30pm

Credits 4

Anita Norich (norich@umich.edu)

Class number: 28701

This course analyzes the poetry and prose written by Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe and their descendents. Why and how did these authors continue to write in their native tongue after coming to the United States? How did Yiddish writers understand the process of assimilation, or attempts to combine Old World and New World myths? What themes, genres, symbols do we find in their texts? How is Yiddish literature in America both an American and a Jewish phenomenon? What is its relationship to Yiddish elsewhere? What is "American" about texts that are not written in English?

No knowledge of Yiddish is required for this course; all texts will be read in English translation. Requirements will include lively classroom participation, short response essays, and a seminar paper.

English 667

The Jewish Encounter with America

M 11am-2pm

Credits 3

Julian Levinson (jlevinso@umich.edu)

Class number: 27660

In this seminar, we will examine a series of texts that grapple with the complex encounter between Jews and American Culture. Beginning with Emma Lazarus' work in the 1870s, we will proceed chronologically up to the "Jewish revival" of the present day. Our texts will come from a variety of genres, including poetry (Lazarus, Charles Reznikoff, Allen Ginsberg, and Marge Piercy), fiction (Henry Roth, Ludwig Lewisohn, Tillie Olsen, I.B. Singer, and Rebecca Goldstein), autobiography (Mary Antin and Alfred Kazin), drama (Clifford Odets), and cultural criticism (Irving Howe and Cynthia Ozick). Among the themes to be considered will be secularization, assimilation, the rhetoric of Americanism, collective memory and/or nostalgia, the construction of an ethnic identity, the discourse of race and whiteness, the encounter between Jews and Blacks, and the literary mediation of religious traditions. Participants in the seminar will be encouraged to make use of a variety of methodologies, including those associated with American Studies, Cultural Studies, and Jewish Studies. Requirements: a presentation and an essay (15-20 pages).

History (Division 390)

History 277/Religion 277/ ACABS 277/Judaic Studies 277/AAPTIS 277/ HJCS 277

Land of Israel/Palestine Through the Ages

T,Th 1-2:30pm

Credits 4

Yaron Eliav

Class number:

See Judaic Studies 277 for a course description.

History 322/German 322

Origins of Nazism

TTH 11:30am-1pm

Credits 4

Scott Spector (spec@umich.edu)

Class number: 19299

This course explores the origins and the outcomes of the Nazi seizure of power in Germany in 1933. Because no single factor can explain why Germans consented to Nazi rule or why so few resisted Nazi persecution and genocide, we will take a multi- layered approach to this question, examining the relationships among and between political, cultural, social, and economic change. The first half of this course explores the vibrant culture and fractured politics of the Weimar Republic (1918-1933), which was deeply marked by the first World War. Our study of Weimar captures the hope and optimism that underpinned its culture and politics, but also explores how and why the Nazis emerged from this very culture to assault and dismantle it. In the second half of the course we examine the ideologies and practices of the Nazi "racial state" and the forces that drove it into war and genocide. Students will examine the blurry lines between consent and dissent, complicity and resistance in the everyday lives of both perpetrators and victims of the regime. Finally, we will investigate the connections between racial persecution and the war of conquest launched by the Nazis in 1939. Team-taught by two professors from History and German, course materials will include not only texts, but also film, art, literature, and personal memoirs from the Weimar and Nazi periods. Format: two lectures, one discussion per week. Requirements include midterm, final, and occasional short response papers.

History 382/MEMS 382

History of Jews from Spanish Expulsion to the Eve of Enlightenment.

TTH 4-5:30pm

Credits 3

Nina Caputo (caputon@umich.edu)

Class number: 29658

This course will cover a survey of major trends in Jewish society from the break-up of the medieval world to the emergence of a new order in the 18^th century Europe. Within Jewish society, the unifying theme is the emergence and spread of Lurianic Kabbalah, cumulating in the Sabbatian movement and the rise of Hasidism in Poland.

History 384

Modern Jewish History, 1880 to the Present.

TTH 4-5:30pm

Credits 3

Mitchell Hart (mbhart@umich.edu)

Class number: 25195

This course surveys the history of the Jewish people in Europe, America, and the Middle East over the last one hundred years. The course begins with an overview of the first half of the 19th century and the emancipation and integration of Jews into European countries. It then discusses the rise of virulent forms of anti-Semitism at the end of the nineteenth century and examines how this undermined Jewish assimilation in Western Europe and dashed all hope for emancipation in Eastern Europe. The course then considers the various ways in which Jews responded to this new crisis: nationalism, revolutionary socialism, emigration, assimilationist defense activities, and conversion. We then turn to the events of the twentieth century, events that totally changed the face of world Jewry: the Bolshevik revolution, the Holocaust, the creation of the State of Israel, and the emergence of the American Jewish community as the largest and most secure community in the history of the diaspora.

History 397 (Section 002)

Europe, Jews and American Culture

W 1-4pm

Credits 4

Mitchell Hart (mbhart@umich.edu)

Course number: 13165

This course explores the impact of European Jewish immigrants on American culture, principally in the twentieth century. Jews have been intimately involved in the creation of modern culture and in the ideas and judgments generated about “culture”. This colloquium explores the nexus of Jews and culture and pays particular attention to the “politics of culture”. We will analyze the roles of culture in a number of historical contexts and thus address many of the key themes in modern Jewish history: emancipation, assimilation, anti-Semitism, nationalism, the Holocaust and its aftermath.

Judaic Studies (Division 407)

Judaic Studies 102/Yiddish 102

Elementary Yiddish II

MWF 12-1pm

Credits 3

Vera Szabo (verele@umich.edu)

Class number: 13341

This is the second of a two-term sequence designed to develop basic skills in speaking, understanding, reading, and writing Yiddish. Active class participation is required as are periodic quizzes, exams, a midterm, and a final. There are no prerequisites.

Judaic Studies 202/Yiddish 202

Intermediate Yiddish II

MW 2:30-4pm

3 credits

Vera Szabo (verele@umich.edu)

Class number: 13342

This is the fourth term of a language sequence in Yiddish. The course is designed to develop fluency in oral and written comprehension, and to offer a further understanding of the culture within which Yiddish has developed. Special emphasis will be devoted to reading material. Course grade will be based on exams, quizzes, written work, and oral class participation.

Judaic Studies 205/ HJCS 276

Introduction to Jewish Civilizations and Culture.

M 2-4pm, W 3-4pm

4 credits

Gabrielle Boccaccini (gbocca@umich.edu)

Calss number: 28982

An overview of 3,000 years of Jewish Civilization, from its Near Eastern roots to contemporary times, from the rabbis to the uncertainties of the year 2000.

A social and intellectual history of Judaism with emphasis on the interaction between Jewish and non-Jewish cultures and civilizations. An interactive and interdisciplinary experience for the student, with the instructor providing the general framework in introductory presentations, U-M specialists in Judaic Studies offering guest lectures on the major topics of Jewish history and religion, and discussion sessions giving the opportunity for direct contact with primary sources. No prerequisites. Grades are based on attendance, daily readings of primary sources, midterm, final and a term paper.

Judaic Studies 277/ HJCS 277/ ACABS 277/ AAPTIS 277/ History 277/ Religion 277

The Land of Israel/ Palestine through the Ages.

TTh 1-2:30pm

Credits 4

Yaron Eliav (yzeliav@umich.edu)

Class number: 28213

Events in the Land of Israel have played a unique role in both Western and Near Eastern civilizations. This course will examine the most significant developments in the history of this land. We will outline the historical process and analyze the various factors (political, economic, cultural, etc.) that shaped it; and we'll get acquainted with both the nations that ruled the land and the people who inhabited its cities and villages. Sometimes we will follow the route of bloody battles. At others, we will focus our attention on individuals and groups who produced some of the great masterpieces of our age. Our approach will be exclusively historical. That being so, we shall not settle for modern accounts alone on the various periods, but read samples of primary sources (which will be provided with English translation) as well.

Judaic Studies 317 (Section 001)

Meets with CREES 401, PSYCH 401.005

Topics in Judaic Studies: The Psychology of Ethnic Conflict

MW 4-5:30pm

Credit 1

John Hartman (jjhart@umich.edu)

Class number: 19665

This class meets on March 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, 31 and April 2.

In this course, we will explore the history and substance of rabbinic writing on three levels. First, we will talk about the rabbinic literary enterprise within the broad cultural, historical and religious context of the Roman and Byzantine eras. Second, we will examine the many genres of rabbinic literature and consider the sages—the elite group of Jewish intellectuals who created this corpus. Finally, we will trace the way in which subsequent generations have gradually shaped these texts to their current format and endowed them with their exalted status.

Judaic Studies 317 (Section 002)

Meets with SLAVIC 270

MWF 11-12:00 noon

Topics in Judaic Studies: Contacts & Conflicts: Jews & Non-Jews in Eastern Europe in the Past Millenium.

Credits 3

Mikhail Krutikov (krutikov@umich.edu)

Class number: 28980

From the middle ages to these days, Jews and non-jews in Eastern and Central Europe have been connected and divided by a highly complex system of relationships. The earliest contacts took place predominantly in the sphere of commerce, but also in culture and religion; the recurrent conflicts took the form of pogroms, organized or spontaneous mob violence. Until 20^th century, the majority of world Jewry lived in Eastern Europe, maintaining a distinct dual, religious/ethnic identity which set them apart from the rest of the population. Yet from 18^th century onwards East European Jews became increasingly engaged in the life of the society at large, sometimes leaving a strong impact on its culture, politics, economy. We will examine the forms and ways of interaction between Jews and non-jews in various parts of Eastern and Central Europe: Russia, Poland, Austria-Hungary, Rumania, the Baltics, as well as its historical dynamics. Special attention will be given to culture and language, particularly to the Jewish creativity in arts and literature in major urban centers during the modern period.

Judaic Studies 373/ HJCS 373

Israeli Culture and Society

TTh 2:30-4:00pm

Credits 3

Ruth Tsoffar (rtsoffar@umich.edu)

Class number: 28503

Israel as a newborn nation-state offers us the opportunity to study a culture in formation, a culture formed from both indigenous Middle Eastern elements and the contributions of immigrants from Jewish communities from all over the world. Attention will be focused on the different bases of Israeli identity which give rise to a society defined by its cleavages, and the resultant tensions arising within such a society. The analysis will include a consideration of the ways in which the particular and peculiar history of the state of Israel are reflected in the national culture. The course will adopt a multidisciplinary approach encompassing historical, sociological, literary, and cultural studies. In addition to the reading of both primary and secondary sources, films (both documentary and belletristic) will be shown. Requirements for the course include compilation of dialectical journal and a paper.

Judaic Studies 496 (Section 012)

Meets with Slavic 470

Independent Study: The Shtelt: Myth and Reality.

MWF 1-2:00pm

Credits 3

Mikhail Krutikov (krutikov@umich.edu)

Class number:

For over than three centuries the majority of East European Jews lived in numerous shtetlekh, small market towns that served as centers of local trade and commerce. The shtetl, with its distinct character, became the primary setting of nineteenth-century Yiddish literature. It also left a lasting impact on Jewish imagination and historical memory. The course will explore complex interactions between reality and imagination, as the shtetl mythology has gradually become a key feature of Jewish "usable past," particularly in the United States. We will look into a variety of historical sources, memoirs, works of fiction and literary criticism, as well as examine visual representations of the shtetl in art and film. A reading knowledge of one of the following languages: Russian, Polish, German, Yiddish, or Hebrew is desirable. The course will combine lectures, group discussions, and student presentations.

Judaic Studies 496 (Section 042)

Independent Study

Day/Time: TBA

Credits 2

Vera Szabo (verele@umich.edu) (contact instructor if interested)

Class number:

Readings in Yiddish literature, history and folklore for advanced students of Yiddish.

Near Eastern Studies

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

ACABS 102

Elementary Classical Hebrew II

TTh 9-10:30am

Credits 3

Jason Radine jradine@umich.edu

Class number: 11666

A continuation of ACABS 101 with increased emphasis on the Biblical Hebrew verbal system and syntax as presented in Seow's A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew (revised). Additionally, students will be introduced to select readings from the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. Final grades will be based upon daily class performance and homework assignments, quizzes, and two exams.

ACABS202

Intermediate Classical Hebrew II

T 3-5:30pm

Credits 3

Charles Krahamalkov (crkrah@umich.edu)

Class number: 11667

Meets with ACABS 602

As a continuation of ACABS 201, the students will be introduced to additional elements of Biblical Hebrew syntax and other aspects of advanced grammar. Further selected Biblical texts will be read, and their historical and literary backgrounds analyzed and discussed.

ACABS 277/Judaic Studies 277/AAPTIS 277/History 277/HJCS 277/Religion 277

Land of Israel/Palestine Through the Ages

TTh 1-2:30pm

Credits 4

Yaron Eliav (yzeliav@umich.edu)

Class number: 28214

See Judaic Studies 277 for a course description.

ACABS 602

Advanced Readings in Classical Hebrew

T 3-5:30pm

Credits 3

Charles Krahamalkov (crkrah@umich.edu)

Class number: 11671

Meets with ACABS 202

See ACABS 602 for a course description.

Arabic,Armenian,Persian,Turkish & Islamic Studies (AAPTIS) (Division 325)

AAPTIS 277/HJCS 277.001/Judaic Studies 277/ History 277/HJCS 277/Religion 277

Land of Israel/Palestine Through the Ages

TTh 1-2:30pm

Credits 4

Yaron Eliav (yzeliav@umich.edu)

Class number: 28215

See Judaic Studies 277 for a course description.

AAPTIS 383

The Arab-Israeli Conflict in Middle Eastern Literature

TTh 1-2:30pm

Credits 3

Carol Bardenstein (cbardens@umich.edu)

Class number: 25354

In this course, we examine the Arab-Israeli conflict as it is portrayed in both Arabic and Hebrew/Israeli literary traditions – poetry, short stories, novels, novellas, literary essays, and personal accounts – and film, looking at how adversaries portray each other, how mutual stereotypes are created and reinforced, or broken down as the case may be, and how the conflict has shaped the development of these respective literary and filmic traditions in substantially different ways. Complimenting courses which examine the Arab/Israeli conflict from political and historical approaches, this course offers the unique perspective of examining it through the literature produced by parties to the conflict. Readings will include works of David Grossman, Emile Habiby, Ghassan Kanafani, Sahar Khalifeh, Sami Mikhail, Amos Oz, Khalil Sakakini, Anton Shammas, A.B. Yehoshua, etc., as well as a selection of Palestinian and Israeli films pertaining to the conflict.

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

HJCS102

Elementary Modern Hebrew II

Credits 5

MWF

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.

MWF 9-11am

Pauli Weizman (pauliw@umich.edu)

Class number: 13063

MWF 11-1pm

Pauli Weizman (pauliw@umich.edu)

Class number: 13064

MWF 11-1pm

Milka Eliav (milka@umich.edu)

Class number: 13065

MWF 1-3pm

Milka Eliav (milka@umich.edu)

Class number: 13066

HJCS202

Intermediate Modern Hebrew II

MWF

Credits 5

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 readings selections in fiction and non-fiction prose will be introduced.

MWF 9-11am

Doron Lamm (dlamm@umich.edu)

Class number: 13067

MWF 11-1pm

Doron Lamm (dlamm@umich.edu)

Class number: 13068

MWF 11-1pm

Rosenburg, Ilan (ilanr@umich.edu)

Class number: 13069

MWF 1-3pm

Rosenburg, Ilan (ilanr@umich.edu)

Class number: 13070

HJCS 276/ Judaic Studies 205

Introduction to Jewish Civilizations and Culture.

M 2-4pm, W 3-4pm

4 credits

Gabrielle Boccaccini (gbocca@umich.edu)

Class number: 29182

See Judaic Studies 205 for a course description

HJCS 277/Judaic Studies 277/AAPTIS 277/History 277/HJCS 277/Religion 277

Land of Palestine

TTh 1-2:30pm

Credits 4

Yaron Eliav

Class Number: 28188

See Judaic Studies 277 for a course description.

HJCS302

Advanced Hebrew II

Ruth Tsoffar (rtsoffar@umich.edu)

Credits 3

TTh 11:30-1:00pm

Class number: 25487

This course is a continuation of the Hebrew sequence comprising the second term of the third-year Hebrew class. (Participation in Hebrew 301 offered in the previous term is not required if the student is at the advanced level.) The focus will be on developing proficiency in all five languages skills. Student participation is an essential part of the course. Readings will include short works of fiction as well as journalistic pieces. This will be supplemented by other media including music, video, recordings, readings, etc. Students' grades will be determined on the basis of assignments, participation (including in-class presentations), and a final exam.

HJCS 373

Israeli Society

Ruth Tsoffar (rtsoffar@umich.edu)

Credits 3

TTh 2:30-4pm

Class number: 28489

HJCS 491 (Section 001)

Topics in HJCS: Hebrew through the Ages: Language, Society and Identity

Credits 3

TTh 10-11:30am

Yael Reshef (reshef@umich.edu)

Class number: 25486

This course will discuss the role of Hebrew from Biblical times to the present. The functions and forms of Hebrew in various historical contexts will be examined, and students will be acquainted with the linguistic features characterizing each context. To that end, Hebrew texts from various periods and genres will be read and analyzed. Theoretical questions covered will include the interrelation between function and form in diverse discourse types, the social functions of language, and the role of Hebrew in the Jewish national movement. A significant portion of the course will be dedicated to the emergence of Modern Hebrew and the dynamics that generated the transformation of the language from a liturgical and literary language to that of a modern national one. Special attention will be devoted to analyzing the cultural and ideological conditions behind the choice of using Hebrew or one of its varieties in each historical constellation. Second year proficiency of Hebrew is essential for participation in the course. Class discussions, reading materials, and oral and written assignments will be in English.

RELIGION (Division 457)

Religion 277/ ACABS 277/Judaic Studies 277/AAPTIS 277/History 277/HJCS 277

Land of Israel/Palestine Through the Ages

TTh 1-2:30pm

Credits 4

Yaron Eliav

Class number: 28212

See Judaic Studies 277 for a course description.

SOCIOLOGY (Division 482)

Sociology 410. 001

Sociology of the American Jewish Community

W 2-5:00pm

Credits 3

David Schoem (dschoem@umich.edu)

Class Number: 28147

This course will examine current issues and ongoing controversies within the American Jewish community as it reviews broadly the sociological literature on American Jewry. Students will study topics such as Jewish identity, inter-group and intra-group relations, group survival, and community structure and organization as the class explores the efforts, conflicts and struggles of American Jews as they strive to maintain themselves in a pluralistic society. The course will be conducted seminar style with an expectation of active student participation and presentations on book reviews and research papers.