Hebrew and Judaic Studies
Hebrew language instruction is available at Bryn Mawr through the intermediate level. At Haverford, Judaic Studies courses are offered by the Department of Religion. Bryn Mawr also offers several courses which complement Haverford’s offerings in Judaic Studies. All of these courses are listed in the Tri-Co Course Guide under the heading “Hebrew and Judaic Studies.”
Faculty
Amiram Amitai, Lecturer
Deborah Harrold, Lecturer
Tamara Neuman, Visiting Assistant
Professor
Courses
HEBR B001, B002 Elementary Hebrew
This course prepares students for reading classical religious texts as well as modern literary work. It covers grammar, composition and conversation with primary emphasis on fluency in reading as well as the development of basic conversational skills. This is a year-long course. (Amitai)
HEBR B211 Primo Levi, the Holocaust and Its Aftermath
A consideration, through analysis and appreciation of his major works, of how the horrific experience of the Holocaust awakened in Primo Levi a growing awareness of his Jewish heritage and led him to become one of the dominant voices of that tragic historical event, as well as one of the most original new literary figures of post-World War II Italy. Always in relation to Levi and his works, attention will also be given to other Italian women writers whose works are also connected with the Holocaust. (Patruno, Division III; cross-listed as COML B211 and ITAL B211)
HEBR B233 History, Politics and the Search for Security: Israel and The Palestinians
This course brings students to examination and analysis of the historical events and political processes that have produced the current situation faced by Israel and the Palestinians. Designed to introduce students to the complexity behind the sound-bytes, the course readings will emphasize analytical skills for reading different kinds of texts, including primary sources. Topics include the history of the Zionist movement, the emergence of Palestinian nationalism, major changes in Israeli domestic politics and negotiation processes.(Harrold, Division I; cross-listed as HIST B290 and POLS B233) Not offered in 2005-06.
HEBR B248 Modern Middle East Cities
Taking advantage of the considerable new scholarship on cities, the course will draw from diverse fields to bring different methods to the study of Middle Eastern cities and urbanization. The course will treat the negotiation of state control, urban planning and its alterations in urban practices, social movements and new spaces of politics, competing architectural visions, globalizations, and new local identities. It will treat such topics as Islamic charities in Cairo, shopping malls as public space in Dubai City, Islamic politics in public space in Istanbul, the restructuring of Beirut, and ideas of modernity in the construction of Tel Aviv. (Harrold; cross-listed as CITY B248 and POLS B248)
HEBR B261 Palestine and Israeli Society
Considers the legacy of Palestine and the centrality of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as key in the formation of Israeli society, shaped by ongoing political conflict. New ethnographic writings disclose themes like Zionism, Holocaust, immigration, religion, Palestinian citizenry, Middle Eastern Jews and military occupation and resulting emerging debates among different social sectors and populations. Also considers constitution of ethnographic fields and the shaping of anthropological investigations by arenas of conflict. (Neuman, Division I; cross-listed as ANTH B261 and HIST B261) Not offered in 2008-09.
HEBR B283 Introduction to the Politics of the Modern Middle East and North Africa
This course is a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the politics of the region, using works of history, political science, political economy, film and fiction as well as primary sources. The course will concern itself with three broad areas: the legacy of colonialism and the importance of international forces; the role of Islam in politics; and the political and social effects of particular economic conditions, policies and practices. (Harrold, Division I; cross-listed as HIST B283 and POLS B283)
HEBR B320 Topics in German Literature and Culture
Topics vary (staff, Division III; cross-listed as ENGL B320, GERM B320 and HART B320) Not offered in 2008-09.
HEBR B342 Middle Eastern Diasporas
Focuses on Middle Eastern diasporas, particularly Arab, especially Palestinian, Turkish, Iranian and Jewish communities living outside the Middle East or to the transnational communities within the region. Examines the range of experiences covered by the term “diaspora.” Seeks to understand how ethnic identities and social bonds are created, extended and perpetuated in relation to Middle Eastern places of origin, and how plurality of experiences forge real and imagined links to various homelands. Prerequisites: sophomore standing, POLS B111 or ANTH B101 or B102 or permission of the instructor. (Neuman, Division I; cross-listed as HEBR B342) Not offered in 2008-09.
HEBR B380 Topics in Contemporary Art: Visual Culture and the Holocaust
Poems and novels, films and photographs, paintings and performances, monuments and memorials, even comics have been the cultural forms that engage us with the catastrophic and traumatic history of the Holocaust. Through these cultural forms we have come to know events considered by some to defy the very possibility of historical, let alone aesthetic, representation. (Saltzman, Division III; cross-listed as GERM B380 and HART B380)
HEBR B403 Supervised Work in Intermediate Hebrew
(Amitai)