JEWISH CULTURE IN TRANSL IN MED IBERIA

JEWISH CULTURE IN MED IBERIA

The course explores both the practice of translation (the rendering of texts from one language into another) and the idea of translation (as a medium of cultural transmission) in medieval Iberia. Jews were not only the paradigmatic translators of texts from Arabic to Latin and Castilian but were also translators of literary phenomena into the Jewish literary cultures of Iberia. Further, Hebrew texts made their way into Romance languages, rendered by both Jewish and non-Jewish writers. Theoretical materials on translation and historical background on translation practices of the period will accompany readings. All readings are in English, but all texts will be made available in the original language, and students are encouraged to read in the original whenever possible. Sources in bold are primary sources. Students are expected to spend three hours preparing for each class session.

• TR 10:10 a.m.-11:25 a.m.
• Instructor: Isabelle C Levy
  CULPA: 5 Info
• 3 points

Auteur Study: Steven Spielberg

The world’s most influential living film director and the most impactful creator of

popular culture in the last quarter of the Twentieth Century is a Jewish-American. Steven

Spielberg’s uncanny grasp of visual storytelling and his auteurist signature can be found

on every film he has directed, as well as many he has produced. This course will analyze

the content and formal construction of Spielberg’s films by following their thematic

through-lines – family ties (strained and healthy), the implacable threat, humanity at war,

man vs. the natural world, the child’s perspective, Jewish identity and others – in films as

disparate as Jaws and The Color Purple.

Each class meeting will include a complete screening of a feature film directed by Steven

Spielberg, as well as clips of related films by Spielberg. Readings will include critical

essays, histories, and interviews which elaborate on in-class screenings and cover

additional topics and films. Written assignments will be three analytical essays which

will encourage critical thinking, close analysis of film texts, and independent research

beyond the materials presented in class.

• T 10 a.m.-1:45 p.m.
• Instructor: Stuart Weinstock
  Info
• 3 points

Zionist Thought: Center and Periphery

In this course, students will learn about some of the many manifestations of Zionist thought and organizing from the nineteenth century to the present day. The term “Zionism” is much-debated, but usually with little direct reference to its myriad meanings over time and space. The priorities, concerns, and ideas of Zionists in 1940s Algeria might differ greatly from contemporaneous Egyptian Zionist circles. On the other hand, twenty-first century American Zionists might have more in common with 1910s Ottomanists than one would expect.

Each week, we will explore a different region of the world, examining Zionism in the Ottoman Empire, ‘Iraq, Iran, India, Yemen, ‘Aden, Europe, North Africa (Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Libya, and Egypt), Sub-Saharan Africa (Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, and Nigeria), South America, the United States, and Israel. Doing so will allow us to develop an expansive understanding of Zionist thought, shedding light on critical debates and current events in Israel and around the world.

• W 12:10 p.m.-2 p.m.
• Instructor: Benjamin Berman-Gladstone
  Info
• 4 points

History of Modern Israel

While Israel is perhaps one of the most discussed and debated state in the world – only few onlookers have a deep understanding of Israel’s complex and fragmented society and politics.

This course invites the students into a journey to the historical and current Israeli politics and society by introducing the creation of the Israeli Democracy, the main political debates, different ideological visions, and the main cleavages and demographic divisions that have driven Israeli society from 1948 through the present days.

By presenting continuation and changes in Israel history and society the students will learn about the main events in Israel history with respect to military and diplomatic issues, different groups and parties – among them, Ultra-Orthodox (Haredim), Palestinian citizens of Israel, Ethiopian Jews, Religious Zionist, Jewish settlers, Ashkenazi vs Mizrahi/Sephardic Jews – which create the fabric of Israel politics and society from its formative years to the current era. 

With an eye open to current developments, the course will also discuss new trends in Israeli politics.

In addition to the reading and primary sources, the students will watch and review films about Israeli politics and culture. At the end of the course the students will gain a better understanding of Israel and its complexities. 

Course Objectives

By the end of the course students will, (1) Understand Israel’s broad and diverse social and political spectrum, with an emphasis on historical events and core issues (the peace process, religion-state dynamics, etc.)

2. Be able to discuss and write intelligently about Israel’s history, politics and culture.

• T 12:10 p.m.-2 p.m.
• Instructor: Avraham Shilon
  Info
• 4 points

The History of Mizrahi Jews

The term “Mizrahi Jews” defines the Jews who lived under Islamic rule throughout the Middle East and North Africa since the Ottoman era. Most of the Jewish settlement in that area began before the Muslim conquest, and since then created a unique heritage that absorbed local Muslim customs and languages alongside the Jewish cultural and religious traditions of those areas.

Jewish presence in these countries of Islam ended almost completely in the mid-20th century after most Jews emigrated to Israel and a minority migrated to other countries. In 1948, the year Israel was founded, about a million Jews lived in the countries of Islam, while in 2024, about 30,000 remained, mostly in Turkey and Iran.

Each of the communities in the region had its unique world of history, culture, and heritage, alongside common similarities shared by most of these communities. However, the research literature on them - referred to as Arab-Jews, Mizrahim, or Sephardi - is still lacking compared to the research on European Jews.

In this course, we will learn about the history, sociology, culture, and intellectual horizons of those Jews who lived in Arab countries and later immigrated to Israel.

The reading will pay special attention to the ways they were absorbed in Israel, to their difficulties and processes of integration - all against the backdrop of the current Israeli-Arab conflict and memories of past coexistence.

By that, we will also examine broader questions concerning decolonization processes, nationalism, identities, secularization, and religion.  

The main part of the second stage of this course will outline the contours of Mizrahi culture in their homelands and later in Israel as it has developed in recent decades in various fields: music, literature, television, cinema, food, theater, art, and more.

In addition to the articles, the students will watch and review films, music shows, speeches, and other primary sources

At the course's end, the students will better understand the unique history, politics, and culture of Mizrahi Jews.

• W 10:10 a.m.-noon
• Instructor: Avraham Shilon
  Info
• 4 points