150-188 Jewish National Thought: The evolution of an idea

Credit Points

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Semester

Contact

Subject Description

The subject will trace the development of Jewish national thought through the writings of Jewish national thinkers. This will begin in the mid nineteenth century through to the decisive impact of Theodore Herzl, and the development of three streams of Jewish national thought in the first half of the twentieth century. These include: (i) Labour to be studies through the works of A.D. Gordon, (ii) Revisionism to be studied through the works of Ze'ev Jabotinsky, and (iii) Religion to be studied through the works of Rav Kook. The status of the Hebrew language in the Jewish national renaissance will be examined through the work of the founder of modern Hebrew Eliezer Ben-Yehuda and other leading literary figures. The course will then trace the shifts in Jewish national writing following the establishment of the State of Israel. This will include response to issues in Jewish national life, including war and peace, the Rabin assassinatoin, and Israel-Diaspora relations. Future directions in Jewish national thought, including post-Zionism, will be examined through the works of leading Jewish writers.

Assessment

Two 2000 word essays (35% each). Tutorial exercise (30%)

Prescribed Texts

A course handbook will be available through the Bookroom