109-012 Reading the Holocaust

Any two arts subjects or permission of the head of the department. This subject does not presuppose knowledge of Hebrew.

This subject will explore the ways in which fiction and poetry have confronted the Holocaust through the various complex responses to the Holocaust by both Israeli and diaspora authors. Students will read a collection of texts as a means to understanding the techniques, strategies, language, symbolism and perspectives that have dominated Shoah memories. Students will also examine second generation literature through the work of young writers determined to continue the legacy of literary reflection that began with the survivors. On completion of the subject students should have an understanding of the impact of the Holocaust on various genres of literature including contemporary writers; and be familiar with modes and methodologies of literary analysis.

Written work totalling 4000 words, and class participation.

Materials provided by the department.

• S Y Agnon, Twenty-One Stories. Schocken.
• G Abramson, The Oxford Book of Hebrew Short Stories. Oxford University Press, 1996.
• R Alter, Modern Hebrew Literature. Behrman House.
• Litvinoff, The Penguin Book of Jewish Short Stories. Penguin.
• Ramras-Rauch Gila & Michman-Melkman Joseph, Facing the Holocaust. JPS Philadelphia, 1985.