History, Anthropology, Religions

FABRIZIO LELLI

The course aims to provide knowledge and understanding of the methodological, critical and applicable aspects of the Discipline; it proposes geographical areas and sectorial perspectives in which related projects are activated; it shows the variability of fields of interest; it enables the student to master the specific topics in order to use them and apply them in other fields of study while using the correct specific language. With the acquired knowledge the student will be able to develop autonomous ability of connections with other disciplines in the various historical epochs and cultural contexts.

At the end of the course students should be able to:
- analyze and translate a vocalized Hebrew text into Italian;
- evaluate the accuracy of other translations from Hebrew;
- communicate at an elementary level with native speakers of the Hebrew language;
understand and critically analyze aspects of Jewish culture and literature.

No prerequisite

Introduction to the biblical and contemporary Hebrew language. The alphabet; elements of morphology; rudiments of syntax.
Reading and translation of selections of vocalized Jewish songs.
Conversation exercises in standard Israeli Hebrew.
What is Judaism.
Characteristic aspects of Jewish culture.
History of Jewish culture compared with other cultures.
Notes on Jewish literature from antiquity to today.

Berg, N.E. - Sokoloff N.B. (eds.) 2020. Since 1948. Israeli Literature in the Making, Albany NY, State University of New York Press.
Freedmann-Cohen, G. - Shoval, C. 2011. Easing into Modern Hebrew Grammar, vol. 1, Jerusalem, Magnes Press.
Neusner, J. - Avery Peck A.J. (eds.) 2004. The Routledge Dictionary of Judaism, New York - London, Routledge.
Saenz-Badillos, A. 1993. A History of the Hebrew Language, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.
Additional materials will be handed out in class or uploaded on Classroom.

Berg, N.E. - Sokoloff N.B. (eds.) 2020. Since 1948. Israeli Literature in the Making, Albany NY, State University of New York Press.
Freedmann-Cohen, G. - Shoval, C. 2011. Easing into Modern Hebrew Grammar, vol. 1, Jerusalem, Magnes Press.
Neusner, J. - Avery Peck A.J. (eds.) 2004. The Routledge Dictionary of Judaism, New York - London, Routledge.
Saenz-Badillos, A. 1993. A History of the Hebrew Language, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.
Additional materials will be handed out in class or uploaded on Classroom.

Class lessons with use of audiovisual materials.
Class discussions on materials handed out.
Possible interaction with Hebrew native guest teachers.

Class attendance

Oral exam

Examine a Biblical verse.
Build up a short dialogue in contemporary Hebrew.
Discuss an aspect of Jewish culture (a holiday. a historical period).
Introduce an Israeli author and his work.

• 1) The introductory section (lessons 1-6) deals with the introduction to Jewish culture and Hebrew language.2) The central section (lessons 7-18) will delve into Hebrew contemporary literature.3) The concluding section (lessons 19-21) will recap the main topics of the course.