JEWISH CULTURE Single channel

Chair (Coordinator) and Rapporteur: FABRIZIO LELLI

Learning outcomes

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.

Prerequisites

No prerequisite

Programme


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.

Books


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.

Bibliography


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.

Lessons mode


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

Frequency

Class attendance

Exam mode

Oral exam

Example exam questions


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.

Arguments

  • 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.

Sustainability goals

  • Goal10
  • Goal16
  • Goal17
  • Academic year2026/2027
  • Degree program to which the course belongsHistory, Anthropology, Religions
  • Lesson code10606630
  • Year and semester3rd year - 2nd semester
  • Activity typeAttività formative affini ed integrative
  • Academic areaAttività formative affini o integrative
  • SSDL-OR/08
  • Mandatory presenceNo
  • Languageita
  • CFU6 CFU
  • Total duration42 hours
  • Hours distribution42 classroom hours