MODHEB 402
Introduction to Hebrew Literature
Autumn 2020
ONLINE COURSE**
5 credits
VLPA
** Class meets via Zoom on Thursdays, 1:30-3:20. If you have any questions about the schedule, contact Prof. Naomi Sokoloff: naosok@uw.edu
Phone: (206) 543-7145
e-mail: naosok@u.washington.edu
Office Hours: via Zoom Thursday 11:00-12:30 or by appointment
This course presents modern Hebrew literary texts and analysis, with continued emphasis on grammar and composition. Review of language skills and dictionary work is included in each unit to reinforce the students’ knowledge of Hebrew and to foster improved competence in reading, discussion, and writing. In addition, the class covers fundamentals of narrative theory as students practice close readings of texts. In Winter 2018 our theme will be Tel Aviv, and we will focus on fiction, poetry, essays, and popular song inspired by that city.
Prerequisite: MODHEB 203/523 (intermediate Modern Hebrew) or permission of instructor.
Required Readings:
Etgar Keret, דג זהב
Amos Oz, סוד הקסם התל אביבי
Erez Bitton, שיר קנייה בדיזנגוב
Rutu Modan, קרוב רחוק
Naomi Shemer, עיר לבנה
Alona Daniel, “על גגות תל אביב"
Yizhar, a short passage from מקדמות
S.Y. Agnon, תמול שלשום (a short passage selected from the novel)
Course website:
**All of the required readings listed above are available on the course website, but you will also be expected to read Rutu Modan's Exit Wounds (the English version of "Karov rahok"). Copies have been ordered for UW Bookstore.
Other materials on the course website include the syllabus and grading scale, voice recordings of literary texts, handouts, announcements, and Powerpoint material.
https://canvas.uw.edu/courses/1400632
Recommended:
A good dictionary. Morfix is available on-line for free. A link can be found at the Modern Hebrew page of the UW NELC website. Keep in mind: Alcalay is a classic. Also good: the Oxford English-Hebrew Dictionary, for help when writing essays.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course students a) will have read contemporary texts in Hebrew at an advanced level; b) will have acquired knowledge about the cultural background underpinning the required texts.; they will have learned about the history of Tel Aviv and become familiar with prominent writers and artists who have interpreted Tel Aviv in their work; c) will have practiced their writing skills in Hebrew and built new vocabulary.
Student Responsibilities, Assignments, and Grading Policies
1.Students are expected to come to class prepared to discuss the assigned texts and to participate in short in-class writing assignments.
2. There will be a take-home essay exam to be completed by the end of the course. It will consist of three essays (750-1250 words each; that is, 3-5 standard pages in 12 point font for each essay – two in English and one in Hebrew). The exam questions will be distributed at midterm and the essays must be completed by the end of the quarter.
3. Students are required to write 3 compositions (150-250 words each, in Hebrew), based on our primary literary texts or on short prose readings assigned in class. These papers may take the form of a summary, a response, an analysis, or a comparison with other readings from a list of recommended sources. Either word-processing or handwriting is fine. Be sure to double-space.
4. There will be some very brief in-class translation quizzes.
The final grade will be calculated as follows:
Take-home essays: 40%
Compositions: 40%
Class discussion, quizzes, and in-class writing: 20%
*Compositions are to be submitted on time. After receiving feedback from the instructor, students may rewrite, correcting mistakes, to raise the grade.
*The lowest quiz score will be dropped. No make-up quizzes allowed, except in case of illness documented by a health care provider. In that case, the instructor will designate an appropriate make-up assignment.
*By enrolling in this class students make a commitment to regular attendance and class participation. Continued enrollment signifies that they have received a copy of this syllabus and that they have been notified of the requirements and grading policies for the course.
ABOUT DISTANCE LEARNING
Course Information & Online Resources
The plan is to meet once a week for two hours via Zoom Video Conferencing. The rest of the course will be asynchronous. Assignments (readings, videos, exercises, self-recordings, etc.) will be posted for regular completion, but may be completed by students at their own convenience and submitted by the designated deadlines.
Access to both Canvas and Zoom is necessary for completing readings and homework assignments and for earning participation points.
I would rather teach this course in person, but we will find a way to make learning a positive experience under the extraordinary circumstances of the COVID-19 era. Let's be patient with each other and keep a sense of humor!!
Types of Communication
In an online course, our communication will visible to all. For private communication, we will use individual email and Zoom office hours.
Online Course Policies
Expectations of students:
- Come to class fully prepared.
- Attend all online sessions and actively participate in the forum.
- Complete assignments on time. If difficulties turn up (such as illness, caring for others who are ill, technological problems, working from home where children need attention, etc.), let me know. We will figure out what to do to keep your learning on track.
- Abide by the standards of academic honesty and student code of conduct.
- Seek help. I’ll do my best to help you succeed in this class.
- Have access to a camera and audio. The expectation is that you will be visible/audible to me and to your classmates, but you can control those options. If you are not feeling well and want to listen in but not speak up or be seen, we will accommodate those circumstances. And, if the servers/processors/whatevers are overburdened and the video is slowing down or disrupting our communication, we'll adapt as necessary to those circumstances.
- I plan to record Zoom sessions that include lecture/Power Point presentations. If you must miss class and want to catch up later, you should be able to access the recorded material. (I usually don't lecture for more than 20 minutes on any given day; I prefer to devote class time to discussion and other kinds of more interactive activities. )
For Zoom recordings: the recording will capture the presenter’s audio, video and computer screen. Student audio and video will be recorded if they share their computer audio and video during the recorded session. The recordings will only be accessible to students enrolled in the course to review materials. These recordings will not be shared with or accessible to the public.
The University and Zoom have FERPA-compliant agreements in place to protect the security and privacy of UW Zoom accounts. Students who do not wish to be recorded should:
- Change their Zoom screen name to hide any personal identifying information such as their name or UW Net ID, and
- Not share their computer audio or video during their Zoom sessions.
Course Etiquette:
- Get to class on time. Test your camera and audio prior to class time.
- In general, it is good policy to "mute" yourself during a Zoom meeting, until you are ready to speak to the entire group. Keep phones and other devices from making background noise or disruption.
- Respect each other.
MORE POLICIES
If you would like to request academic accommodations due to a disability, please contact Disabled Resources for Students, 448 Schmitz, 206-543-8924. If you have a letter from DRS indicating you have a disability that requires academic accommodations, please discuss with the instructor any accommodations you might need for the class.
In cases of academic misconduct, such as plagiarism or receiving inappropriate assistance on an assignment, offending students will be penalized in accordance with the policy of the College of Arts and Sciences. If you are unsure what constitutes plagiarism or how to properly attribute credit to source materials, consult with the instructor.
Please keep a copy of all graded work. This is very useful in case the instructor’s record of grades is lost or damaged, or in case the student wishes to discuss a grade. Protect yourself by keeping a copy.
For additional guidelines on academic integrity, Incompletes, grade appeal, concerns about an instructor, equal opportunity, disability accommodations, absences due to religious observances, sexual harassment, and safety, see the homepage of our course website and the following link:
FYI:
It is important that we take care of ourselves inside and outside of class by learning how to care for our body, mind and spirit. Toward that end, there are many different kinds of support services on campus, including the Counseling Center, Hall Health, and the IMA. If you are concerned about yourself or a friend who is struggling, Safecampus, at 1-800-685-7233, is a very helpful resources to learn more about how to access campus-based support services. Please save the number for Safecampus, 1-800-685-7233, into your cell phones.
**It is understood that students may miss class on religious holidays and that these are excused absences. Please inform the instructor if you plan to miss class.
Grading Scale
98-100 = 4.0
96-97 = 3.9
94-95 = 3.8
92-93 = 3.7
91 = 3.6
90 = 3.5
89 = 3.4
88 = 3.3
87 = 3.2
86 = 3.1
85 = 3.0
84 = 2.9
Etc.
Naomi B Sokoloff is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
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