2024 Fall JEWISH 120A 001 LEC 001

2024 Fall

JEWISH 120A 001 - LEC 001

Special Topics in Jewish Languages and Literature

Crossing Borders, or, How to Translate Hebrew Literature?

Yael Tova Segalovitz

Aug 28, 2024 - Dec 13, 2024
Tu, Th
12:30 pm - 01:59 pm
Class #:27271
Units: 4

Instruction Mode: In-Person Instruction

Current Enrollment

Total Open Seats: 9
Enrolled: 3
Waitlisted: 0
Capacity: 12
Waitlist Max: 5
No Reserved Seats

Hours & Workload

3 hours of instructor presentation of course materials per week, and 6 to 9 hours of outside work hours per week.

Final Exam

FRI, DECEMBER 20TH
08:00 am - 11:00 am
Dwinelle 283

Other classes by Yael Tova Segalovitz

Course Catalog Description

Study of selected Jewish languages including Hebrew and Yiddish, and Jewish literature including prose, poetry, and drama, from various periods and geographic areas, in the context of time and place. Selections may vary from semester to semester depending on the interests and expertise of the instructor.

Class Description

At first glance, translation may seem straightforward—merely transferring words from one language to another. Yet, beneath this surface simplicity lies a labyrinth of challenges: How do we translate idioms unique to one language, or convey rhythm and rhyme, or handle culturally specific humor and slang? When we read a work in translation, are we truly engaging with any “original,” or are we encountering something entirely different? This course engages these complex questions, using Hebrew Literature and its translations into English as our primary lens. We'll explore the nature of translation by following the same Hebrew text in different English forms, by reading translators' reflections, by unpacking theoretical texts on translation, by analyzing works by Palestinian writers that navigate the spaces between languages and cultures, and through hands-on experiences with “translation” between different registers of English. Translation, many practitioners claim, is the most rigorous form of reading. By the end of this course, then, you will not only gain insight into the complexities of translation and broaden your knowledge of Modern Hebrew and Israeli literature but will also—perhaps mostly—sharpen your analytical skills applicable far beyond the material of this specific course. Join me in this transnational, translinguistic, and transcultural journey!

Class Notes

Attendance and participation - 20%
Midterm paper (Close Reading, 4-5 pages) - 25%
Translation Journal - 20%
Final Essay (5-7 pages) - 35%

Rules & Requirements

Repeat Rules

Requirements class fulfills

Meets Arts & Literature, L&S Breadth

Reserved Seats

Current Enrollment

No Reserved Seats

Textbooks & Materials

See class syllabus or https://calstudentstore.berkeley.edu/textbooks for the most current information.

Textbook Lookup(link is external)

Guide to Open, Free, & Affordable Course Materials

eTextbooks(link is external)

Associated Sections

None