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
Class #:27271
Units: 4
Instruction Mode:
In-Person Instruction
Offered through
Jewish Studies Program
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%
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.
Guide to Open, Free, & Affordable Course Materials
Associated Sections
None