Scholem, Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism. Dan, Jewish Mysticism and Jewish Ethics Bokser, Jewish Mystical Tradition. Matt, The Zohar. Reading and discussion of selected texts representative of Maimonides' literary output, some in simplified Hebrew. Classroom participation, oral and written reports, term translation project.
Course emphasizes reading skills, grammar and vocabulary enhancement, and background of texts read.
Texts selected for reading may relate to a variety of periods and locations, according to student interest. Students will work out details individually with instructor. One year college Arabic or equivalent. Student is expected to prepare readings for oral translation in class. Preparation should include linguistic areas, such as readiness to discuss grammatical forms and lexical items, as well as literary and historical skills, including analysis of concepts and identification of individuals mentioned in texts.