Reading Modern Hebrew Poetry: From the Enlightenment to Today

Modern Hebrew poetry is a vibrant, evolving landscape that mirrors the dramatic history of the Hebrew language and its speakers. Understanding its development offers a unique window into cultural identity, linguistic revival, and artistic innovation. In this text-based course, you will develop the skills to read, analyze, and appreciate modern Hebrew poetic texts. You will trace how the language transitioned from a sacred, liturgical medium to a dynamic vehicle for modern personal and political expression. What you'll learn: - Understand the fundamental terminology, structures, and stylistic devices used in Hebrew poetic traditions. - Explore the historical evolution of modern Hebrew verse from the Haskalah (Enlightenment) and the Tehiya (Revival) periods. - Analyze the poetic shifts and thematic developments introduced by early modernist and mid-century Hebrew poets. - Examine contemporary poetic voices, including modern colloquial trends, diverse cultural perspectives, and marginalized narratives. - Practice close reading techniques to uncover deeper layers of meaning, metaphor, and cultural reference in written texts. The course begins with foundational concepts of Hebrew meter, syntax, and poetic structure before guiding you chronologically through major literary movements. You will read and reflect on key written works, building your confidence in literary analysis step by step. This course is designed for beginners, literature enthusiasts, and language learners who want to explore Hebrew culture through its verse, with no prior background in literary theory required. Start your journey into the rich and expressive world of Hebrew poetry today.