This engagement with classic Yiddish texts offers the opportunity to reflect on the major social challenges, religious developments, and political complexities that colored the lives of Eastern European Jewry from the Middle Ages through the 20th century. Readings include texts by prominent writers such as Sholem Aleichem, S.Y. Abramovitsch, and I.L. Peretz, but also a mix of lesser-known authors in a variety of genres. Taught in English.

Cross-listed with GERS299M and ENGL278G. Credit granted only for JWST219M, GERS299M, or ENGL278G.