This course offers a variety of subjects devoted to the linguistic, historical and socio-cultural make-up of pre-modern Ashkenazic (Yiddish-speaking) society, as well as others dealing with the major trends of modern Yiddish language, literature, and culture. The wide selection of subjects is taught by Yiddish specialists working at the University and at the Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies.
The MSt aims to provide systematic academic training for aspiring scholars, instructors, and educators in the field of Yiddish language, literature, and culture. It requires proficiency in written and spoken Yiddish, and is designed further to enhance and invigorate students’ linguistic proficiency, academic competence, and cultural literacy. It can be taken both as a qualification in its own right and as a preparation for doctoral research in Yiddish studies.
Course Structure
- Modern Yiddish literature, 1864-1939
- The history of the Yiddish language
- 1 Special Subject
- Dissertation
Course Content
The Special Subjects can include:
- Old Yiddish Literature (survey)
- Old Yiddish Literature: Secular and Religious Trends
- Old Yiddish: Between Folklore and Literature
- Nineteenth-Century Yiddish Literature
- Modern Yiddish Poetry
- Yiddish Drama and Theatre
- Twentieth-Century Centres of Yiddish Literature and Culture
- Sociology of Yiddish
- History of Yiddish Studies
- Yiddish Stylistics
- Yiddish Bibliography and Booklore
Applicants should ascertain in advance which of the Special Subjects will be available in any given year. Enquiries can be made via the Graduate Office at graduate.studies@mod-langs.ox.ac.uk
Assessment
Candidates must write a dissertation of between 8,000 and 10,000 words on a subject proposed by the candidate in consultation with the supervisor.
There is no written examination.
