Visiting researchers

 

This summer, the Department of Literature, Language, and Arts at the Open University welcomed two esteemed scholars from the United States: Prof. Adam Rovner, Associate Professor of English and Jewish Literature at the University of Denver and Prof. Shachar M. Pinsker is  a Professor of Hebrew Literature and Culture at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor.
During their visit, both scholars engaged with our students by delivering joint lectures in English and participating in a departmental seminar.
Prof. Rovner, alongside Dr. Matan Harmoni, co-taught a session of the "History of Hebrew Literature" course. This class featured a dynamic discussion between the two scholars, providing a comprehensive summary of the course material and offering fresh perspectives on key topics.

Prof. Pinsker, together with Prof. Adia Mendelson-Maoz, conversated with Dr. Maya Michaeli and with the students, as part of the  "Literature and Ethics" course (undergraduate) and the "Contacts between Cultures" course (graduate). The subject of the conversation was Michael Rothberg's book Michael Rothberg - The implicated subject: beyond victims and perpetrators (2019). The lessons were taught in English.
The visiting lecturers also participated in a seminar titled "Literary Communities and Writing Spaces: New Perspectives for the Study of Hebrew Literature." This symposium featured presentations from Open University faculty, Israeli researchers, and the two guest scholars. Prof. Rovner and Prof. Pinsker shared their research, inspiring both attendees and fellow presenters. The event was a resounding success, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and insights.