Courses

HEBREW PROGRAM CURRICULUM

Elementary Modern Hebrew: HEBR 1100 / 5000 (L1)    

Dina Roginsky 

A two-term introduction to the Modern Hebrew language, both spoken and written. Fundamentals of grammar; extensive practice in speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension. No previous knowledge required. Successful completion of the fall term required to enroll in the spring term.

Elementary Modern Hebrew: HEBR 1200 / 5010 (L2)  

Orit Yeret

A two-term introduction to the Hebrew language both spoken and written. Fundamentals of grammar; extensive practice in speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension. Successful completion of the fall term or placement test is required to enroll in the spring term.

Intermediate Modern Hebrew: HEBR 1300 / 5020 (L3)   

Orit Yeret

Builds on and expands knowledge acquired in Hebrew 110 and 120. A content and task-based course that helps students improve their oral and written linguistic skills and their cultural awareness through a variety of materials related to Hebrew/Israeli literature, culture, history, and politics.

Prerequisite: HEBR 1200 or a placement test. 

Intermediate Modern Hebrew: HEBR 1400 / 5030 (L4)  

Netta Sovinsky

A content and task-based course that helps students improve their oral and written linguistic skills and their cultural awareness through a variety of materials related to Hebrew/Israeli literature, culture, history, and politics. Course materials include authentic readings, a feature film, and shorter video clips. 

Prerequisite: HEBR 130, or a placement test.    

Israel in Ideology and Practice: HEBR 162 / 519 / MMES 161 / JDST 319 / 835 (L5)

Dina Roginsky

This is an advanced Hebrew class which focuses on changing ideology and politics in Israel. Topics include right and left wing political discourse, elections, State-Religion dynamics, the Jewish-Arab divide, and demographic changes. Materials include newspapers, publications, on-line resources, political speeches  and contemporary and archival footage. Also, this course draws comparisons to American political and ideological discourse.

Prerequisite: HEBR 140, placement test, or permission of instructor. 

Reading Academic Texts in Modern Hebrew: HEBR 152 / HEBR 509 / JDST 401 / JDST 689 (L5)

Dina Roginsky  

Reading of scholarly texts in modern Hebrew, for students with a strong background in Hebrew reading. Discussion of grammar and stylistics; special focus on the development of accuracy and fluency. Concentration on reading comprehension and translation of texts tailored to students’ areas of interest.

Course conducted in Hebrew.

Languages in Dialogue: Hebrew and Arabic  HEBR 169 / JDST 403 / LING 1650 / MMES 1162 (L5)

Area: Hu 

Dina Roginsky   

Hebrew and Arabic are closely related as sister Semitic languages. They have a great degree of grammatical, morphological, and lexical similarity. Historically, Arabic and Hebrew have been in cultural contact in various places and in different aspects. This advanced Hebrew language class explores linguistic similarities between the two languages as well as cultural comparisons of the communities, built on mutual respect. Students benefit from a  basic exposure to Arabic, based on its linguistic similarity to Hebrew.

Conducted in Hebrew.

Creative Writing in Hebrew: HEBR 167 / JDST 402 / MMES 166 (L5)

Orit Yeret

An advanced language course with focus on creative writing and self-expression. Students develop knowledge of modern Hebrew, while elevating writing skills based on special interests, and in various genres, including short prose, poetry, dramatic writing, and journalism. Students engage with diverse authentic materials, with emphasis on Israeli literature, culture, and society.

Prerequisite: HEBR 140, placement test or permission of instructor.

Israeli Narratives (TR):  MMES 1157 / JDST 3060 / NELC 1570 / NELC 157

Area: HU, WR

Shiri Goren

Contemporary representations of social, political and domestic space in Israel through cultural production such as literature, visual work, film and art. Close reading and discussion of major Israeli works in translation with attention to how their themes and forms relate to the Israeli condition.

The class is conducted in English. No previous knowledge of Hebrew is required.