Hebrew (HEBR)

This course focuses on expanding useful vocabulary, topics and usage of grammatical knowledge in a gradual sequence. It provides a thorough grounding in reading, writing, grammar, oral comprehension, and speaking. It is an interactive program and uses a variety of methods both for teaching and learning. No prior knowledge of the language is required.

This course assumes prior knowledge of the Hebrew alphabet and grammar covered in HEBR 101 or equivalent ability on the placement exam. It builds upon the foundational reading, writing, comprehension and speaking taught in the fall semester, and covers a wider range of vocabulary and grammar, including the present and past tense of the most common verb types. The course is an intensive, interactive program, meeting four times per week and equivalent to 6 credits per semester. The semester is equivalent to 1 year of college Hebrew at most institutions (which offer 3 credits per semester of Hebrew).

This course advances students' knowledge of Modern Israeli Hebrew by developing the skills acquired during the first two semesters of Intensive Beginning Modern Hebrew. Among the many grammar concepts covered are: verb structures in the future tense, impersonal sentences in all tenses, nominal and possessive sentences in the future, the conditional and the subjunctive. The course will enrich student knowledge through textbook lessons, student and teacher conversations, the listening and analysis of textbook readings and newspaper articles, oral presentations, and a variety of audiovisual activities including Israeli songs and films. The course covers the first eight chapters of Hebrew from Scratch, Volume 2. Prerequisite: two semesters of Intensive Beginning Modern Hebrew at Georgetown, or the equivalent on the placement exam.

Interm Modern Hebrew II

Pre-requisite: HEBR-2002 or permission of instructor. This advanced level course is designed for students who have completed two years of Hebrew study. It will include advanced grammar exercises. Students read and analyze newspaper articles and works by authors and will be engaged in writing exercises. Students will watch and give a review on movies and Israeli TV programs. Fluency in speaking will be the main goal of the conversational drills included in the course.

This two-part introductory course explores major topics and debates which still dominate Israeli society. Principal themes such as Israeli Immigration, Israel as a melting pot, the impact of the Holocaust, Israeli Minorities, Israeli Wars and will be examined through a survey of primary and secondary literary works by leading Israeli authors and poets. Cultural trends will also be traced through the works of visual artists and filmmakers. Students will be assigned readings and are expected to participate in class discussions concerning the issues presented in class.

This two-part introductory course explores major topics and debates which still dominate Israeli society. Principal themes such as Israeli Immigration, Israel as a melting pot, the impact of the Holocaust, Israeli Minorities, Israeli Wars and will be examined through a survey of primary and secondary literary works by leading Israeli authors and poets. Cultural trends will also be traced through the works of visual artists and filmmakers. Students will be assigned readings and are expected to participate in class discussions concerning the issues presented in class.

Advanced Modern Hebrew I

Advanced Modern Hebrew II

This yearlong course will be aimed at introducing students to literary works including prose and poetry in Hebrew, accompanied with English translation. Our exploration of major literary Hebrew sources will enable us to examine major historical events and cultural trends, as depicted by Jewish and Israeli essayists, poets, authors, novelists, and playwrights. The survey of these literary texts will fully represent all stages of modern Hebrew literature, from the rise of the Jewish Enlightenment Haskalah, the Revival period Tehiyya (1881-1919), the Modern period (1920-1947), and works which originated by Israelis after the establishment of the State of Israel in1948 continuing to the present. As such, throughout the study of these works a particular emphasis will be placed on the specific historical context in their immediate cultural medium.

This yearlong course will be aimed at introducing students to literary works including prose and poetry in Hebrew, accompanied with English translation. Our exploration of major literary Hebrew sources will enable us to examine major historical events and cultural trends, as depicted by Jewish and Israeli essayists, poets, authors, novelists, and playwrights. The survey of these literary texts will fully represent all stages of modern Hebrew literature, from the rise of the Jewish Enlightenment Haskalah, the Revival period Tehiyya (1881-1919), the Modern period (1920-1947), and works which originated by Israelis after the establishment of the State of Israel in1948 continuing to the present. As such, throughout the study of these works a particular emphasis will be placed on the specific historical context in their immediate cultural medium.