Fundamentals of Hebrew

Offered On Campus

Fundamentals of Hebrew This curriculum is designed for those who want to learn Hebrew by studying the range of Hebrew works, including modern and classical Jewish texts, the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), the Siddur (prayer book), classic Rabbinic works (Mishna) and Hasidic and modern Hebrew texts in their original authentic language.

The five-semester sequence (Levels 1- 4 plus “Sources” class) utilizes an interactive and text-based curriculum. Students develop fundamental skills in all modalities of language acquisition and literacy: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Understanding the building blocks of Hebrew grammar allows students to excel in their full comprehension of the Hebrew Language. Phonology, morphology, semantic, syntax and pragmatics are specifically addressed in each level of study in order to allow learners to develop mastery of text and communication in Hebrew. The Fundamentals curriculum allows students to study Hebrew throughout its historical layers via diverse genres of the Hebrew literature. Levels 1 -4 are offered either noncredit status or for undergraduate credit; the “Sources” class may be taken for graduate credit or noncredit status.

Current Courses: HEBREW (On Campus)
COURSE TITLE	INSTRUCTOR	TIME	CREDITS	COURSE NO.
Understanding Hebrew Texts: Fundamentals for Beginners II	Davis	W, 6:30-9:15 p.m.	4 UG	HEBRW 202
Enables students to acquire additional vocabulary and expand their knowledge of Hebrew grammar with readings of increasing complexity. Selections from classical texts will also be introduced to familiarize students with both the shared and distinctive features of Hebrew in its different periods. The pace of the course will be brisk, and a significant investment of time in home study will be expected. Second course of the Understanding Hebrew Texts sequence.
Understanding Hebrew Texts: Fundamentals for Beginners IV	Davis	Th, 9:30-12:15 p.m.	4 UG	HEBRW 402
Students will continue to apply and extend their knowledge of Hebrew grammar to texts and build their vocabulary, with the goals of enhancing their ability to independently read and understand Jewish texts in Hebrew. Wherever possible, connections will be made to familiar Hebrew passages from other contexts. The pace of the course will be brisk, and a significant investment of time outside the classroom will be expected.
Sources: Reading in Hebrew	Davis	Th, 6:30-9:15 p.m.	3	HEBRW 520
Offers a unique experience of learning Hebrew throughout its history via diverse genres of literature. The course draws on a variety of Hebrew texts from a selection of sources, including the Bible, Mishnah, Midrash, medieval texts, Hassidic tales, Haskala-era Hebrew literature and modern Hebrew short stories. The anthology of readings will be drawn from the Book of Exodus, "Ethics of Our Fathers," as well as works of Maimonides, Ramban, Yehuda Halevi, Martin Buber, Shai Agnon, Hayim Nachman Bialik, Meir Shalev, Amos Oz and Etgar Keret. Grammatical concepts will be fully integrated into this literature-oriented course. Second part of a two-semester sequence.
Hebrew VI	Davis	M, Tu, 2:30-4:30 p.m.; F, 9-11 a.m.	4	HEBRW 206
Building on Hebrew 3 and 4, the two-semester sequence of Hebrew 5 and 6 focuses on more advanced modern-Hebrew language structures and prose writings. Students will deepen their understanding of the Hebrew language, with emphasis on skill acquisition and development through the extensive use of classical and modern texts. This course gives a systematic presentation of grammatical and syntactic principles of biblical and rabbinic Hebrew (including vocabulary). Texts of different styles, such as narrative, poetry, prophecy and wisdom literature, are examined with an emphasis on literary analysis.
Hebrew VIII	Bock	Tu, 2:30-4:30 p.m.	3	HEBRW 208
A continuation of Hebrew language skills, building upon Hebrew 7.

CONTACT

Sigalit Davis
Senior Lecturer and Specialist in Hebrew Curriculum Development
617-559-8663
sdavis@hebrewcollege.edu