Hebrew

The department offers Hebrew language instruction, advanced courses in Hebrew, and courses in English. Language instruction prepares students to understand and appreciate the literature and civilization of the Jewish people by developing skills in listening comprehension, speaking, reading, writing, and translation. For advanced students who already have a command of Hebrew, there are courses in Biblical, Rabbinic, and Modern Hebrew literature, and Israeli culture, as well as courses in Aramaic and Talmud. In many of the courses covering modern works, Hebrew is the language of the classroom as well. Courses in English cover Hebrew literature of various periods, as well as Israeli, Sephardic, and Yiddish literature and culture, with readings in translation. Students can use the advanced courses as the basis for a concentration in Hebrew (including a double-major to complement a primary field of study), as part of the concentration in Jewish Studies, or for a minor.