Department of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies

For students with no previous knowledge and those with a minimal background. Intensive training in the basics of Hebrew grammar, listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Professor Aliza Brosh

A beginner course for those students with some previous exposure to Hebrew. Builds upon the initial exposure, continuing to teach the basics of grammar, vocabulary, speaking, and writing. Usually offered every fall. Four class hours per week with additional half an hour to practice speaking skills. Professor Esther Shorr

Continuation of HBRW 10a, employing the same methods. Intensive training in Hebrew grammar, listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Prerequisite: HBRW 10a or the equivalent as determined by placement examination. Professor Guy Antebi or Esther Shorr

Continuation of HBRW 20b. A beginner- intermediate level course that helps students strengthen their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Contemporary cultural aspects will be stressed and a variety of materials will be used. Prerequisite: Any 20-level Hebrew course or the equivalent as determined by placement examination. Professor Guy Antebi

Reinforces the acquired skills of speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing at the intermediate level. Contemporary cultural aspects are stressed; conversational Hebrew and reading of selections from modern literature. Prerequisite: Any 30-level Hebrew course or the equivalent. Professor Guy Antebi

Usually offered every semester. For more information, email: hebrew@brandeis.edu

An advanced-intermediate conversation course for students who wish to improve their speaking skills. Role playing, vocabulary building, and guided speaking activities develop conversational skills for various situations. Reading and discussion of contemporary texts, based on the popular Israeli TV series, "Yellow Peppers", assist in vocabulary building. Prerequisite: Any 30-level Hebrew course or permission of the instructor. Professor Sara Hascal

An advanced-intermediate conversation course for students who wish to improve their speaking skills. Role playing, vocabulary building, and guided speaking activities develop conversational skills for various situations. Reading and discussion of contemporary texts, based on the popular Israeli TV series, "Yellow Peppers", assist in vocabulary building. Usually offered every second year. Prerequisite: Any 30-level Hebrew course or permission of the instructor. Professor Sara Hascal

Provides students with tools and competence to deal with the Israeli business community. For advanced-intermediate Hebrew students who wish to gain cultural understanding and business language speaking skills. Prerequisite: Any 30-level Hebrew course or permission of the instructor. Does not meet the requirement in the school of humanities. Professor Sara Hascal

Focuses on improving Hebrew language skills at the advanced-intermediate level through critical reading and analysis of authentic and contemporary Israeli short plays and studying the comparison between plays in Israel and those in the U.S. The course will examine theories in aspects of drama and implement drama techniques including improvisation, movement, and creative expression. The course readings cover topics such as social diversity and justice as well as human rights and awareness of world identities. The course culminates in the writing of an original scene or one-act play in Hebrew. Usually offered every second year. Prerequisite: Any 30-level Hebrew course or permission of the instructor. Professor Sara Hascal

For advanced-intermediate students who wish to enhance their language proficiency and work toward improving fluency and communication through analysis of selected materials covering literature, poetry, history, politics, and art that depict the unique tradition and culture of Jerusalem. Usually offered every fall. Prerequisite: Any 30-level Hebrew course or permission of the instructor. Professor Sara Hascal

Examines the cultures and institutions of ethnic minorities in Israel. By examining and discussing the cultural characteristics and political activism of non-Jewish communities in Israel, this course exposes students to various faces of Israeli society, and to its multi-ethnic and multi-cultural identity. Prerequisite: Any 30-level Hebrew course or permission of the instructor.

In this course, Israeli films, media, TV shows (e.g., Srugim ), and online resources will be used to promote discussion, enhance oral communication skills, and also broaden cultural awareness and understanding of diverse societal perspectives. Usually offered every second year. Prerequisite: Any 30-level Hebrew course or permission of the instructor. Professor Sara Hascal

An advanced-intermediate course that promotes language skills through the reading and analysis of plays. The student's creativity is developed through participation in acting and creative writing assignments. Usually offered every second year. Prerequisite: Any 30-level Hebrew course or permission of the instructor. Professor Sara Hascal

An advanced course that surveys the origins of the Hebrew language and its development throughout the centuries, focusing on its major stages (biblical, rabbinic, medieval, and modern). Explores the unique phenomenon of its revival as a spoken language and its adaptation to the modern world. Usually offered every second year. Prerequisite: Any 40-level Hebrew course or permission of the instructor. 

Introduces students to various aspects of Israeli society as portrayed in Israeli films and television. In addition to viewing films, students will be asked to read Hebrew background materials, to participate in class discussions, and to write review and criticism about the films. The course prepares students to deepen their analytical skills in order to gain broader understanding and intercultural knowledge as well as transform their personal and global thinking. Usually offered every second year. Prerequisite: Any 40-level Hebrew course or permission of the instructor. 

These courses are primarily for graduate students only. For more information, email: hebrew@brandeis.edu