Modern Hebrew
Contact the program coordinator for more information.
Hebrew is one of the oldest languages in the world. In the modern period it has been reborn and its evolution is inextricably bound up in Zionism and the development of the modern State of Israel.
The units of study offered will focus on the Hebrew language as it is spoken in Israel, as well as issues of contemporary Israeli society and culture. These will be dealt with through a communicative approach to language learning together with exposure to a variety of texts such as newspaper articles, essays, short stories, poems and other literary texts. Senior units involve the analysis of modern poetry as well as works by contemporary Israeli authors.
The Modern Hebrew program is a three-year program and offers several entry points, from beginners to advanced, depending on students’ proficiency in using the language. Therefore, it is imperative that on enrolment all prospective students contact the coordinator to arrange for a placement test. Both beginners and advanced levels aim to enrich students’ vocabulary, syntax and conversational skills. For the advanced stream, you must have studied Hebrew at HSC level or equivalent as determined by the lecturer.
Units of study offered
Please note that not all of the units listed below may be offered in any given year. For a complete list of what units are currently available and unit of study outlines, visit the Units of Study Online website.
- HBRW1011 Hebrew Modern B1
This unit provides an introduction to Modern Hebrew. It is intended for students who have little or no previous knowledge and practice of the language. The unit will foster the development of oral communication skills relating to everyday topics. It will include teaching the Hebrew alphabet and basic reading and writing skills as well as the introduction of basic vocabulary and language functions. It is imperative that all prospective students contact the coordinator to arrange for a placement test upon enrolment. - HBRW1102 Hebrew Modern B2
This unit is an extension of the work done in HBRW1011 (B1). It will further develop the language skills acquired in B1. This unit involves a range of learning styles that will assist you to further develop and consolidate your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. - HBRW2603 Hebrew Modern 3
This unit is an extension of the work done in HBRW1102. It consists of an intensive study of spoken Modern Hebrew with emphasis on communicative skills that will enable students to communicate in simple Hebrew for everyday situations. Simple literary texts and language components, which are orientated around relevant themes, are dealt with. A variety of different methods will be used to explain grammatical structures, morphology and syntax and to provide examples in their use. - HBRW2604 Hebrew Modern 4
This unit is an extension of the work done in HBRW2603. It uses a communicative approach to language learning. Students' active participation through teamwork, role-playing and other interactive techniques is an essential aspect of all classes. It is expected that by the end of this unit students will be able to take part in simple everyday Hebrew conversation. - HBRW2605 Hebrew Modern 5
This unit picks up from HBRW2604. It covers language skills and knowledge of Level Beit. In addition to consolidating and further developing spoken communication and writing skills, this unit will introduce the student to a variety of Modern Hebrew texts such as poems, songs, short stories and newspaper articles as well as some Classical Hebrew texts. - HBRW2606 Hebrew Modern 6
This unit is an extension of the work done in HBRW2605. By the end of the unit students will be able to converse confidently in everyday Hebrew. As well, this unit is designed to enable students who wish to continue learning Modern Hebrew to make the transition into HBRW2607 and HBRW2608. - HBRW2607 Hebrew Modern 7
This unit picks up from HBRW2606. Students will develop their speaking fluency while improving their grammar and usage. The ability to read a variety of Modern Hebrew texts, including newspaper articles, short stories, poems and other literary texts, which reflect socio-cultural issues from the 19th century to the present time, will be further developed. Special significance is attached to this unit. Upon its completion students can be admitted to regular studies at the Hebrew University, Jerusalem. - HBRW2608 Hebrew Modern 8
This unit is an extension of HBRW2607. Students will further improve their communicative skills while consolidating their grammatical knowledge. Special significance is attached to this unit. Upon its completion students can be admitted to regular studies at the Hebrew University, Jerusalem. - HBRW2609 Hebrew Modern 9
This unit of study is an extension of HBRW 2608. It is an intensive language-learning program covering Level Dalet. It is based both on communicative (speaking, listening) and writing (reading, writing) skills. Through using the Hebrew language in a range of contexts, students will further extend and develop their communicative skills. As well, they will be introduced to contemporary texts which reflect sociocultural issues of Israeli society over the last two centuries. - HBRW2610 Hebrew Modern 10
This unit is an extension of HBRW2609. It further develops, enhances and extends students' good knowledge of Modern Hebrew. It is based on communicative (speaking, listening) and writing (reading, writing) skills. - HBRW2611 Hebrew Modern 11
This unit is an extension of HBRW2610 and it covers Level Hey. Through using the Hebrew language in a range of contexts, students will have the opportunity to fine-tune their knowledge and usage of the language. As well, they will further extend and develop their understanding of the way in which various functions of the language come together. In addition, they will read and analyse contemporary literature and poetry, which reflect socio-cultural issues of Israeli society. - HBRW2612 Hebrew Modern 12
This unit is an extension of HBRW2611. It offers an opportunity for in-depth examination of the linguistic functions of Modern Hebrew as they are manifested in literature and poetry. Through using the Hebrew language in a range of contexts, students will further extend and develop their understanding of the way in which various patterns of the language come together. As well they will be introduced to contemporary texts, which reflect socio-cultural issues of Israeli society.