This course is designed for students with little or no previous exposure to modern Hebrew. Over the fall semester, students will become familiar with the Hebrew alphabet, and acquire rudimentary skills in reading, writing, speaking and comprehending modern Hebrew. By the end of the semester, students will be able to read short texts, construct normative sentences, and conduct simple conversations. In addition, a wide range of audiovisual materials will provide the students with an immersive environment, contextualize their knowledge of the language, and help them gain an understanding of life and culture in Israel.

This course is designed for students who have completed basic modern Hebrew language courses, and aims at further developing reading, writing, speaking and comprehending skills. Emphasis will be placed on grammar and syntax, on conversational skills, and on creative writing. By the end of the Fall term students will be able to read and analyze literary texts, respond to and discuss contemporary media contents (films, journal and newspaper articles, blogs), to give class presentations and write short essays.

This course investigates topics and themes in Israeli culture; this semester it will explore Israeli culture representing Middle Eastern Jews and Hebrew-language culture produced by them and their descendants in Israel (Mizrahi culture). Through analysis of cultural sources depicting and produced by Mizrahi Jews, students will assess Mizrahi culture's relationship to the European-inspired culture of early state period Israel. This assessment will expand their understanding of Israeli culture and develop their Hebrew language proficiency through engagement with authentic Hebrew sources.