An introduction to the skills of reading, writing and conversing in contemporary Israeli Hebrew. Students also read Hebrew texts adapted for their level of Hebrew based on biblical, rabbinic, and modern Hebrew literature, which introduce them to the approaches of Hebrew writers in various periods to a variety of cultural issues. Discussions and compositions will focus on the psychological, cultural, political, and social issues reflected in the Hebrew sources that we study.
Course features advanced work on language structure and active language practice in the classroom.
Class discussions of Israeli current events draw on Israeli stories and poems, television programs and films, and the Israeli press. Students also compose essays and stories in Hebrew. Concentrates on major issues of the State of Israel, including the relationship between modernity and tradition, responses to the Holocaust, and the Arab-Israeli conflict. Israeli feature films are also viewed and discussed. Emphasizes the strengthening of Hebrew reading, writing, and speaking skills.