Hebrew (HEBR)
HEBR 051 Elementary Modern Hebrew I
An introduction to the skills of reading, writing, and conversing in modern Hebrew. This course assumes no previous knowledge of Hebrew. A grade of B- or higher is needed to proceed to HEBR 052, Elementary Modern Hebrew II.
For BA Students: Language Course
One-term course offered either term
Activity: Lecture
1 Course Unit
HEBR 052 Elementary Modern Hebrew II
A continuation of HEBR 051, First Year Modern Hebrew, which assumes basic skills of reading and speaking and the use of the present tense. Open to all students who have completed one semester of Hebrew at Penn with a grade of B- or above and new students with equivalent competency.
For BA Students: Language Course
One-term course offered either term
Prerequisite: HEBR 051 or permission of instructor
Activity: Lecture
1 Course Unit
HEBR 053 Intermediate Modern Hebrew III
Development of the skills of reading, writing, and conversing in modern Hebrew on an intermediate level. Open to all students who have completed two semesters of Hebrew at Penn with a grade of B- or above and new students with equivalent competency.
For BA Students: Language Course
One-term course offered either term
Prerequisites: HEBR 052 or permission of the instructor.
Activity: Lecture
1 Course Unit
HEBR 054 Intermediate Modern Hebrew IV
This course constitutes the final semester of Intermediate Modern Hebrew. Hence, one of the main goals of the course is to prepare the students for the proficiency exam in Hebrew. Emphasis will be placed on grammar skills and ability to read literary texts. Open to all students who have completed three semesters of Hebrew at Penn with a grade of B- or above and new students with equivalent competency.
For BA Students: Last Language Course
One-term course offered either term
Prerequisite: HEBR 053 or permission of instructor
Activity: Lecture
1 Course Unit
HEBR 059 Advanced Modern Hebrew: Conversation & Writing
After four semesters of language study, it's time to enter the vibrant world of contemporary Israeli culture. In this course students read some of the best plays, poems, short stories, and journalism published in Israel today. They also watch and analyze some of Israel's most popular films, TV programs, and videos. Themes include Jewish-Arab relations, the founding of the State, family ties and intergenerational conflict, war and society, and the recent dynamic changes in Israel society. HEBR 054 or permission of instructor. Since the content of this course may change from year to year, students may take it more than once (but only once for credit).
For BA Students: Advanced Language Course
Taught by: Engel
One-term course offered either term
Prerequisite: HEBR 054 or permission of instructor
Activity: Lecture
1 Course Unit
HEBR 151 Elementary Biblical Hebrew I
This course is an introduction to Biblical Hebrew. It assumes no prior knowledge, but students who can begin to acquire a reading knowledge of the Hebrew alphabet before class starts will find it extremely helpful. The course is the 1st of a 4-semester sequence whose purpose is to prepare students to take courses in Bible that demand a familiarity with the original language of the text.
For BA Students: Language Course
Taught by: Carasik
Course usually offered in fall term
Activity: Lecture
1 Course Unit
HEBR 152 Elementary Biblical Hebrew II
A continued introduction to the grammar of Biblical Hebrew, focusing on the verbal system, with an emphasis on developing language skills in handling Biblical texts. A suitable entry point for students who have had some Modern Hebrew.
For BA Students: Language Course
Taught by: Carasik
Course usually offered in spring term
Prerequisites: Successful completion of HEBR 151 or permission of the instructor.
Activity: Lecture
1 Course Unit
HEBR 153 Intermediate Biblical Hebrew I
This course will focus on using the grammar and vocabulary learned at the introductory level to enable students to read Biblical texts independently and take advanced Bible exegesis courses. We will also work on getting comfortable with the standard dictionaries, concordances, and grammars used by scholars of the Bible. We will concentrate on prose this semester, closely reading Ruth, Jonah, and other prose selections. We will begin to translate from English into Biblical Hebrew, and there will also be a unit on the punctuation marks used in the Bible. This is a suitable entry point for students who already have strong Hebrew skills.
For BA Students: Language Course
Taught by: Carasik
Course usually offered in fall term
Prerequisites: Successful completion of HEBR 152 or permission of the instructor. This course is the prerequisite for HEBR 154 (no one is "permitted" into that semester; you must take the previous semester course).
Activity: Lecture
1 Course Unit
HEBR 154 Intermediate Biblical Hebrew II
This course is a continuation of the fall semester's Intermediate Biblical Hebrew I. No one will be admitted into the course who has not taken the fall semester. It will continue to focus on using the grammar and vocabulary learned at the introductory level to enable students to read biblical texts independently and take advanced Bible exegesis courses. We will concentrate this semester on various selections of Biblical poetry, including Exodus 15 and Job 28. We will also continue to translate English prose into Biblical Hebrew.
For BA Students: Last Language Course
Taught by: Carasik
Course usually offered in spring term
Prerequisites: Successful completion of HEBR 153.
Activity: Lecture
1 Course Unit
HEBR 250 Studies in the Hebrew Bible
This course introduces students to the methods and resources used in the modern study of the Bible. To the extent possible, these methods will be illustrated as they apply to a single book of the Hebrew Bible that will serve as the main focus of the course. The course is designed for undergraduates who have previously studied the Bible in Hebrew either in high school or college. The course is designed for undergraduates who have previously studied the Bible in Hebrew either in high school or college. It presupposes fluency in reading and translating Bibical Hebrew and a working knowledge of Biblical Hebrew grammar.
Course usually offered in spring term
Prerequisites: Fluency in reading and translating Biblical Hebrew and a working knowledge of Biblical Hebrew grammar.
Activity: Lecture
1 Course Unit
HEBR 359 Seminar in Modern Hebrew Literature
This course introduces students to selections from the best literary works written in Hebrew over the last hundred years in a relaxed seminar environment. The goal of the course is to develop skills in critical reading of literature in general, and to examine how Hebrew authors grapple with crucial questions of human existence and national identity. Topics include: Hebrew classics and their modern "descendents," autobiography in poetry and fiction, the conflict between literary generations, and others. Because the content of this course changes from year to year, students may take it for credit more than once. This course is conducted in Hebrew and all readings are in Hebrew. Grading is based primarily on participation and students' literary understanding.
For BA Students: Arts and Letters Sector
Taught by: Gold
Course usually offered in spring term
Prerequisites: Hebrew 059 or the equivalent, per instructor's evaluation
Activity: Seminar
1 Course Unit
HEBR 451 Elementary Biblical Hebrew I
This course is an introduction to Biblical Hebrew. It assumes no prior knowledge, but students who can begin to acquire a reading knowledge of the Hebrew alphabet before class starts will find it extremely helpful. The course is the 1st of a 4-semester sequence whose purpose is to prepare students to take courses in Bible that demand a familiarity with the original language of the text.
For BA Students: Language Course
Taught by: Carasik
Course usually offered in fall term
Activity: Lecture
1 Course Unit
HEBR 452 Elementary Biblical Hebrew II
A continued introduction to the grammar of Biblical Hebrew, focusing on the verbal system, with an emphasis on developing language skills in handling Biblical texts. A suitable entry point for students who have had some Modern Hebrew.
For BA Students: Language Course
Taught by: Carasik
Course usually offered in spring term
Prerequisites: Successful completion of HEBR 451 or permission of the instructor.
Activity: Lecture
1 Course Unit
HEBR 453 Intermediate Biblical Hebrew I
This course will focus on using the grammar and vocabulary learned at the introductory level to enable students to read Biblical texts independently and take advanced Bible exegesis courses. We will also work on getting comfortable with the standard dictionaries, concordances, and grammars used by scholars of the Bible. We will concentrate on prose this semester, closely reading Ruth, Jonah, and other prose selections. We will begin to translate from English into Biblical Hebrew, and there will also be a unit on the punctuation marks used in the Bible. This is a suitable entry point for students who already have strong Hebrew skills.
For BA Students: Language Course
Taught by: Carasik
Course usually offered in fall term
Prerequisites: Successful completion of HEBR 452 or permission of the instructor. This course is the prerequisite for HEBR 454 (no one is "permitted" into that semester; you must take the previous semester course).
Activity: Lecture
1 Course Unit
HEBR 454 Intermediate Biblical Hebrew II
This course is a continuation of the fall semester's Intermediate Biblical Hebrew I. No one will be admitted into the course who has not taken the fall semester. It will continue to focus on using the grammar and vocabulary learned at the introductory level to enable students to read biblical texts independently and take advanced Bible exegesis courses. We will concentrate this semester on various selections of Biblical poetry, including Exodus 15 and Job 28. We will also continue to translate English prose into Biblical Hebrew.
For BA Students: Last Language Course
Taught by: Carasik
Course usually offered in spring term
Prerequisites: Successful completion of HEBR 453.
Activity: Lecture
1 Course Unit
HEBR 486 Rabbinic Writers on Rabbinic Culture
This course traces reflections on rabbinic culture produced within Jewish legal literature of the classic rabbinic period - - Midrash, Mishna, and Talmud - - and in later juridical genres - - Talmudic commentary, codes and responses. Attention will be paid to the mechanics of different genres, the role of the underlying proof text, the inclusion or exclusion of variant opinions, the presence of non-legal information, the balance between precedent and innovation. Reading knowledge of Hebrew is required.
Taught by: Fishman
Course not offered every year
Prerequisite: Reading knowledge of Hebrew
Activity: Seminar
1 Course Unit
HEBR 552 Advanced Modern Hebrew: Conversation & Writing
After four semesters of language study, it's time to enter the vibrant world of contemporary Israeli culture. In this course students read some of the best plays, poems, short stories, and journalism published in Israel today. They also watch and analyze some of Israel's most popular films, TV programs, and videos. Themes include Jewish-Arab relations, the founding of the State, family ties and intergenerational conflict, war and society, and the recent dynamic changes in Israel society. HEBR 054 or permission of instructor. Since the content of this course may change from year to year, students may take it more than once (but only once for credit).
For BA Students: Advanced Language Course
Taught by: Engel
One-term course offered either term
Prerequisite: HEBR 054 or permission of instructor
Activity: Lecture
1 Course Unit
HEBR 557 Studies in Rabbinic Literature: Law and Judaism
Two terms. student may enter either term.
Prerequisites: Knowledge of Hebrew.
Activity: Seminar
1 Course Unit
HEBR 583 Studies in Medieval Jewish Culture
Course examines features of 9th-16th century Jewish culture within their broader historical, regional and cross-cultural contexts, whether Christian or Islamic. Emphasis is placed on primary sources in Hebrew. Topics vary and have included "Reconstructing Rabbinic Judaism prior to the First Millennium"; "Custom in Medieval Jewish Cultures"; "Jewish Culture in the Islamicate World"; "Nature in Medieval Jewish Culture". Students should be able to read unpointed Hebrew. May be repeated for credit.
Taught by: Fishman
Course usually offered in fall term
Prerequisites: Reading knowledge of Hebrew.
Activity: Seminar
1 Course Unit
HEBR 651 Elementary Modern Hebrew I
An introduction to the skills of reading, writing, and conversing in Modern Hebrew. This course assumes no previous knowledge of Hebrew.
For BA Students: Language Course
One-term course offered either term
Activity: Lecture
1 Course Unit
HEBR 652 Elementary Modern Hebrew II
A continuation of HEBR 051, First Year Modern Hebrew, which assumes basic skills of reading and speaking and the use of the present tense. Open to all students who have completed one semester of Hebrew at Penn with a grade of B- or above and new students with equivalent competency.
For BA Students: Language Course
Prerequisite: HEBR 651 or permission of instructor
Activity: Lecture
1 Course Unit
HEBR 653 Intermediate Modern Hebrew III
Development of the skills of reading, writing, and conversing in Modern Hebrew on an intermediate level. Open to all students who have completed two semesters of Hebrew at Penn with a grade of B- or above and new students with equivalent competency.
For BA Students: Language Course
One-term course offered either term
Prerequisites: HEBR 652 or permission of the instructor.
Activity: Lecture
1 Course Unit
HEBR 654 Intermediate Modern Hebrew IV
This course constitutes the final semester of Intermediate Modern Hebrew. Hence, one of the main goals of the course is to prepare the students for the proficiency exam in Hebrew. Emphasis will be placed on grammar skills and ability to read literary texts. Open to all students who have completed three semesters of Hebrew at Penn with a grade of B- or above and new students with equivalent competency.
For BA Students: Last Language Course
One-term course offered either term
Prerequisite: HEBR 653 or permission of instructor
Activity: Lecture
1 Course Unit
HEBR 659 Seminar in Modern Hebrew Literature
This course introduces students to selections from the best literary works written in Hebrew over the last hundred years in a relaxed seminar environment. The goal of the course is to develop skills in critical reading of literature in general, and to examine how Hebrew authors grapple with crucial questions of human existence and national identity. Topics include: Hebrew classics and their modern "descendents," autobiography in poetry and fiction, the conflict between literary generations, and others. Because the content of this course changes from year to year, students may take it for credit more than once. This course is conducted in Hebrew and all readings are in Hebrew. Grading is based primarily on participation and students' literary understanding.
Taught by: Gold
Course not offered every year
Prerequisites: Hebrew 059 or the equivalent, per instructor's evaluation
Activity: Seminar
1 Course Unit