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 continue in the language.

For BA Students: Language Course

One-term course offered either term

Also Offered As: HEBR 651, JWST 051

Activity: Lecture

1.0 Course Unit

HEBR 052 Elementary Modern Hebrew II

A continuation of first semester Elementary 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

Also Offered As: HEBR 652, JWST 052

Prerequisite: HEBR 051

Activity: Lecture

1.0 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

Also Offered As: HEBR 653, JWST 053

Prerequisite: HEBR 052

Activity: Lecture

1.0 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

Also Offered As: HEBR 654, JWST 054

Prerequisite: HEBR 053

Activity: Lecture

1.0 Course Unit

HEBR 059 Advanced Modern Hebrew: Conversation & Writing

In this course students are introduced to the vibrant world of contemporary Israeli culture by reading 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 inter generational conflict, war and society, and the recent dynamic changes in Israel society. Students must have taken four semesters of Hebrew at Penn 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

One-term course offered either term

Also Offered As: HEBR 552, JWST 059

Prerequisite: HEBR 054

Activity: Lecture

1.0 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

Also Offered As: HEBR 451, JWST 171, JWST 471

Activity: Lecture

1.0 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. Prerequisite: If course requirement not met, permission of instructor required.

For BA Students: Language Course

Taught by: Carasik

Course usually offered in spring term

Also Offered As: HEBR 452, JWST 172, JWST 472

Prerequisite: HEBR 151

Activity: Lecture

1.0 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. Prerequisite: If course requirement not met, permisison of instructor required. Sucessful completion of HEBR 152 or permission of the instructor. This course is the prerequisite for HEBR 154 (no one is "permitted" into that smester; you must take the previous semester course).

For BA Students: Language Course

Taught by: Carasik

Course usually offered in fall term

Also Offered As: HEBR 453, JWST 173, JWST 473

Prerequisite: HEBR 152

Activity: Lecture

1.0 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

Also Offered As: HEBR 454, JWST 174, JWST 474

Prerequisite: HEBR 153

Activity: Lecture

1.0 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

Also Offered As: HEBR 151, JWST 171, JWST 471

Activity: Lecture

1.0 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. Prerequisite: If course requirement not met, permission of instructor required.

For BA Students: Language Course

Taught by: Carasik

Course usually offered in spring term

Also Offered As: HEBR 152, JWST 172, JWST 472

Prerequisite: HEBR 451

Activity: Lecture

1.0 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

Also Offered As: HEBR 153, JWST 173, JWST 473

Prerequisites: 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. Prerequisite: If course requirement not met, permisison of instructor required. Sucessful completion of HEBR 152 or permission of the instructor. This course is the prerequisite for HEBR 154 (no one is "permitted" into that smester; you must take the previous semester course).

Activity: Lecture

1.0 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

Also Offered As: HEBR 154, JWST 174, JWST 474

Prerequisite: HEBR 153

Activity: Lecture

1.0 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. Prerequisite: Reading knowledge of Hebrew is required.

Taught by: Fishman

Course not offered every year

Activity: Seminar

1.0 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

Also Offered As: HEBR 059, JWST 059

Prerequisite: HEBR 054

Activity: Lecture

1.0 Course Unit

HEBR 557 Seminar in Rabbinic Literature

Most of the foundational writings of rabbinic Judaism corpora of Midrash, Mishna, and the two Talmuds were in existence by the end of the sixth century CE. Yet, for several centuries thereafter, there is little evidence attesting to the lived nature of rabbinic culture and society. Course will focus on writings by Jews and about Jews, produced between the 7th and 10th centuries, complemented by secondary sources. Texts will include selections from archaeological inscriptions; Midrash; liturgical poetry; Targum; Masora; geonic responsa, writings by Muslims and by Church Fathers. While students must be able to read Hebrew, much class time will be devoted to the improvement of reading and comprehension skills. Undergraduates should seek permission of the instructor. Prerequisite: Proficiency in Hebrew and/or Greek recommeneded. Undergraduates need permission to enroll. May be repeated for credit.

Course usually offered in spring term

Also Offered As: JWST 553, NELC 557

Activity: Seminar

1.0 Course Unit

HEBR 583 Studies in Medieval Jewish Culture

Through close reading of primary sources in the original Hebrew, participants in this seminar will explore historical circumstances that engaged and shaped medieval Jews in both Christian and Muslim lands, along with the enduring cultural projects that Jews themselves produced. Topics will include Geonica, Karaism, the encounter of Reason and Revelation; the Christian "Other": the Muslim "Other"; legal codification; the Tosafist project; Rhineland Pietism; Minhag (custom); family life; the aesthetic dimension; Kabbalah; conversos; messianism. Students should be able to comfortably read unpointed Hebrew.

Taught by: Fishman

Course usually offered in fall term

Also Offered As: JWST 523, RELS 523

Activity: Seminar

1.0 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

Also Offered As: HEBR 051, JWST 051

Activity: Lecture

1.0 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

Also Offered As: HEBR 052, JWST 052

Prerequisite: HEBR 651

Activity: Lecture

1.0 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

Also Offered As: HEBR 053, JWST 053

Prerequisite: HEBR 652

Activity: Lecture

1.0 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.

One-term course offered either term

Also Offered As: HEBR 054, JWST 054

Prerequisite: HEBR 653

Activity: Lecture

1.0 Course Unit

HEBR 999 Independent Study

An independent study in Hebrew language for PhD students

Activity: Independent Study

1.0 Course Unit