HEBR 1221 - C Upper Intermediate Hebrew

Abstract

Eligibility: By placement only. Our Philosophy: Language is by imitation. Imitation is achieved by contact. That’s how you learn your first language. When you use your native language, you don’t make up your own grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. You use the same grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation as people around you. You learn the rules of your language by constant contact with the language, first orally then by way of reading increasingly more elaborated textual data. The more one is exposed to a textual variety – the more one becomes familiarized with the linguistic foundations of a language, whether first, second, or third, and so does one’s ability to use it accurately in speech or in writing. We, the Hebrew faculty at Stern College for Women, believe in the natural process of language acquisition and on all levels of Hebrew instruction try to help you become familiarized with a growing vocabulary and internalize the rules of using words properly and accurately by way of paying close attention to the way Hebrew creates a meaningful expression. Our focus is greatly on INPUT. We believe that we can help you progress in Hebrew by close contact with various texts: by showing you how to assess new the linguistic data, look closely at the ways words are tied together to create a comprehensive sentence, a paragraph, and finally a complete textual unit. ___ Goals: This course is designed to help students develop high level thinking strategies and active participation in analyzing Hebrew textual data, evaluating it and applying it inside and outside the classroom. ___ Objectives: 1. Introduce students to a variety of Hebrew texts and develop a constructive approach to reading and analyzing increasingly complex Hebrew written materials. 2. Vocabulary enlargement with a focus on words’ use in context. 3. Development of grammatical skills required for Hebrew text analysis. 4. Development of communicative skills, both oral and written.