HEB1043: Israeli Society and Language

Abstract

Through the use of authentic materials of contemporary Israeli media, including television, music, movies and news, students will expand their Hebrew vocabulary and communication skills through social-centered language learning that focuses on the foundations of language acquisition—interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational. Students will encounter a safe and comfortable environment in which to push their Hebrew skills to the next level. With topical and relevant texts that span from religious identity to domestic politics, from Israeli hip hop to visual art, students will sharpen their listening, reading, writing and conversational abilities in Modern Hebrew as well as deepen their cultural competence. Careful cultural sensitivity and attention will be paid to guide students in building on their Classical Hebrew background, drawing on parallels and expansions of grammar and meaning found in Classic Hebrew texts with which students might be familiar such as the Rabbinic Literature, Hebrew Bible and the Siddur. Students will observe and gain competency in the ways Modern Hebrew employs the classical idiom to express contemporary ideas and concepts. Students will be expected to engage Hebrew on a daily basis outside of class and complete short assignments intended to reinforce the expanding skill set and to ensure continuity of learning throughout the course.