Hebrew
Studying Hebrew allows students to enhance their Vanderbilt experience. Students of all backgrounds are welcome, and courses are taught at both the beginner and intermediate levels. Along with language skills, there is an emphasis on the diverse perspectives, material cultures, and practices that shape the language.
Movies, music, and visual art constitute an integral part of our Hebrew language classes and cultural events. Israeli artists and writers are often invited to discuss the many facets of Israeli culture and society with students who gain intercultural competence in the area.
Why Study Hebrew?
Discover the miracle of Hebrew, an ancient, sacred tongue that up until the 19th century was unspoken and now has flourished into a living, vibrant language used in daily life.
- Learning Hebrew is the pathway to reading the Bible, “the best-selling book of all time,” in the original.
- Learning Hebrew is invaluable for doing research on the Middle East, archaeology and religious studies, Jewish heritage, diplomacy and international relations.
- Learning Hebrew is vital for anyone who wants to intern for a startup company in Tel Aviv, the city with the “highest startup density in the world.”
- Learning Hebrew deepens your understanding of the most relevant issues in the media—from Middle East conflicts to politics or the newest high-tech innovations made in Israel.
- Learning Hebrew allows you to read in the original works by acclaimed Israeli writers like Nobel Laureate Shai Agnon or International Booker Prize winner David Grossman and other great writers who deal with the most controversial and important issues in Israel, Middle East conflicts, the memory of the Holocaust, and the fascinating history of the birth of modern Israel.
- Learning Hebrew deepens your understanding of the reality behind critically acclaimed TV shows bought by Netflix, HBO, and Amazon Prime like “Fauda,” “Hostages,” “Mosad 101,” and “In Treatment.”
Requirements
College of Arts and Science Language Requirement
Students who wish to satisfy the College of Arts and Science language requirement with Hebrew must complete two semesters of Hebrew. Alternatively, students with prior Hebrew coursework elsewhere can take the placement exam to fulfill this requirement.
Proficiency Exam
The Hebrew language proficiency exam is offered before the fall or spring semester. To register for the exam, students should contact Professor Mazalit Haim to schedule a meeting that will help evaluate the student’s preparedness to take this exam.
Jewish Studies Majors
Students must complete two semesters of Intermediate Hebrew to fulfill this requirement. Alternatively, students may take an exam to prove intermediate-level proficiency.
Jewish Studies Minors
Hebrew is not required for the minor. However, students may count Hebrew classes as electives towards the minor.
Hebrew Levels
Beginner Level I
No prior knowledge of Hebrew is needed. Students learn the Hebrew alphabet and acquire Hebrew vocabulary to ask and answer basic questions. Students learn to read short textual units.
Beginner Level II
Students begin mastering aspects of Hebrew grammar, such as verb conjugations and verb tenses. They read longer texts and apply their learning in conversations, simulating real-life experiences.
Intermediate Level
Students master a variety of language skills. They read short stories in Hebrew, conduct conversations about themselves and family members, and write short texts.
Intermediate Level II
Students widen their vocabulary, conduct conversations on daily matters, read the newspaper in Hebrew, and write longer, more complicated texts.
Advanced Level
Students who wish to pursue advanced level Hebrew may do so through independent study. Please contact Professor Mazalit Haim for further information.
Contact
To learn more about studying Hebrew at Vanderbilt, contact Professor Mazalit Haim.