Weill Medical College of Cornell University · Courses
HEBRW
13 courses with the subject HEBRW, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
HEBRW 1101Elementary Modern Hebrew I4
An introductory course in Modern Hebrew is designed for students with no prior experience in the language. It provides a comprehensive foundation in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, gradually building proficiency through practical applications and real-world contexts. The course begins with the Hebrew alphabet and number system, progressing to essential vocabulary, sentence structures, and conversational skills. By the end of the semester, students will be able to: Engage in basic conversations on everyday topics, read and comprehend short Hebrew texts with minimal assistance, write structured paragraphs in Hebrew with growing confidence. Why Study Hebrew? Hebrew is a language of both ancient heritage and modern relevance. Its three-letter root system makes it structured yet intuitive, offering an engaging and rewarding learning experience. As the language of the Bible, Hebrew holds profound historical significance while thriving as a spoken language in Israel today, learning Hebrew grants direct access to Jewish texts, traditions, and contemporary Israeli society. Hebrew has global and professional relevance as an essential language for those pursuing Middle Eastern studies, technology, diplomacy, and international relations. For scheduling conflicts, please contact the instructor.
Intended for beginners. Provides a thorough grounding in reading, writing, grammar, oral comprehension, and speaking. Students who complete the course are able to function in basic situations in a Hebrew-speaking environment.
Intermediate Modern Hebrew is designed to strengthen students' proficiency in Modern Hebrew by advancing their reading, writing, listening, and conversation skills. The curriculum incorporates Hebrew literature, news articles, Israeli TV series, and cinema, offering a deeper understanding of language, society, and culture. Students will engage with Hebrew literary works, poetry, and media, developing an appreciation for Israeli and Jewish cultural expression. The course also explores the role of language in shaping cultural identity, focusing on historical and social influences. By the end of the course, students will be able to engage in extended conversations in Hebrew, improve reading comprehension and textual analysis, enhance listening skills through authentic Hebrew media, read and understand 500-word passages with minimal assistance, and discuss topics in class while writing a 200-word paragraph with improved grammar. Emphasizing fluency and confidence in communication over rigid grammatical accuracy, the course develops all four language skills while reinforcing grammar and pronunciation through structured materials on diverse topics. The course is designed for students who have completed Hebrew 1102 or have received instructor approval.
This course is designed to introduce students to the language, grammar, and vocabulary of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. By the end of the semester students will be able to read and understand a number of biblical narrative passages, drawn from texts such as the stories of: creation in the Garden of Eden, Noah's Ark, Joseph and his brothers, the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, David and Goliath, and others stories students are interested in reading in the original language. Emphasis will be placed on learning vocabulary in context so that students begin to understand the language of the Bible as a window on ancient Israelite religion, culture, and experience.
The course is aimed at training students in exact and idiomatic Hebrew, expanding vocabulary and usage of grammatical knowledge, and acquiring facility of expression in both conversation and writing. Uses written and oral exercises built around the texts. Reading and discussion of selections from Hebrew literature and Israeli culture through the use of texts and audiovisual materials.
This constitutes the first course in our third year of the Modern Hebrew language sequence. Development of speech proficiency will be emphasized. Over the course of the semester, students will develop reading comprehension through reading a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts, listening comprehension through screening of filmic works and episodes drawn from popular television series, writing through communication about what is read and screened, as well as more personal topics, and speech through in class discussion and oral presentations. Readings will include authentic and partially adapted contemporary short stories, poems and newspaper articles.
This is the second course in our third-year Modern Hebrew language sequence. Like its predecessor, it focuses on developing speech proficiency, reading and listening comprehension, and writing. It does this through reading of a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts; viewing of filmic works and television series selected for their social, political, and cultural relevance; class discussions; presentations and writing about everyday issues in Israel and abroad.
This course is intended to continue the development of all aspects of Hebrew language skills. Emphasis, however, will be placed on speaking skills and understanding through the use of various outlets in Israeli media: television, film, online sources, newspapers, songs and literature. The use of text and media material relevant to Israeli contemporary society and culture will help the students to gain better understanding of Israeli society and culture.
HEBRW 3104Advanced Hebrew Through Language, Media and Literature2-4
This course develops oral and written communication, as well as reading and listening comprehension, through engagement with Israeli media (newspapers, radio reports, and television and internet news) and literature. Through study of course materials, students will also gain a broader understanding of the State of Israel necessary for advanced Hebrew proficiency.
HEBRW 3106Advanced Hebrew Novel and Discussion Seminar2
This course is designed for students who have completed the advanced Hebrew sequence and wish to maintain and further develop their proficiency. Centered on the close reading of a contemporary Hebrew book, the course emphasizes vocabulary expansion, reading comprehension, and spoken fluency. Students will read assigned chapters outside of class and submit short written responses, including summaries, reflections, and discussion prompts. Class meetings focus on guided discussion, interpretation of the text, and active language use.
