Adi Raz

The course, which builds upon HEB 611C (or HEB 412L), focuses on acquiring proficiency and communicative skills through the use of the various outlets of popular culture: Television programs, films, newspapers, magazines, songs, and short stories.  Among other activities, students will participate in a class blog, will enter a couple of “talkback” entries, and produce an original cultural piece.  Students enrolled in the class will be expected to advance to the intermediate-high level in composition, comprehension and conversation and be prepared to meet the requirements of the Hebrew program subsequent upper-division courses.

Texts

To be provided by instructor. 

Grading

To be provided by instructor.

An old woman is standing in the middle of the isle in your local supermarket. You don't see her and you bump into her. In Korea, you would apologize ten times and give her your business card, just in case she wants to contact you. In Hungary, you would apologize profusely. In Israel, you would scold her and ask why she is standing in the middle of the isle waiting for an accident to happen…What is the proper thing to do in a given culture? Why do non-native speakers visiting other cultures tend to offend the locals? These questions can all be answered by understanding the pragmatics of a culture. Pragmatics is the study of language as action and of the social contexts in which linguistic action takes place. Cross-cultural pragmatics is the study of linguistic action carried out by language users from different ethnolinguistic backgrounds.  Pragmatics is based on speech acts such as apologies and requests and their acceptable use in different cultures. In this class, we will first discuss two theoretical approaches to pragmatics: speech act theory and politeness theory. Following this introduction, we will focus on case studies from Middle Eastern countries such as Israel, Iran and Egypt. We will examine detail research on the production and interpretation of speech acts across cultures.

Texts

Gars, S. M., & Neu, J. (Eds.). (2006). Speech acts across cultures: Challenges to communication in a second language. Berlin: Mouton de Gruyter.Scollon, R., & Scollon, S. W.

Grading

Quizzes on theoretical definitions of pragmatics. (25%); One group or individual presentation of one or more articles from the readings. (25%); Group or individual research project and presentation of findings focusing on one or more speech acts. (50%)

The course, which builds upon HEB 601C, emphasizes composition, comprehension and conversation in Modern Hebrew, and provides a segue to upper-division Hebrew courses such as Hebrew Grammar, Advanced Conversation and Composition, and Introduction to Hebrew Literature. Oral discourse is maintained at maximal level, and small group/individual instruction sessions supplement the regular class routine. Audio-visual materials are frequently used. Students write short papers, present topics to the class and lead class discussions. Active participation in class discussions is a decisive element in students' participation grade. Not open to native speakers of Hebrew.

Grading Policy

Participation 15%; Quizzes 30%; Homework 20% Presentations 5%; Midtem exam 10%; Final exam 20% May vary with instructor.

Texts

Information on texts will be provided by the instructor.

This course meets Monday through Friday. Please check the online course schedule for TTH meeting time and location.

This course will focus on learning Hebrew with the use of Israeli media such as talk shows, TV pieces, national and international new, popular radio shows, and written media. In this course we will discuss how Israelis see the world from their point of view and understand Israeli culture by exposing the different layers of Israeli society represented in the local media. Students will learn the fast paced Israeli society using media and will have exposure to the intensity and frequency of topic changes in the press. We will focus on everything from politics to cultural events and celebrities in Israel. The course will require general knowledge of Israeli popular culture.  Prerequisites: HEB 346 (Topic 7: Hebrew via Popular Culture). Conducted in Hebrew.

Texts

No texts required. Instructor will provide authentic materials in Israeli media. 

Grading & Requirements

Attendance and participation: 30%

Class presentations: 20%

Homework assignments: 15%

Opinion papers: 35%

The course, which builds upon HEB 601C, emphasizes composition, comprehension and conversation in Modern Hebrew, and provides a segue to upper-division Hebrew courses such as Hebrew Grammar, Advanced Conversation and Composition, and Introduction to Hebrew Literature. Oral discourse is maintained at maximal level, and small group/individual instruction sessions supplement the regular class routine. Audio-visual materials are frequently used. Students write short papers, present topics to the class and lead class discussions. Active participation in class discussions is a decisive element in students' participation grade. Not open to native speakers of Hebrew.

Grading Policy

Participation 15%; Quizzes 30%; Homework 20% Presentations 5%; Midtem exam 10%; Final exam 20% May vary with instructor.

Texts

Information on texts will be provided by the instructor.

This course meets Monday through Friday. Please check the online course schedule for TTH meeting time and location.

Israel is a diverse country with just over seven million citizens. The people of Israel wear keffiyahs, wigs, veils, and kippot. Most of the population in Israel is Jewish however, many are surprised to hear that there are numerous non-Jewish minorities that include Muslims, Christians and Druze. Since Israel is an immigrant nation, there are also Jewish minorities such as Ethiopians and Russians that came to Israel looking for a better life. In this course we will look at the many facets of Israeli society and focus on the minorities that live in Israel. We will discuss the issues that these minorities encounter in a country facing social, political, and security difficulties.

TEXTS/READINGS

Rosenthal D. (2008). The Israelis. Free Press, New York

GRADING POLICY

Quizzes  25%

One group or individual presentation of one or more articles from the readings.  25%

Attendance and class participation  15%

Group or individual research project and presentation of findings  35%

Israel is a diverse country with just over seven million citizens. The people of Israel wear keffiyahs, wigs, veils, and kippot. Most of the population in Israel is Jewish however, many are surprised to hear that there are numerous non-Jewish minorities that include Muslims, Christians and Druze. Since Israel is an immigrant nation, there are also Jewish minorities such as Ethiopians and Russians that came to Israel looking for a better life. In this course we will look at the many facets of Israeli society and focus on the minorities that live in Israel. We will discuss the issues that these minorities encounter in a country facing social, political, and security difficulties.

TEXTS/READINGS

Rosenthal D. (2008). The Israelis. Free Press, New York

GRADING POLICY

Quizzes  25%

One group or individual presentation of one or more articles from the readings.  25%

Attendance and class participation  15%

Group or individual research project and presentation of findings  35%

Course Description

The course, which builds upon HEB 601C, emphasizes composition, comprehension and conversation in Modern Hebrew, and provides a segue to upper-division Hebrew courses such as Hebrew Grammar, Advanced Conversation and Composition, and Introduction to Hebrew Literature. Oral discourse is maintained at maximal level, and small group/individual instruction sessions supplement the regular class routine. Audio-visual materials are frequently used. Students write short papers, present topics to the class and lead class discussions. Active participation in class discussions is a decisive element in students' participation grade. Not open to native speakers of Hebrew.

Grading Policy

Participation 15%; Quizzes 30%; Homework 20% Presentations 5%; Midtem exam 10%; Final exam 20% May vary with instructor.

Texts

Information on texts will be provided by the instructor.

This course meets Monday through Friday. Please check the online course schedule for TTH meeting time and location.

Course Description

This course will focus on learning Hebrew with the use of Israeli media such as talk shows, TV pieces, national and international new, popular radio shows, and written media. In this course we will discuss how Israelis see the world from their point of view and understand Israeli culture by exposing the different layers of Israeli society represented in the local media. Students will learn the fast paced Israeli society using media and will have exposure to the intensity and frequency of topic changes in the press. We will focus on everything from politics to cultural events and celebrities in Israel. The course will require general knowledge of Israeli popular culture.  Prerequisites: HEB 346 (Topic 7: Hebrew via Popular Culture). Conducted in Hebrew.

Texts

No texts required. Instructor will provide authentic materials in Israeli media. 

Grading & Requirements

Attendance and participation: 30%

Class presentations: 20%

Homework assignments: 15%

Opinion papers: 35%

Course Description

The course, which builds upon HEB 601C, emphasizes composition, comprehension and conversation in Modern Hebrew, and provides a segue to upper-division Hebrew courses such as Hebrew Grammar, Advanced Conversation and Composition, and Introduction to Hebrew Literature. Oral discourse is maintained at maximal level, and small group/individual instruction sessions supplement the regular class routine. Audio-visual materials are frequently used. Students write short papers, present topics to the class and lead class discussions. Active participation in class discussions is a decisive element in students' participation grade. Not open to native speakers of Hebrew.

Grading Policy

Participation 15%; Quizzes 30%; Homework 20% Presentations 5%; Midtem exam 10%; Final exam 20% May vary with instructor.

Texts

Information on texts will be provided by the instructor.

This course meets Monday through Friday. Please check the online course schedule for TTH meeting time and location.

This course is the first semester of intensive Hebrew language instruction.

Texts

Raizen, Modern Hebrew for Beginners

Grading

To be provided by instructor. 

The course, which builds upon HEB 611C (or HEB 412L), focuses on acquiring proficiency and communicative skills through the use of the various outlets of popular culture: Television programs, films, newspapers, magazines, songs, and short stories.  Among other activities, students will participate in a class blog, will enter a couple of “talkback” entries, and produce an original cultural piece.  Students enrolled in the class will be expected to advance to the intermediate-high level in composition, comprehension and conversation and be prepared to meet the requirements of the Hebrew program subsequent upper-division courses.

Texts

To be provided by instructor. 

Grading

To be provided by instructor. 

An old woman is standing in the middle of the isle in your local supermarket. You don’t see her and you bump into her. In Korea, you would apologize ten times and give her your business card, just in case she wants to contact you. In Hungary, you would apologize profusely. In Israel, you would scold her and ask why she is standing in the middle of the isle waiting for an accident to happen…What is the proper thing to do in a given culture? Why do non-native speakers visiting other cultures tend to offend the locals? These questions can all be answered by understanding the pragmatics of a culture. Pragmatics is the study of language as action and of the social contexts in which linguistic action takes place. Cross-cultural pragmatics is the study of linguistic action carried out by language users from different ethnolinguistic backgrounds.  Pragmatics is based on speech acts such as apologies and requests and their acceptable use in different cultures. In this class, we will first discuss two theoretical approaches to pragmatics: speech act theory and politeness theory. Following this introduction, we will focus on case studies from Middle Eastern countries such as Israel, Turkey and Jordan. We will examine detailed research on the production and interpretation of speech acts across cultures.

Course Description

The course, which builds upon HEB 601C, emphasizes composition, comprehension and conversation in Modern Hebrew, and provides a segue to upper-division Hebrew courses such as Hebrew Grammar, Advanced Conversation and Composition, and Introduction to Hebrew Literature. Oral discourse is maintained at maximal level, and small group/individual instruction sessions supplement the regular class routine. Audio-visual materials are frequently used. Students write short papers, present topics to the class and lead class discussions. Active participation in class discussions is a decisive element in students' participation grade. Not open to native speakers of Hebrew.

Grading Policy

Participation 15%; Quizzes 30%; Homework 20% Presentations 5%; Midtem exam 10%; Final exam 20% May vary with instructor.

Texts

Information on texts will be provided by the instructor.

This course meets Monday through Friday. Please check the online course schedule for TTH meeting time and location.

The course, which builds upon HEB 611C (or HEB 412L), focuses on acquiring proficiency and communicative skills through the use of the various outlets of popular culture: Television programs, films, newspapers, magazines, songs, and short stories.  Among other activities, students will participate in a class blog, will enter a couple of “talkback” entries, and produce an original cultural piece.  Students enrolled in the class will be expected to advance to the intermediate-high level in composition, comprehension and conversation and be prepared to meet the requirements of the Hebrew program subsequent upper-division courses.

Texts:

Materials to be posted on Blackboard. Youtube videos and other internet resources.

Grading:

Attendance and participation  20%Homework assignments  15%Weekly papers  20%; Portfolio  15%Class blog  15%;  Original piece  15%

Course Description

The course, which builds upon HEB 601C, emphasizes composition, comprehension and conversation in Modern Hebrew, and provides a segue to upper-division Hebrew courses such as Hebrew Grammar, Advanced Conversation and Composition, and Introduction to Hebrew Literature. Oral discourse is maintained at maximal level, and small group/individual instruction sessions supplement the regular class routine. Audio-visual materials are frequently used. Students write short papers, present topics to the class and lead class discussions. Active participation in class discussions is a decisive element in students' participation grade. Not open to native speakers of Hebrew.

Grading Policy

Participation 15%; Quizzes 30%; Homework 20% Presentations 5%; Midtem exam 10%; Final exam 20% May vary with instructor.

Texts

Information on texts will be provided by the instructor.

This course meets Monday through Friday. Please check the online course schedule for TTH meeting time and location.

Targeting the speaking and writing skills, this course focuses on solidifying the intermediate-mid level of proficiency in both skills and bringing most students to the intermediate-high level of proficiency or above.  Successful students will express themselves effectively and gain the confidence necessary for comfortable interactions in Hebrew.   The texts used will provide an introduction to Hebrew literature and culture and Jewish history as well as to modern Israel, and the course will serve as a bridge between our intensive language courses and more advanced content courses.  The class will be conducted entirely in Hebrew. Additional description will be provided by the instructor.

Texts:

-A variety of articles from Israeli daily newspapers.

-Raizen, Esther omanut havikuach (available on Blackboard)

-A collection of short stories and poems (available on Blackboard)

Grading:

Class participation  30%

Individual homework  20%

Group work  20%

Final portfolio  30%