Graduate Program in Hebrew Studies

M.A. in Hebrew Studies

The master’s program in Hebrew Studies offers graduate training in Hebrew language, linguistics, and literature (biblical, rabbinic, modern); Hebrew language pedagogy; Jewish thought; the culture of ancient and modern Israel; and biblical archaeology. The program trains students in research methods leading to independent investigation.

Students who do not have a bachelor’s degree in Hebrew language and literature or the equivalent must take three undergraduate core courses (Hebrew 321, Hebrew Grammar, Hebrew 322, Introduction to Hebrew Literature, and Hebrew 325, Advanced Conversation and Composition), before beginning graduate level Hebrew coursework. These undergraduate core courses may not be counted toward the degree.

M.A. Degree Requirements

A Master of Arts in Hebrew studies requires 30 hours of coursework and the demonstration of Advanced proficiency in Hebrew.
MA with thesis (30 hours):

1. Hebrew 382C, topic 3: Hebrew for Academic Reading
2. 21 hours of coursework chosen in consultation with a faculty mentor;
3. 6 hours of thesis coursework.

 

Ph.D. in Hebrew Studies (Literature or Linguistics)

The PhD program in Hebrew studies aims to broaden and deepen the student’s knowledge of Hebrew language, literature, and culture and to develop his or her skills and abilities for scholarly research and teaching. A period of study and research in Israel is strongly encouraged.

Degree Requirements

Course requirements

Students choose between a specialization in literature and culture with supporting work in language and linguistics and a specialization in language and linguistics with supporting work in literature and culture. They normally take relevant courses in such fields as Jewish studies, language pedagogy, comparative literature, and history and anthropology of the Middle East or another region relevant to their interest.

Literature & Culture Track

1. Required Hebrew coursework: HEB 382C, topic 3 Hebrew for Academic Reading (3 hours);
2. Required coursework in literary theory, criticism, or cultural studies (6 hours);
3. Additional coursework chosen in consultation with an assigned faculty mentor (21-45 hours).

Language & Linguistics Track

1. Required Hebrew coursework: HEB 382C, topic 3 Hebrew for Academic Reading (3 hours);
2. Required linguistics coursework: LIN 380K Phonology I and LIN 380L Syntax I (6 hours);
3. Additional coursework chosen in consultation with an assigned faculty mentor (21-45 hours).

Language requirement

1. For students specializing in modern Hebrew, Superior proficiency in Hebrew;
2. Intermediate-High reading knowledge in a second approved language;
3. Intermediate-High reading knowledge in a third approved language.

Comprehensive exams

Comprehensive exams are typically taken between the third and fourth years of study, no later than the end of the fourth year. The exams test a student’s research and analytical skills through a series of essays.

Admission to candidacy

Upon passing the comprehensive exams, the student will prepare a dissertation proposal and establish a dissertation committee. Approval of the program of work, dissertation proposal, and dissertation committee by the student’s supervisor, graduate advisor, and graduate dean will allow the student to advance to candidacy and enroll in dissertation hours.

Dissertation

Once admitted to candidacy, students may register for dissertation hours. Students must complete HEB x99R and at least one semester of HEB x99W. Students must be registered for HEB x99W in the semester in which they defend their dissertation and apply to graduate.

Degree requirements: PhD in Hebrew Studies (Hebrew Bible/Ancient Near East)

Course requirements

1. HEB 380C The Bible in Hebrew I-IV (12 hours);
2. HEB 380C Advanced Hebrew Bible I-IV (12 hours);
3. MES 381 Proseminar in Ancient Near East Studies (3 hours);
4. Comparative Semitic grammar (3 hours);
5. History and archaeology (3 hours);
6. Minor field (15 hours);
7. Additional coursework chosen in consultation with an assigned faculty advisor (3-9 hours).

Language requirement

1. Reading knowledge of German;
2. Reading knowledge in a second approved Near Eastern language.

Comprehensive exams

Comprehensive exams are typically taken between the third and fourth years of study, no later than the end of the fourth year. The exams test a student’s research and analytical skills through a series of essays.

Admission to candidacy

Upon passing the comprehensive exams, the student will prepare a dissertation proposal and establish a dissertation committee. Approval of the program of work, dissertation proposal, and dissertation committee by the student’s supervisor, graduate advisor, and graduate dean will allow the student to advance to candidacy and enroll in dissertation hours.

Dissertation

Once admitted to candidacy, students may register for dissertation hours. Students must complete HEB x99R and at least one semester of HEB x99W. Students must be registered for HEB x99W in the semester in which they defend their dissertation and apply to graduate.