University of Minnesota
Classical and Near Eastern Studies
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Hebrew

Hebrew - Biblical

The sequence in biblical Hebrew provides a logical introduction to the language, grammar, and vocabulary of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, followed by readings in biblical texts. This sequence will benefit students interested in the language, religion, culture of ancient Israel and the ancient Near East. It will also permit students to read and understand the grammar of medieval and modern Hebrew, and provides the essential background for subsequent work in graduate school or seminary.

Fulfilling the CLA language requirement with biblical Hebrew

The beginning and intermediate sequence in biblical Hebrew consists of HEBR 1101, 1102, 3101, and 3102.

To fulfill the Second Language Requirement with biblical Hebrew, you must complete HEBR 3102 with a grade of C- or better (or S).

There is no Language Proficiency Exam for biblical Hebrew.

Courses in biblical Hebrew

Biblical Hebrew is offered at the beginning and intermediate levels in alternate years and at the advanced level when needed. No courses are offered during the summer.

Beginning

  • HEBR 1101 – Beginning Biblical Hebrew I (5 cr., every other fall)
  • HEBR 1102 – Beginning Biblical Hebrew II (5 cr., every other spring)

Intermediate

  • HEBR 3101 – Intermediate Biblical Hebrew I (4 cr., every other fall)
  • HEBR 3102 – Intermediate Biblical Hebrew II (4 cr., every other spring)

Advanced

  • HEBR 3200 / 5200 – Advanced Classical Hebrew (3 cr.)
  • HEBR 3300 / 5300 – Post-Biblical Hebrew: Second Temple Period (3 cr.)
  • HEBR 3400 / 5400 – Rabbinic Texts (3 cr.)

Hebrew - Modern

Modern Israeli Hebrew seeks to serve several kinds of students. Typically, students have a wide variety of backgrounds and interests, including Jewish or Israeli cultural studies, archaeology, linguistics, travel or work in Israel, and biblical studies. The sequence in modern Hebrew starts at the very beginning: you will learn basic listening, speaking, reading and writing skills with stress on proficiency in communication. Cultural materials are incorporated. Modern Hebrew also serves as a good base for subsequent work in biblical Hebrew. The difference between this sequence and Biblical Hebrew is that this sequence has a spoken, conversation component and prepares students to read texts without the diacritic marks.

Fulfilling the CLA language requirement with modern Hebrew

The beginning and intermediate sequence in modern Hebrew consists of HEBR 1001, 1002, 3003, and 3004.

To fulfill the Second Language Requirement with modern Hebrew, you must complete HEBR 3004 with a grade of C- or better (or S) OR pass the Language Proficiency Exam in modern Hebrew.

Courses in modern Hebrew

Modern Hebrew is offered at the beginning and intermediate levels every semester and at the advanced level every fall. No courses are offered during the summer.

Beginning

  • HEBR 1001 – Beginning Hebrew I (5 cr., every fall)
  • HEBR 1002 – Beginning Hebrew II (5 cr., every spring)

Intermediate

  • HEBR 3011 – Intermediate Hebrew I (5 cr., every fall)
  • HEBR 3012 – Intermediate Hebrew II (5 cr., every spring)

Advanced

  • HEBR 3090 / 5090 – Advanced Modern Hebrew (3 cr., every fall)