Modern Hebrew through Media and Literature

4.0 credits

This is a proficiency-oriented course, in which you will continue to develop reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills using Hebrew newspapers, Israeli news broadcasts and movies, Hebrew literature - including a graphic novel! - and Israeli songs, with contextual review of relevant grammar structures. Upon completion of this course, you will have acquired the skills necessary to: 1) read and comprehend Hebrew newspapers, and texts in modern Hebrew prose and poetry; 2) listen to and comprehend Israeli news broadcasts and movies; 3) discuss issues pertaining to Israeli society and culture on the basis of the materials examined; 4) expand your vocabulary to include technical terminology, master complex semantic and syntactical constructions, and further develop your communication skills. We will spend most of the semester reading and discussing a selection of texts by contemporary Israeli writers and poets, including the graphic novel Ha-Nekhes by acclaimed author Rutu Modan, and a selection of articles taken from Israeli newspapers and on-line news sites. The course work will include watching Israeli movies and listening to Israeli songs. Homework will consist of preparing the pre-assigned materials to be able to actively read and discuss them in class, in Hebrew. Additional written assignments on the readings and movies will include answering comprehension questions in Hebrew, and complete relevant grammar and vocabulary exercises.