Hebrew I (111-1-20)
Instructors
Ronit A Alexander
Crowe 4-103, 1860 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208
Meeting Info
University Hall 318: Mon, Wed, Fri 9:30AM - 10:40AM
Overview of class
The three-quarter first-year course in Hebrew is designed to develop all four language skills (listening and reading comprehension, speaking and writing) as well as provide a cultural foundation. The course is based on Hebrew From Scratch, a comprehensive textbook with grammar and interactive exercise for the beginning adult learner. The instructions for the exercises as well as the translations of the vocabulary lists are in English. Otherwise, the course is all in Hebrew, creating an important immersive environment for the students throughout the year.
Hebrew 111-1, taught in the Fall Quarter, is the first quarter of first-year Hebrew. In the Fall quarter students will learn to read and write the Alef-Beit (Hebrew alphabet) in both systems - the printing letters, Dfus, for reading and the writing letters, Ktav, for writing. Students will also learn the vowels of Hebrew language. They will learn the fundamentals of Hebrew grammar - pronouns, feminine and masculine grammatical forms - pronunciation, and basic vocabulary.
Registration Requirements
None. Students with prior knowledge of Hebrew (through using the language at home or prior classes in elementary school/high school/other) need to take the placement exam to be placed into the correct class.
Learning Objectives
Students completing three quarters of Hebrew 111 will be able to read and comprehend simple texts on familiar topics, write informal notes and short paragraphs on topics connected to daily life, initiate and sustain conversations on daily-life topics with educated native speakers who are accustomed to conversing with learners of Hebrew as a foreign language.
Teaching Method
This course is based on a communicative-cultural approach weaving together listening, reading, speaking, and writing exercises and practice sessions in each lesson. New vocabulary and new grammatical structures are introduced and practiced orally in anticipation of dealing with written dialogues and short essays. Text-based drills and drills based on audio files expand and reinforce the new material.
Evaluation Method
A student's grade for this course will be based upon (1) Participation, homework and preparedness for class; (2) Attendance in two cultural events; (3) Attendance; (4) Four quizzes given throughout the quarter; and (5) Oral interview
Class Materials (Required)
Hebrew From Scratch Part 1 (in Hebrew: Ivrit Min Ha-Hatchala Ha-Chadash Alef) Written by: Shlomit Chayat, Sarah Israeli, Hila Kobliner Printed by Akademon Press through Magnes Press, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, 2012 ISBN-13: 978-9653501126 ISBN-10: 9653501127
Class Notes
This class is taught in Hebrew. Daily homework and occasional presentations are an integral part of class in order to maximize students' successful learning.