Hebrew II (121-1-20)

Instructors

Ronit Alexander
Crowe 4-103, 1860 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208

Meeting Info

University Library 3370: Mon, Wed, Fri 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

Second-year Hebrew is a three-quarter sequence covering comprehensive grammar structures and extensive vocabulary of modern Hebrew that are weaved into cultural themes of communities in Israel. Hebrew 121-1 in the Fall is the first quarter of second-year Hebrew. Students will continue with the textbook they had in the previous year ("Hebrew From Scratch"), a familiarity which will ease the return to Hebrew after a long summer.

The purpose of Hebrew 121-1 in the Fall is to bridge between the first year/ novice level and the second year/ intermediate level. Students will review materials from the previous year while expanding their vocabulary and learning new material such as the past tense and its forms - the binyanim (pa\'al, pi\'el, hif\'il, etc.). Students will also learn conjugations of basic prepositions, and the compound form (smichut). Through engagement with a wide variety of cultural materials such as the TV series "Shtisel", the reading of a graphic novel, songs, and newspapers, students will have opportunities to delve into the nuances and complexities within Israeli society. Class consists of exercises, discussions, presentations, and group/ partner work.

Registration Requirements

Hebrew 111-3 or equivalent; or instructor consent. Students with prior knowledge of Hebrew (through using the language at home or prior classes) need to take the placement exam to be placed into the correct class.

Learning Objectives

After completing Second Year Hebrew, students will have an overview of most important grammar concepts. Students will have enough vocabulary to speak about themselves, family members and friends, their studies, trips, wants and desires, etc. Students will be able to read and comprehend basic authentic texts and write simple texts with increased accuracy. At the end of the school year, students will be able to take Hebrew 211 (taught in the fall) and third year literature/culture classes (Hebrew 216) to deepen their cultural knowledge of Hebrew and its natural sphere, Israel.

Teaching Method

The lessons will center around the reading and discussion of texts and dialogues and include interactive group work. Homework assignments will emphasize written exercises, compositions and preparation for oral presentations in class as well as oral interviews at the end of the quarter.

Evaluation Method

Attendance and participation; Homework and Preparedness for Class; Working with a tutor; 4 assessments (combination of quizzes and presentations); Final Assignment (presentation in class)

Class Materials (Required)

Hebrew From Scratch Part 1 (in Hebrew: Ivrit Min Ha-Hatchala Ha-Chadash Alef) Shlomit Chayat, Sarah Israeli, Hila Kobliner. 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.

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-req: Hebrew 111-3