2007-8 Courses (Hebrew Language & Literature and the Israel Project)

Beginning Hebrew (128a, 128b, 128c):

This course presupposes no prior knowledge of Hebrew. It focuses on a vocabulary that will enable you to describe yourself and others, in terms of personal interests and academic and free time activities, as well as to order in a restaurant, make an appointment, surf the internet, make travel arrangements, go shopping, and express your opinions on a variety of issues. You will also read short poems by Modern Hebrew poets, talk about art, music and movies, and create an I-movie in which you will explore your own personal and academic interests in Hebrew. In-class work is supplemented by multimedia activities at Stanford's new Language Lab and by video clips and drills, which are posted on the beginning Hebrew web site. It's a great course for beginners!

For more information check the Events page, the Multimedia page and the Beginning Hebrew page.

Intermediate Hebrew (129a, 129b, 129c):

Second year Hebrew is a dynamic combination of grammar, literature, video, and cross-cultural comparisons. It is a content-based course, which integrates culture and language in the development of all four communicative skills. You will learn to talk about your self, look for a job, write your resume, read newspapers, express opinions, and discuss issues relevant to the Jewish world and to the community at large. In-class work is supplemented by multimedia activities in Stanford's new Language Lab and on the Intermediate interactive web site. Small classes enable students to progress in their own pace and explore individual interests.

Advanced Hebrew (130b, 130c):

The course vary in content and focus according to the students language skills and interests, but all work toward increasing students' confidence in using the language in different social, and toward helping students function with increasing ease in academic and professional settings in Hebrew. It is a content-based course which focuses on Israeli and Jewish culture. Students listen to the Radio, watch video clips and movies, read articles and short stories, write short essays and discuss their individual projects in class. The course is tailored to accommodate students in different advanced levels, including native speakers who need help with writing and reading.

AMELANG 50: Hebrew for Grad Students (translation workshop)

Biblical Hebrew (AME 170a, 170b,170c):

This course offers students a quarter of biblical Hebrew, the Hebrew of the Tanakh or Old Testament. Throughout the semester students will learn the basic lexicon and grammar of the language. Emphasis is placed on learning how to read original Biblical materials.

Reflection on the Other: The Jew in Arabic Literature, The Arab in Hebrew Literature (AME 126a/226a): 

Description: The course intends to elaborate on how literary works outside the realm of western culture struggle with such basic questions as identity, minority, and the issue of "the other."  The primary focus of the course will revolve around how the Arab is viewed in Hebrew literature and how the Jew is viewed in Arabic literature but in order to give the students the necessary tools for an in-depth analysis of the literary text the course will also include a discussion of relevant issues in Arab culture and Jewish(Israeli)culture.

TBA

Not offered 2007-2008:

AMELANG 171. The Bible in Modern Hebrew Literature

The role of biblical myths in shaping Israeli identity and the development of a secular Hebrew literature. Readings include modern Hebrew poems and novels which offer new meanings to the stories of Genesis, Exodus, David, and the Song of Songs and make them relevant to the context of modern and postmodern Israeli culture. Readings in Hebrew and English. Prerequisite: intermediate Hebrew. 3-4 units, Spr (Shemtov, V)

AMELANG 173. Politics and Poetics in Israeli Literature: Politics and Poetics in Israeli Literature: Amos Oz and other Contemporary Hebrew Writers

Offered in conjunction with Amos Oz’s visit as Stanford’s Writer in Residence. Literature and political essays by Oz and contemporary Hebrew authors who address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Approaches that deal with the intersection of theory and practice and politics and poetics in Israeli literature. No knowledge of Hebrew required. GER EC-GlobalCom 4-5 units, Win (Shemtov)

AME 132/232: Reading Hebrew Literature: An Introduction

The fundamental skills and concepts needed to read literature in Hebrew, strengthening language skills with an introduction to the major periods and the major questions in secular Hebrew literature from the Middle Ages to the 21st Century. For intermediate and advanced students.

AME 127/227: Land and Literature

Israel had captured the imagination of writers throughout the generations. It has been portrayed as a promised land, a holy land, a homeland, an empty land, an occupied land, and as a land of dreams. In this course we will investigate how ideological views and political events have shaped writers' conception of the place. We will read a selection of poems and prose by Hebrew/Israeli authors (in translation) and study relevant theoretical texts about place and literature.

From Agnon to Yehoshua and Oz (AME 172/272): Critical study of selected stories and novels by S. Y. Agnon, A.B Yehoshua and Amos Oz. Readings will be in Hebrew and English and the discussions will be in Hebrew. Emphasis on giving students the skills necessary for for further independent reading (Shemtov) 1-4 units.