Programs
Hebrew
Welcome to the Hebrew Program at Tufts University.
We are part of the Department of International Literary and Cultural Studies, and collaborate closely with the Judaic Studies Program. We
offer classes in beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels of Modern
Hebrew, which completes undergraduates’ foreign language requirement. In
addition, we offer courses on an independent study basis. The University
also offers classes in Biblical Hebrew through the Department of
Religion.
Why Study Hebrew? The Magnificent Seven
- Immerse yourself in vibrant Israeli culture, film, television,
music, and food
- Experience the politics of the Middle East from an insider’s
perspective and not depend on foreign press
- Read and understand the Bible, the foundation of monotheistic
thought, in the original language with the original meaning
- Understand deeply the prayers, practices, and celebrations of
Judaism
- Learn Jewish culture and history
- Stimulate your brain, boost your memory, and improve your
English
- Hebrew is a logical and beautiful language
Why do students take Hebrew at Tufts?
Learning Hebrew at Tufts you can
- Study in small classes bringing more opportunity for thorough
language immersion
- Prepare for travel or study abroad in Israel
- Access Israeli news media
- Learn about Israeli and Jewish culture and history
- Gain skills relevant to concentrations in Religion or Jewish
Studies
- Obtain jobs teaching Hebrew school in local synagogues
- Achieve fluency in a language that is important to you—and not
only for academic reasons.
Our goal is to train students in all four skills (listening
comprehension, reading, writing, and speaking) of Modern Hebrew.
Starting in the first level, we teach the language not only through the
textbooks, but also through examples gathered from contemporary Israeli
culture – music, newspapers, radio, Internet, novels, poetry, academic
texts, TV shows, films, and so forth. We conduct classes fully in Modern
Hebrew and discourage the use of English by the students in class. Our
goal is to challenge students in the classroom in order to allow them to
interact successfully – whether through travel, work, or academic study
– in today’s Israel.
Questions about placement?
Visit our FAQ page >
The Program also brings prominent Israeli cultural figures to the
University such as authors, poets, and filmmakers to deliver lectures
and provide workshops for our students. Through these means, we expose
students directly to Israeli culture, presenting a better understanding
of this dynamic culture. Current course offerings >
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