Hebrew

The Modern Hebrew program at Duke prioritizes context-based learning and communication while highlighting the salient linguistic characteristics of the Hebrew language. The content-driven curriculum combines innovative course components developed at Duke with external materials that were written for the international language programs at Israel’s major universities. All courses explore Israeli culture in level-appropriate ways through a variety of Hebrew media: short stories, dialogues, literary texts, current events, music, poetry, and more. 

Duke’s Hebrew program offers students of all levels—from true novices to heritage speakers—the opportunity to acquire and fine-tune their command of the Hebrew language in multiple registers. Students at every stage of language learning are invited to personalize their study through in-class projects, extracurricular events, conversation tables, and other activities that connect them with the Hebrew-speaking community at Duke, in Durham, and beyond.  

The Elementary Modern Hebrew course sequence (Fall 101 & Spring 102) provides an introduction to speaking, understanding, reading, and writing Hebrew in its modern Israeli context. Students build a strong vocabulary base and learn how to conduct simple conversations about everyday topics. 

The Intermediate Modern Hebrew course sequence (Fall 203 & Spring 204) continues the 101–102 curriculum into more complex levels of the language, including more extensive reading and conversation in both past and future settings.  

The Advanced Modern Hebrew courses (305S & 306S) are offered in the spring semester on an alternating basis. They are non-sequential and may be taken in either order, though starting with 305S is typically recommended where possible. Each course strengthens students’ linguistic skills at the advanced level, exploring Israeli culture through critical reading of literary texts (prose and poetry) and other contemporary media. 

Hebrew 455S “Introduction to Israeli Culture” is offered only occasionally, based on faculty availability and student interest. This historical survey of Israeli culture from 1948 to the present is conducted entirely in Hebrew (including primary reading materials) and is open to fluent speakers and any students beyond the 300 level of language study. 


All Hebrew language courses are cross-listed with the Jewish Studies certificate program. 

 
Placement guidelines: 

  • If you are new to the Hebrew language or can speak only a few scattered words and phrases, even if you can read and write most of the alphabet, please register for Hebrew 101. 
  • If you can read and write the Modern Hebrew script and have enough Hebrew to carry on a simple conversation about everyday topics, if you have taken Hebrew language classes before arriving at Duke, and/or if you are a heritage speaker (regardless of your level of training in the written language), please email the program coordinator to describe your background and receive a more detailed placement assessment. After you are matched with the appropriate class, a permission code will be provided for registration. 
  • If you are a literate native speaker of Hebrew or have completed multiple years of high school in Israel with Hebrew as the primary language of instruction, then the lowest level for which you may register is the 400 level (i.e., Hebrew 455S if it is offered during your time at Duke). 

Duke students can sign up for the Hebrew program Canvas site here to see additional information about weekly Hebrew conversation tables, study-abroad opportunities, relevant Duke events, language-learning resources, and more.

 

Learn the Modern Hebrew alefbet: 

Online Hebrew keyboards:

Hebrew-English dictionary:

Verb reference:

Hebrew literature:

From Israel:

At Duke:

Interested in studying in Israel?
Here are links to the overseas programs of the four largest Israeli universities:

 

Hebrew Language Program Coordinator

Sarah Baker

Hebrew Program Faculty