The Modern Hebrew program at Duke stresses content learning and communication while focusing on the salient linguistic characteristics of Hebrew. The content-driven curriculum utilizes innovative materials developed at Duke as well as external materials widely recognized to be the "golden standard" in the teaching of Hebrew as a foreign language. The 4-year program offers students of all levels—from true novices to fluent heritage students—the opportunity to acquire and fine-tune their linguistic command of the Hebrew language in multiple registers.
Placement in a Hebrew language class follows the AMES department placement policy.
Self-Assessment Guidelines
Please use the following guidelines to determine if you need to take a placement test. If you are unsure about whether or not you need to take a placement test—or if you have answered "yes" to any of the following questions—please contact the program coordinator Sarah Baker.
Do any of the following apply to you?
- I have a parent or grandparent who speaks/spoke Hebrew to me
- I have lived in Israel for more than 3 months at some point in my life
- I have taken an Ulpan class either in Israel or another country
- I went to Hebrew school
- I was Bar/Bat Mitzvaed
- I know the Aleph-Beit (print and/or script)
- I can read only with vowels
Hebrew alefbet learning program
Online Hebrew keyboards:
Hebrew-English dictionary:
Verb reference:
Hebrew literature:
From Israel:
- הארץ/Haaretz, Walla! (news, Israeli culture)
- כאן (Kan: Hebrew radio, podcasts, and more)
- Western Wall webcam (live video stream)
At Duke:
- Hebrew resource guide at Duke University Libraries
- Center for Jewish Studies
- Jewish Life at Duke (see also the Freeman Center for Jewish Life)
Interested in studying in Israel?
Here are links to the overseas programs of the four largest Israeli universities:
- Hebrew University of Jerusalem: semester/year, summer ulpan
- Haifa University: semester/year, summer ulpan
- Tel Aviv University: semester/year, summer ulpan
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev: semester/year, summer ulpan
Hebrew Language Program Coordinator
Hebrew Program Faculty
- Sarah Baker, Assistant Professor of the Practice
- Shai Ginsburg, Associate Professor