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Hebrew
Welcome to the Hebrew Program at the University of Virginia.
The Hebrew program at the University of Virginia has grown rapidly over the past decade. We are part of the Department of Middle Eastern and South Asian Languages and Culture and collaborate closely with the Jewish Studies Program. At present, we offer classes in beginning, intermediate, and early advanced levels of Modern Hebrew, which completes undergraduates’ foreign language requirement. In addition, we offer advanced literature and culture courses on an independent study basis. The University also offers classes in Biblical Hebrew, through the Religious Studies Department.
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 through engagement with authentic cultural and literary materials – music, newspapers, radio, Internet, novels, poetry, academic texts, TV shows, films, paintings, photos, and so forth. We conduct classes fully in Modern Hebrew and disallow the use of English in our learning environment.
Hebrew Placement Test
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Placement / Foreign Language Requirement Exemption for Modern Hebrew
Placement into Modern Hebrew language courses at the University of Virginia is done through a test administered in person by the teacher of the language classes. This test should take about 20-30 minutes. Both written and oral competence in Modern Hebrew will be evaluated.
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Who should take the placement test
1. Students who have studied Hebrew before at home or in some setting other than UVa and don't know exactly which class they should enroll to, should take the placement test before they register, and
2. Students who want to be exempted from the College’s Foreign Language requirement.
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When to take the test
Placement meetings for the Modern Hebrew program are individual, and should be coordinated with the Modern Hebrew Language Coordinator.
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Whom to contact
Please contact Zvi Gilboa, the Modern Hebrew Language Program Coordinator, at zg7s@virginia.edu.
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When you will know the result
We will discuss your placement at the end of our meeting.
FAQ
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Q: I am a complete beginner. I cannot read the Hebrew Alphabet and I do not have any knowledge of vocabulary. Is there a class in your program for a student like me?
A: Of course! HEBR 1010: Introduction to Modern Hebrew I. This course is intended for complete beginners. Please note that this course is offered only in the fall. The spring semester of Beginners level is the second course in the Hebrew sequence. If you do not take the first semester in the fall, you will have to wait until next fall.
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Q: I learned Hebrew in Hebrew school many years ago. I forgot most of my Hebrew. For which class should I register?
A: Please take the Hebrew placement test and you will be notified about your placement. For info about the test, please visit the Placement Test webpage.
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Q: I graduated from a Yeshiva high school and I am quite proficient in Hebrew. Am I exempt from language requirement in Hebrew?
A: Only if you take the Hebrew placement test and place out. If you are not exempt, you will be notified about your placement. For more information, please visit the Placement test website.
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Q: I am a transfer student. In my previous college I took Hebrew courses. Am I exempt from language requirement in Hebrew?
A: The University of Virginia requires you to complete four semesters of Hebrew, in which classes meet five hours a week. If you took the same number of hours in your previous college, you may be exempt. Please present your transcript from your previous college to the Hebrew Language Program Coordinator.
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Q: I was born in the U.S. but my family speaks Hebrew at home. I speak Hebrew, but I do not read well and I cannot write Hebrew at all. For which class should I register?
A: Please speak to the Hebrew Language Program Coordinator.