Hebrew (BA)

The Hebrew language covers more than 3,000 years of usage and is a core language for the Jewish and Christian faiths. Ohio State's Hebrew major comprehensively covers Hebrew literary traditions and language forms from ancient times until the present. Students learn the spoken Hebrew of modern Israel and study great works ranging from the Bible to modern novels and poetry. In addition, the Hebrew major provides opportunities to engage with the broader Near Eastern contexts of language and culture.

Unlike most universities, Ohio State offers a comprehensive Hebrew major, with an especially strong roster of faculty covering all periods of Hebrew language and literature. The Hebrew major provides solid training in several fields of the humanities.

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Academic Advisors

Tommy Beyl

beyl.1@osu.edu
(614) 292-8485
355 Hagerty Hall

Affiliated Departments & Centers

Associated Facilities

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Students studying Hebrew progress from an elementary working knowledge of the language toward oral and written proficiency. Once students have mastered the unique writing system of the language, they are introduced gradually to basic patterns of speech and grammar. The rich body of Hebrew literature is first studied in English translation; as students progress in the major and develop their language skills, they continue their readings in Hebrew.

Department of Near Eastern and South Asian Languages and Cultures website More Hebrew Courses

Careers in which Hebrew is the primary emphasis include teaching Hebrew at all levels; interpreting and translating for the United Nations, government, or for private and public organizations; and a variety of positions in the travel and tourism industry at home or abroad, such as flight attendant, travel agent and tour guide. Careers in which proficiency in Hebrew is a good secondary tool include banking and finance, business, sales, export purchasing, foreign market analysis, journalism, foreign correspondence, science and research, library science, hotel management, publishing, and radio broadcasting.

courses you might take:

HEBREW 2216: The Medieval Jewish Experience

A survey of ten centuries of medieval Jewish culture from the rise of Islam to the death of Shabbetai Zvi, the false Messiah (1676).

HEBREW 2241: Culture of Contemporary Israel

An introduction to the Culture of modern Israel: historical roots, socio-political institutions and developments, and literary and artistic creations reflecting the realities of contemporary Israeli society.

HEBREW 2245: Israeli Film & Society

A survey of Israeli films from 1948 to the present day, tracing the development of film production in Israel as well as the relationship between film and society.

HEBREW 2700: Biblical and Post-Biblical Hebrew Literature in Translation

Reading and analysis of selected chapters from the Hebrew scriptures and post-biblical Hebrew writings representative of major historical, cultural, and literary trends.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Hillel - Wexner Jewish Student Center

One of the oldest Hillel Foundations in the country, Hillel at The Ohio State University was established in Columbus, OH in 1925. Ohio State Hillel engages students in social, cultural, educational, and religious activities both on and off campus.

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Study Abroad: The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Hebrew University is Israel's premier university and one of the most prestigious universities worldwide. The university has become a multidisciplinary institution of higher learning and research, as well as a scientific center of international repute. The Rothberg International School offers a full range of accredited courses in English. This program is open to students of all majors.

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Study Abroad: Tel Aviv University

Tel Aviv University is Israel's largest and most comprehensive institution of higher learning and offers multidisciplinary courses on a campus that is as dynamic as Israel itself.

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