Rony Cohen Rcohen@jbha.org Tel: 610-922-2414

10 Heb Lit (H)

This course is designed for students who have completed several years of learning Hebrew language and an introduction to literature. The student entering this class must have good oral skills in order to participate in a class conducted completely in Hebrew. The course over arching goal is the reading, comprehending and valuing of Hebrew Literature through reading an anthology used in Israeli schools "Sifrut Yaffa".

The anthology is arranged by topics and genres, and places the literary pieces, short stories and poetry, in context of the period they were written. The course is designed to improve independence in reading comprehension with the use of dictionaries and out of class reading (with book report assignments). Emphasis is put on written expression in essay form, to achieve fluency and coherence with enriched vocabulary.

We analyze the pieces using literary terminology and technique to determine what is said and how it is said. We distinguish spoken language from written narrative style. We discuss ideas and themes brought about by our reading. We compare similar themes presented by different writers or different pieces by the same writer. Once a cycle there will be an extensive writing assignment. All classes are conducted completely in Hebrew.

Once a cycle we have discussions and oral presentations by students of current events, to build vocabulary in areas our literature material does not cover.

Students are required to read three books per year in Hebrew, on their own (at home), write a 5 to 6 page book report (one report per trimester) and present an oral presentation of each book they read.

Students learn Hebrew word processing and are required to hand in assignments and book reports using computer and a Hebrew language software. Other computer applications and multi-media presentations are introduced to enhance the learning material and encourage students to use appropriate technology (word searches, sources, biographies, enrichments and presentations).

Some students participate in writing and editing of our schools Hebrew language student publication, a literary magazine that is published three times per year.

Book report papers for each trimester will be due on: November 16th 2009, February 8th 2010 and April 26th 2010. One week before due date there will be an oral quiz on the week before the written report is due.

Check the following link for our book report out line:

BookReport-Outline

We are studying a poetry unit, reading ballads from classical to contemporary writers.

First, 2 ballads by Shaul Tchernichovsky: "BeEin Dor" and "Al Harei Gilboa".

See our class rules and expectations:

Class Rules LIT

Use the following links to enhance our class work and study:

Hebrew dictionary for idioms

Learning Hebrew verbs

Live and taped daily TV broadcast from Israel

Haaretz, daily newspaper

Maariv, daily newspaper in Hebrew