11/12 Hebrew Lit (H) Seminar

This is an advanced course in Hebrew Literature. The overarching goal is reading, comprehending and valuing Hebrew Literature.

The text we study is an anthology of well known Hebrew writers and poets, collected following the recommended reading material of high schools in Israel, in preparation for matriculation in Hebrew literature. We read stories, poems, essays and plays.

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. We analyze the pieces using literary terminology and technique, to determine what is said and how it is said. We discuss ideas and themes brought about by our reading. We compare similar themes presented by different writers in different time periods, or different pieces by the same writer. Students will be able to read and analyze independently similar stories and poems and present interpretations orally and in writing. Students will present thesis papers and creative writing assignments periodically. 

All classes are conducted completely in Hebrew.

The course work emphasizes dictionary skills for decoding (comprehension) and coding (enriching writing style).

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 long assignments and book reports using a computer and 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 "M'et L'et", a literary magazine that is published four times per year.

Oral and written assignments follow our study of each literary piece. Assessments usually require writing in-class compositions that will prove mastery of vocabulary and content of the piece we studied in class.

See our class rules and expectations:

Class Rules LIT

Currently we are studying a unit about humor in literature as a tool for social criticism.

We read "Ir Hakatrielim" and "Hazeken" and "Esther" by Shalom Aleichem, "Aya Hagingit" and "Hamasmer" to have a wide spectrum of societies and use of humor by the different authors.

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 entire book for each student, individually.

Follow the link for our book report outline:

Book Report - Outline

    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

Link to search engines, radio, dictionaries, Tanach, Holidays etc.

Link to news, sports, entertainment, search engines etc.

Interactive map of Israel

Hebrew Google

Israel 60