Hebrew

Major & Minor

Hebrew

As a major in Hebrew, students gain proficiency in the language, study the area's literary and cultural landmarks, and gain familiarity with the historical context. Hebrew alumni have gone on to work in a variety of fields, from teaching and research to working in the public sector. Students are also encouraged to add the study of Hebrew to one of the university's other fields of study. Studying a language like Hebrew provides a unique perspective on the politics, history, and religions of the Middle East and the Hebrew-speaking world.

Interested in Study Abroad?

Study Abroad

Washington University offers its own program at the Rothberg International School of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. While most of our participants are Hebrew or JIMES students, we have had equally successful participants come from areas of study such as biology (premeds too!), art, religious studies, business, engineering, etc. Students can also choose to study Hebrew language through the University of Haifa, which also offers an intensive ulpan course, as well as continuing language courses throughout the semesters. To learn more about how specific study abroad opportunities can fit into your degree click the button below!

Learn more about study abroad

National Hebrew Honor Society

Eta Beta Rho is the national honor society for students of Hebrew language and culture founded by the (now inter-)National Association of Professors of Hebrew, the NAPH. Its purpose is to recognize outstanding attainments in study of Hebrew language and literature, to stimulate study and research in this field, and to promote an understanding and appreciation of the culture of Israel. Washington University's chapter is the eighteenth (tsadee). All students interested in Hebrew, regardless of their academic program or achievements are eligible for associate membership. Full membership requirements are listed on the application form.

Eta Beta Rho Application Form

Major and Minor in Hebrew

MAJOR

Units required: 24 advanced, in addition to prerequisites

Prerequisites:

  • 100- and 200-level Hebrew, by course work or by placement
    (A student who skips the first four semesters of Hebrew courses by placement must successfully complete L75 320D Third Level Modern Hebrew I or L75 3841 Intro to Biblical Hebrew. Students who complete the third level language course with a grade of B- or better will receive 6 units of back credit.)
  • L74 HBRW 210C Introduction to Islamic Civilization AND L74 HBRW 208F Introduction to Jewish Civilization: History and Identity
    (Students with substantial prior course work may substitute an additional upper-level course with permission of their adviser and the director of undergraduate studies.)

Requirements:

  • 12 credits in 300- and 400-level language courses
  • 6 credits in 300- and 400-level other JIMES courses, distributed as the student wishes
  • At least 3 credits at the 300- and 400-level courses in a JIMES culture other than that of the selected language tradition
  • 3 credits in a departmental capstone course to be taken during the senior year. (Students may take this course during their junior year with permission of their adviser and the director of undergraduate studies.)

 

MINOR

Units required: 18, in addition to prerequisites

Prerequisites:

  • Both semesters of 100-level Hebrew, by course work or by placement
    (Students who place into and complete higher levels of language courses may be eligible to receive back credit. Please see the department’s policy on back credit.)

Requirements:

  • L74 HBRW 210C Introduction to Islamic Civilization OR L74 HBRW 208F Introduction to Jewish Civilization: History and Identity
  • 9 credits in 300- or 400-level JIMES courses in Hebrew language
  • 6 credits in 300- or 400-level other JIMES courses, distributed as the student wishes

 

For more information about all our Majors and Minors, including policies and additional information, please visit: https://jimes.wustl.edu/major-minor-requirements

Resources

Senior Honors Guidelines and Evaluation Form

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Courses

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Major & Minor Requirements

learn about requirements for our major and minors