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

The minor in Hebrew requires a minimum of 9 units at the 300-level or above and a minimum of 18 total units. The goal of the minor is language proficiency at the 200 level or above. Students placing into L74 2012 Intermediate Modern Hebrew II or above must complete 2 consecutive semesters of language instruction at WashU to fulfill the language requirement.

Language Prerequisites:
•    L74 Hebrew 1011 Beginning Modern Hebrew I & 1012 Beginning Modern Hebrew II, by course work or by placement

Language Requirement:
•    L74 Hebrew 2011 Intermediate Modern Hebrew I & 2012 Intermediate Modern Hebrew II, by course work OR
•    If placed into L74 Hebrew 2012 Intermediate Modern Hebrew II or above, two consecutive semesters of language instruction at WashU

Required Foundational course:

Choose one of the following:
•    L75 JIMES 210C Introduction to Islamic Civilization OR
•    L75 JIMES 208F Introduction to Jewish Civilization: History and Identity

Electives:
•    9 credits in 300- or 400-level in L74 Hebrew or L75 JIMES courses distributed as the student wishes

Curricular Information:

This minor curriculum was first published in the 2021-22 Bulletin. Current students — those who have declared a JIMES minor and those considering it—are permitted to complete the minor requirements reflected in the Bulletin at the time they matriculated, with the understanding that substitutions for certain requirements may be necessary. 
Current students may also elect to follow the above requirements with the permission of the Department. Please contact the JIMES office for more information.

Additional Information:
•    Pass/Fail: No course taken pass/fail can count toward the minor.
•    Grades: A grade of B- or higher must be earned in each language course in order to advance to the next level.
•    Study Abroad: Students enrolled in preapproved Washington University study abroad programs during the regular academic semester, in summer programs, and in transfer courses can earn a maximum of 3 units subject to review by their adviser and the director of undergraduate study.
•    Back Credit: Any earned back credit does not count towards the total number of units for the Language Requirement. All students are required to take at least one year of language instruction at WashU.

Resources

Senior Honors Guidelines and Evaluation Form

explore our senior honors program

Courses

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Major & Minor Requirements

learn about requirements for our major and minors