The program comprises two parallel sequences, which can be studied separately or together:

• The “Reading Program” consists of two one-credit courses, Hebrew 100 and Hebrew 200, which give a basic abilities in reading comprehension (and pronunciation) of written Hebrew, with primary emphasis on classic Hebrew texts;
• The “Comprehensive Hebrew Program”, consisting of the sequence Hebrew 101, 102 (+200), 201, 330, which gives speaking and reading ability in Modern Hebrew.

For the language requirement, students must pass the following sequence of courses:

• Hebrew 101 (four credits)(Hebrew 100 is optional)
• Hebrew 102 (four credits)
• Hebrew 201 (four credits)

Lower Division Courses

Hebrew 100 (one hour per week) has no prerequisites, and may be taken alone by those interested just in learning to read, or for extra help with the alphabet and reading by those taking (or planning to take) Hebrew 101. It teaches the Hebrew alphabet and vowels, along with an introduction to reading comprehension of ordinary texts (i.e. those without vowels); innovations include word-pictures as for “six”, to teach sight-word recognition and provide a context for letter learning.

Hebrew 101  also has no prerequisites, teaching both speaking and reading. All students acquire basic speaking ability: the ability to speak CONFIDENTLY, CONTINUOUSLY, CREATIVELY, AND COMPREHENSIBLY on a simple level.

Hebrew 200 (one hour per week) has the prerequisite of Hebrew 100 or knowledge of the alphabet. It teaches vocabulary and word-analysis: Not only prefixes and suffixes for reading, but also roots, using the innovative ‘key-letter system’.

Hebrew 102 ( prerequisite: Hebrew 101 or equivalent) teaches both speaking and reading on “high elementary level.”

Hebrew 201 (prerequisite: Hebrew 102 and Hebrew 200 or equivalent) teaches both speaking and reading on “intermediate level”, which includes discussing intellectual topics, and reading material with serious content.

Upper Division Courses

Hebrew 330 (three hours per week, given irregularly; prerequisite: Hebrew 201 or equivalent) teaches advanced reading (and some speaking).

Hebrew 499 (1, 2, or 3 hours): Individual study. Any subject within the field of Hebrew, including language, and also literature and philosophy (in Hebrew or in translation), can be studied individually.

GE Courses

Hebrew 101, 102, and 201 are Hebrew language courses that receive General Education credit.

Hebrew 471 (Kabbalah, 3 credits, taught in English) also receives General Education credit.

Students who have studied Hebrew, but are uncertain of their placement in SDSU courses, are welcome to visit the Hebrew Program and discuss their background with Alana Shuster. There is a formal test for this purpose, and placement can usually be determined with a visit.