Arabic Immersion

Elementary Arabic:

Through engaging sessions and activities, you will acquire a basic proficiency in the language. This course provides you with the basic linguistic skills, analytical abilities, and cultural knowledge required to read, write, and speak Arabic at a basic level.

Intermediate Arabic:

The diverse range of classes and activities in this course will increase your proficiency in the Arabic language. You’ll develop the analytical abilities and cultural knowledge required to read, write, and speak Arabic at an intermediate level.

Sagit Butbul earned a B.A. in Arabic Language and Literature and Middle Eastern Studies in 1995 and an M.A. (magna cum laude) in Arabic Language and Literature in 2002, both from Hebrew University. She is currently writing her Ph.D. thesis under Prof. Simon Hopkins, whose supervision she also wrote her M.A. thesis. These theses deal with Judaeo-Arabic in general and Judaeo-Arabic Biblical translations and commentary in particular.

Sagit’s research fields are Arabic grammar, lexicology, and philology; Classical, Modern, and Colloquial Arabic linguistics; and Middle Arabic (especially Judaeo-Arabic), including grammar, lexicology, and literature – primarily early translations, glossaries, and commentaries, particularly those of Karaite origin. These research fields also include knowledge of reading and editing medieval manuscripts.

Yael Cohen has a B.A. in Arabic Literature and Language and Islamic Studies from Hebrew University and an M.A. in Semitic Studies with an emphasis on Arabic Language and Literature from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Yael has been a senior Arabic language instructor for many years at the Institute of Asian and African Studies and Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Her work experience also includes the Israel School for Excellency (Jerusalem), the Israel Foreign Office, and the Israel Police.

Isaac (Tzachi) Ganor holds a B.A. in Linguistics and Arabic Language and Literature from Hebrew University and has been a lecturer of Colloquial Arabic at the Rothberg International School (RIS) since 2010. As an academic, he specializes in Arabic dialects. He is also completing an M.A. in Arabic Language and Literature.

Isaac is also an expert in open-source intelligence (OSINT) collection, translation, and analysis, utilizing his expertise in Arabic to detect, monitor, and analyze disinformation campaigns, foreign interference, and other political and social events in the Arab world as they unfold online.

Zeina Shihabi has a B.A. (with honors) in Arabic Literature and Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies from Hebrew University and is working towards an M.A. in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies. She is a native Arabic speaker and is proficient in Hebrew, English, Turkish, and French.

Zeina has experience as an Arabic teacher and translator and has utilized these skills in various research roles relating to geography, international relations, and classical studies.

Elementary Arabic:

You will start by mastering the Arabic alphabet and learning to distinguish and pronounce all Arabic sounds. You will then move on to read and comprehend a variety of basic texts in MSA, then compose paragraphs of your own using a basic level of MSA. You will also participate in the Colloquial Arabic class, where you will converse about familiar topics.

Intermediate Arabic:

The course is divided into two class types: MSA and Colloquial Arabic. At the intermediate level, the MSA class starts at the end of the first book of Al Kitab and continues into the second book. You will read and comprehend a variety of texts in MSA, as well as compose your own paragraphs using your increasing knowledge of MSA. In the Colloquial Arabic class, you will converse about familiar topics as well as contemporary social and cultural issues.

Structure

This is an intensive program. Classes for all levels are held four days a week., with one day devoted to field trips conducted in Arabic.

Course Components 

• Class readings and discussions
• Daily homework
• Quizzes, a midterm exam, and a final exam
• Site visits and field trips

 View Syllabi:

• Elementary
• Intermediate

You’ll be invited to participate in a wide array of trips and activities offered by HebrewU’s Office of Student Life. From tours of the Old City and the Dead Sea to checking out local festivals, you’ll build your own unique impressions and memories of Jerusalem and Israel. While living in HebrewU dormitories with other international and Israeli students, you’ll have a chance to form new friendships and get involved in campus life. A team of multilingual Israeli students, called madrichim, will help you adjust to your new surroundings and give you tips on things to do. Learn more about student life at HebrewU.

Apply by: April 1, 2023
Arrive on Campus: June 14, 2023
Program Length: Six weeks

For each level:

Application Fee: US$ 120
Course Tuition: $US 3,300
Housing: US$ 1,220*

* Depending on availability

For payment deadlines, see here.

Scholarships
A limited number of scholarships, based on demonstrated need or merit, are available.

Students who complete their application to this program by February 15, 2023 and who also complete payment by March 15, 2023, will be eligible for a 10% early bird discount on the program tuition.

Undergraduate and graduate students; mature learners with an academic background.

Background in Arabic:

• Elementary: None required
• Intermediate: One year of previous study in Arabic