About this major

Modern Hebrew is the standard form of Hebrew used today, spoken by approximately nine million people. The Modern Hebrew major is a holistic language learning program which covers the five skills of language in-use: listening, speaking, reading, writing and cultural awareness. Throughout the major you will develop and expand your proficiency in these five language and cultural skills.

The language you will use is, primarily, spoken daily speech; yet over the course of the major you will have opportunities to study a range of genres and text types both spoken and written, from media to prose and poetry. By the end of your major you will have mastered the ability to use Modern Hebrew in a wide variety of contexts and situations and you will gain an understanding of how to discuss and analyse the linguistic features of Modern Hebrew, as well as the literature and culture associated with the language.

The Modern Hebrew major offers several entry points depending on your previous knowledge and usage of the language. Following the completion of a placement test, you will be directed to the unit best suited for your level of knowledge. Once in the program you will enjoy a clear learning progression.

Due to the close congruency between the local Modern Hebrew major and those offered by the Rothberg International School at the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, you will also have the opportunity to complete some of your studies at the Hebrew University.

For more information on the program structure and content including unit of study information, please refer to the Arts and Social Sciences Handbook.

Students will follow the appropriate pathway specified in the unit of study tables, based on their individual language level. Students completing any of the pathways for a major will be awarded a major in Hebrew (Modern).

Appropriate language units are determined either by language level and grade therein achieved in Higher School Certificate (as listed in the pathways linked above) or International Baccalaureate, and/or by one-on-one interviews prior to commencement. If you are unsure of your language level or which pathway is appropriate for you, please contact the Department for advice.

The Hebrew (Modern) (Intermediate) pathway is suitable for HSC Beginners who receive a mark higher than 70.