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Getting Started - Hebrew

The program in Judaic Studies at the University of Connecticut is housed in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages. The purpose of the program is to introduce students to the culture and civilization of the Jewish people from biblical times to the present. As such, our course offerings cover various aspects of the four-thousand year history of the Jews. Students who would like to learn more about ancient and modern Israel, the experience of the Jews among Christians and Moslems, or even Jewish life in contemporary America will find courses of interest among our offerings.

The program is designed to appeal to students of all backgrounds and interests. In fact, many of our courses are either cross-listed with other departments or offered under their aegis (e.g., history, sociology). Our courses have attracted students from almost every department, program and school of the university

While knowledge of Hebrew is important for the fullest appreciation of Jewish civilization, the department does offer courses for which Hebrew is not a prerequisite. Some of these courses complement the language program inasmuch as they are intended to whet the appetite of the student for further study of Hebrew language and literature.

Still, the student who has more than casual interest in Judaic Studies or who would like to major in it is strongly advised to study Hebrew. This language is essential for a full appreciation of the religion, culture and civilization of the Jews. Hebrew is a biblical language which has been used throughout the long history of the Jews as a people. Today Hebrew is a living language spoken in Israel, America, and wherever Jews live, study and work. Whether the student is interested in reading Hebrew Scripture in the original, visiting and/or studying in Israel, living on a kibbutz or planning a career in Middle Eastern Affairs, the place to begin Hebrew language study is at UConn.

For those more adventurous students, UConn offers a program in Israel itself. Our students can now study in selected programs in Israeli institutions of higher education and receive academic credit. In addition, UConn students, in select years, can participate in on-going archaeological excavations at Sepphoris, Israel, which is a 6-credit summer program.

Students interested in majoring in Judaic studies, or participating in our programs in Israel, or studying in the Center for Judaic Studies programs in Israel should contact Prof. Stuart Miller in ARJ 220, 486-3386.