Hebrew Language and Culture
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide basic knowledge of Hebrew language and Israeli culture through the discussion of key issues also related to history, politics and society. This approach that will enable to examine the multifaceted identity of Israel country which plays an essential role in contemporary reality.
Expected learning outcomes
At the conclusion of the course, each student should be able to read and understand small Hebrew texts. Moreover, basic skills in oral communication will be developed. Regarding Unit 2 and Unit 3, each student should be able to analyze and critically discuss literary works and films that will be examined during the course.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Unit 1 - Introduction to the Hebrew Language
The initial part of this unit will focus particularly on the Hebrew alphabet and its pronunciation, in order to provide the necessary tools for an easy reading of the first proposed texts. The study of the alphabet and vowels will be divided into three parts, allowing students to immediately start using the language through reading exercises and learning vocabulary from the basic lexicon. Subsequently, more complex aspects of the language will be examined, such as noun genders and numbers, pronouns, main prepositions, and some verbs. (Second semester, 20 hours)
Unit 2 - From the Oslo Accords to the Second Intifada: History and Consequences of the Oslo Accords' Failure (1993-2000)
This unit analyzes the most structured attempt to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: the diplomatic process initiated by the 1993 Oslo Accords. Through historical and political analysis, the premises, negotiation dynamics, intrinsic weaknesses of the accords, and the causes that led to their collapse—culminating in the outbreak of the Second Intifada in September 2000—will be examined. Particular attention will be paid to the deep trauma caused in Israeli public opinion by the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin (1995) and the rapid transition from hope to disenchantment and renewed violence. (Second semester, 20 hours)
Unit 3 - Knowing Israel: The Cinematic Perspective
The cinematic view of Israeli reality is unique and has, over time, captured the main issues that have traversed the country, sometimes more or less truthfully. This unit will examine how Israeli cinema has portrayed in a clear and precise manner the continuously evolving daily reality of Israel. (Second semester, 20 hours)
The initial part of this unit will focus particularly on the Hebrew alphabet and its pronunciation, in order to provide the necessary tools for an easy reading of the first proposed texts. The study of the alphabet and vowels will be divided into three parts, allowing students to immediately start using the language through reading exercises and learning vocabulary from the basic lexicon. Subsequently, more complex aspects of the language will be examined, such as noun genders and numbers, pronouns, main prepositions, and some verbs. (Second semester, 20 hours)
Unit 2 - From the Oslo Accords to the Second Intifada: History and Consequences of the Oslo Accords' Failure (1993-2000)
This unit analyzes the most structured attempt to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: the diplomatic process initiated by the 1993 Oslo Accords. Through historical and political analysis, the premises, negotiation dynamics, intrinsic weaknesses of the accords, and the causes that led to their collapse—culminating in the outbreak of the Second Intifada in September 2000—will be examined. Particular attention will be paid to the deep trauma caused in Israeli public opinion by the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin (1995) and the rapid transition from hope to disenchantment and renewed violence. (Second semester, 20 hours)
Unit 3 - Knowing Israel: The Cinematic Perspective
The cinematic view of Israeli reality is unique and has, over time, captured the main issues that have traversed the country, sometimes more or less truthfully. This unit will examine how Israeli cinema has portrayed in a clear and precise manner the continuously evolving daily reality of Israel. (Second semester, 20 hours)
Prerequisites for admission
No linguistic prerequisites are required, nor any prior knowledge of Israeli history and culture.
Teaching methods
Lectures accompanied by PowerPoint presentations, which will be made available weekly to students on the MyAriel teaching platform. Given the nature of the topics addressed, audiovisual materials will also be used.
Teaching Resources
Unit 1
- Lecture notes and materials provided by the instructor and made available on the MyAriel platform;
- Supplementary textbook:
Sara Ferrari, La lingua ebraica, Rome, Carocci, 2025.
For further study:
Doron Mittler, Grammatica ebraica, Bologna, Zanichelli, 2000.
Genya Nahmany Greppi, Grammatica ebraica, Milan, Vallardi, 2005.
Unit 2
- Lecture notes and materials provided by the instructor and available on the MyAriel platform. All texts will be in Italian translation. Short excerpts will be read from:
- Assaf Gavron, La mia storia, la tua storia, Mondadori, Milano 2009.
- David Grossman, La guerra che non si può vincere. Cronache dal conflitto tra israeliani e palestinesi, Mondadori, Milano 2005.
- Etgar Keret, Rabin è morto, in Le tettine di una diciottenne, Edizioni e/o, Roma 2017.
For detailed information on the authors, students can consult the website:
www.ithl.org.il (The Institute for the Translation of Hebrew Literature)
For further study:
Benny Morris, Vittime. Storia del conflitto arabo-sionista 1881-2001, Mondadori, Milano 2003.
Or:
Claudio Vercelli, Storia del conflitto israelo-palestinese, Laterza, Bari 2025 (NUOVA EDIZIONE).
Unit 3
- Lecture notes and materials provided by the instructor and available on the MyAriel platform.
For further study
Il cinema israeliano oggi, a cura di M. G. De Bonis, A. Schweitzer, G. Spagnoletti, Marsilio, Venezia 2009.
Bibliography for non-attending students
The program for non-attending students coincides with that for attending students. For any special needs, a meeting with the instructor will be necessary.
- Lecture notes and materials provided by the instructor and made available on the MyAriel platform;
- Supplementary textbook:
Sara Ferrari, La lingua ebraica, Rome, Carocci, 2025.
For further study:
Doron Mittler, Grammatica ebraica, Bologna, Zanichelli, 2000.
Genya Nahmany Greppi, Grammatica ebraica, Milan, Vallardi, 2005.
Unit 2
- Lecture notes and materials provided by the instructor and available on the MyAriel platform. All texts will be in Italian translation. Short excerpts will be read from:
- Assaf Gavron, La mia storia, la tua storia, Mondadori, Milano 2009.
- David Grossman, La guerra che non si può vincere. Cronache dal conflitto tra israeliani e palestinesi, Mondadori, Milano 2005.
- Etgar Keret, Rabin è morto, in Le tettine di una diciottenne, Edizioni e/o, Roma 2017.
For detailed information on the authors, students can consult the website:
www.ithl.org.il (The Institute for the Translation of Hebrew Literature)
For further study:
Benny Morris, Vittime. Storia del conflitto arabo-sionista 1881-2001, Mondadori, Milano 2003.
Or:
Claudio Vercelli, Storia del conflitto israelo-palestinese, Laterza, Bari 2025 (NUOVA EDIZIONE).
Unit 3
- Lecture notes and materials provided by the instructor and available on the MyAriel platform.
For further study
Il cinema israeliano oggi, a cura di M. G. De Bonis, A. Schweitzer, G. Spagnoletti, Marsilio, Venezia 2009.
Bibliography for non-attending students
The program for non-attending students coincides with that for attending students. For any special needs, a meeting with the instructor will be necessary.
Assessment methods and Criteria
For Unit 1, the exam consists of a short written test with exercises similar to those done in class during lessons. For Units 2 and 3, the exam consists of an oral test on the exam program contents. The exam aims to verify both the full assimilation of the topics covered and the ability to elaborate the learned content and subject it to personal and critical reflection. The evaluation thus considers the solidity of theoretical preparation, presentation skills, and the development of critical thinking able to compare the different theoretical positions assumed in reading socio-cultural phenomena. The exam will be conducted in Italian, and the grade will be expressed on a 30-point scale. To obtain the grade and the related credits, both tests must be passed.
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)