Borns Jewish Studies Program
Minor in Hebrew
Students on Summer 2019, Fall 2019, or Spring 2020 requirements HEBREWMIN
Requirements
The minor requires at least 15 credit hours*, including the requirements listed below.
- Complete either the Modern Hebrew or the Biblical Hebrew track:
- Modern Hebrew.
- Intermediate Modern Hebrew I. One (1) course:
- JSTU-H 200 Intermediate Modern Hebrew I
JSTU-H 200 Intermediate Modern Hebrew I
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- JSTU-H 150 with a grade of C or higher; or equivalent proficiency
- Description
- Continuation of JSTU-H 150, for students who choose the Modern Hebrew track. Continues to develop reading, writing, and conversational skills, while expanding the grammatical foundation of students' Modern Hebrew knowledge.
- Intermediate Modern Hebrew II. One (1) course:
- JSTU-H 250 Intermediate Modern Hebrew II
JSTU-H 250 Intermediate Modern Hebrew II
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- JSTU-H 200 with a grade of C or higher; or equivalent proficiency
- Description
- Continues to develop reading, writing, and conversational skills, while expanding the grammatical foundation of students' Modern Hebrew knowledge.
- Advanced Modern Hebrew I. One (1) course:
- JSTU-H 300 Advanced Modern Hebrew I
JSTU-H 300 Advanced Modern Hebrew I
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- JSTU-H 250 with a grade of C or higher; or equivalent proficiency
- Description
- Reviews and completes the acquisition of the grammatical system of Modern Hebrew, using modern Israeli literary work and media resources, focusing on verbal and written communication skills.
- Advanced Modern Hebrew II. One (1) course:
- JSTU-H 350 Advanced Modern Hebrew II
JSTU-H 350 Advanced Modern Hebrew II
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- JSTU-H 300 with a grade of C or higher; or equivalent proficiency
- Description
- Sets the foundations for the study of complete written works in Modern Hebrew, whether for literary or research purposes. Offers extensive practice of reading, writing, and conversational skills.
- Hebrew Langauge or Hebrew Literature in English. One (1) additional course:
- JSTU-C 340 The Kibbutz in Fact and Fiction
- JSTU-H 365 Advanced Hebrew Conversation and Composition
- JSTU-H 375 Introductory Readings in Hebrew Literature (in Hebrew)
- JSTU-H 460 Israeli Film and Fiction in Hebrew
- JSTU-H 477 Victims and Avengers: Readings in the Holocaust Literature of Israel in Hebrew
- JSTU-H 480 Modern Hebrew Literature in Hebrew
- JSTU-H 485 Recent Hebrew Literature in Hebrew
- JSTU-L 377 Victims and Avengers: Readings in the Holocaust Literature of Israel (in English Translation)
- JSTU-L 380 Modern Hebrew Literature in English
- JSTU-L 385 Recent Hebrew Literature in English
- JSTU-L 390 Biblical Themes in Modern Hebrew Literature
- JSTU-L 391 David: The Man and the King
- JSTU-L 395 S. Y. Agnon and the Jewish Experience
- JSTU-X 491 Individual Readings in Hebrew (must be taken for at least 3 credits credit hours)
JSTU-C 340 The Kibbutz in Fact and Fiction
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- A survey of the representation of kibbutz ideology and community in Hebrew fiction and anthropological and sociological studies. Compares early representations of the kibbutz with its recent transformations to acquaint students with the impact of this unique social system in Israeli society and culture.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
- Summer 2025CASE GCCcourseSpring 2025CASE GCCcourseFall 2024CASE GCCcourse
JSTU-H 365 Advanced Hebrew Conversation and Composition
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- JSTU-H 350 with a grade of C or higher; or equivalent proficiency
- Description
- A full summation of Modern Hebrew, with review of grammar and vocabulary. The course aims to enrich students\' vocabulary, reading and writing skills, comprehension, and free expression. Emphasis will be on vocabulary, usage, and pronunciation. Writing practice and review of grammar will be integrated with conversation and readings of selections from literary and nonliterary texts.
JSTU-H 375 Introductory Readings in Hebrew Literature (in Hebrew)
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- JSTU-H 350 with a grade of C or higher; or equivalent proficiency
- Description
- Reading, in the original Hebrew, of selected poetry and prose from among the chief writers of Modern Hebrew literature. Emphasis on familiarization with the diverse styles, forms, and themes of Modern Hebrew literature. Discussion and analysis in Hebrew.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
JSTU-H 460 Israeli Film and Fiction in Hebrew
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- Grade of C or higher in any Hebrew course above JSTU-H 350 (such as JSTU-H 365, JSTU-H 375, JSTU-H 480, JSTU-H 485, or JSTU-X 491), or equivalent
- Description
- A sampling of Israeli novels and stories whose texts were made into film. Subjects covered pertain to the representation of Israeli culture, values, and experience, including individualism and collective, war and peace, the self and the nation. Readings, assignments, and discussion in Hebrew.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JSTU-C 360 or JSTU-H 460.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
JSTU-H 477 Victims and Avengers: Readings in the Holocaust Literature of Israel in Hebrew
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- Grade of C or higher in any Hebrew course above JSTU-H 350 (such as JSTU-H 365, JSTU-H 375, JSTU-H 485, or JSTU-X 491), or equivalent
- Description
- Readings (in Hebrew) of Holocaust literature in translation primarily from Hebrew and Yiddish works of poetry and prose, diaries and stories, to highlight the lasting impact of this event on Israel's social and cultural landscape. Issues covered include representation of Jews as victims, avengers and heroes.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JSTU-H 477 or JSTU-L 377.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
JSTU-H 480 Modern Hebrew Literature in Hebrew
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- Grade of C or higher in any Hebrew course above JSTU-H 350 (such as JSTU-H 365, JSTU-H 375, JSTU-H 485, or JSTU-X 491), or equivalent
- Description
- A survey of nineteenth- and twentieth-century fiction, poetry, essays in the original Hebrew under such headings as assimilation, ghetto, and world; secularism versus tradition; ethnicity, land, and universalism; nation, religion, state; utopia and revolution; nostalgia, self-hate, rejuvenation; portrayal of anti-Semitism in literature.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JSTU-H 480 or JSTU-L 380.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
JSTU-H 485 Recent Hebrew Literature in Hebrew
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- Grade of C or higher in any Hebrew course above JSTU-H 350 (such as JSTU-H 365, JSTU-H 375, JSTU-H 460, JSTU-H 480 or JSTU-X 491), or equivalent proficiency
- Description
- Extensive readings of Hebrew texts and scholarly works grouped according to periods or specific themes in language, literature, or intellectual movements adapted to specific individual programs. Readings, assignments, and discussions in Hebrew.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JSTU-H 485 or JSTU-L 385.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
JSTU-L 377 Victims and Avengers: Readings in the Holocaust Literature of Israel (in English Translation)
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Readings of Holocaust literature in translation primarily from Hebrew and Yiddish works of poetry and prose, diaries and stories, to highlight the lasting impact of this event on Israel's social and cultural landscape. Issues covered include representation of Jews as victims, avengers and heroes.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JSTU-H 477 or JSTU-L 377.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
- Summer 2025CASE GCCcourseSpring 2025CASE GCCcourseFall 2024CASE GCCcourse
JSTU-L 380 Modern Hebrew Literature in English
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Notes
- No knowledge of Hebrew necessary. Readings and lectures in English
- Description
- Nineteenth- and twentieth-century fiction, poetry, essays, under such headings as assimilation (ideal or aberration?); ghetto and world; secularism versus tradition; ethnicity, land, and universalism; nation, religion, state; utopias and revolutions; nostalgia, self-hate, rejuvenation; portrayal of anti-Semitism in literature.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JSTU-H 480 or JSTU-L 380.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
JSTU-L 385 Recent Hebrew Literature in English
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Fiction, poetry, and essays with relevance to contemporary issues, such as the past (burden or asset?); the meeting of Europe and Near East; the kibbutz; ideal and reality; Jews, Arabs, Canaanites; diaspora and center; the personal and the collective; inwardness or realism; wars, holocausts, peace. No knowledge of Hebrew necessary. Readings and lectures in English.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JSTU-H 485 or JSTU-L 385.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
JSTU-L 390 Biblical Themes in Modern Hebrew Literature
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- An examination of how modern Hebrew literature, read in English translation, has perceived and reinterpreted narratives of the Hebrew Bible. Among the issues to be examined are the contemporary individual, social, and historical factors contributing to the process of \"rewriting\" the Bible in the image of our times. No knowledge of Hebrew necessary. Readings and lectures in English.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
JSTU-L 391 David: The Man and the King
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Reads literary works against the background of biblical and post-biblical narratives that interpret the image of David as a man and king affected by power. Explores depictions of David in cinema, opera, and fine arts to demonstrate the diverse ways in which he has been viewed throughout history.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
JSTU-L 395 S. Y. Agnon and the Jewish Experience
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Intensive study of the fictional work (in English translation) of S. Y. Agnon. Among the themes explored are religion and secularism; tradition versus modernity and change; love, marriage, and divorce; nostalgia for the past and life in the present; Israel and the diaspora. No knowledge of Hebrew necessary. Readings and lectures in English.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
JSTU-X 491 Individual Readings in Hebrew
- Credits
- 1–4 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- JSTU-H 350 with a grade of C or higher; or equivalent proficiency
- Description
- Extensive readings of Hebrew texts and scholarly works grouped according to periods or specific themes in language, literature, or intellectual movements adapted to specific individual programs. Readings, assignments, and discussion in Hebrew.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credit hours in JSTU-H 497 and JSTU-X 491.
- Intermediate Modern Hebrew I. One (1) course:
- Biblical Hebrew.
- Intermediate Biblical Hebrew I. One (1) course:
- JSTU-B 200 Intermediate Biblical Hebrew I
JSTU-B 200 Intermediate Biblical Hebrew I
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- JSTU-B 150 with a grade of C or higher; or equivalent proficiency
- Description
- A continuation of JSTU-B 150. Establishes students' grammatical knowledge and skills, allowing them to understand Biblical Hebrew narrative, law, prophecy, and poetry.
- Intermediate Biblical Hebrew II. One (1) course:
- JSTU-B 250 Intermediate Biblical Hebrew II
JSTU-B 250 Intermediate Biblical Hebrew II
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- JSTU-B 200 with a grade of C or higher; or equivalent proficiency
- Description
- A continuation of JSTU-B 200. Further develops students' grammatical knowledge and skills, allowing them to understand Biblical Hebrew narrative, law, prophecy, and poetry.
- Advanced Modern Hebrew I. One (1) course:
- JSTU-H 300 Advanced Modern Hebrew I
JSTU-H 300 Advanced Modern Hebrew I
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- JSTU-H 250 with a grade of C or higher; or equivalent proficiency
- Description
- Reviews and completes the acquisition of the grammatical system of Modern Hebrew, using modern Israeli literary work and media resources, focusing on verbal and written communication skills.
- Advanced Modern Hebrew II. One (1) course:
- JSTU-H 350 Advanced Modern Hebrew II
JSTU-H 350 Advanced Modern Hebrew II
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- JSTU-H 300 with a grade of C or higher; or equivalent proficiency
- Description
- Sets the foundations for the study of complete written works in Modern Hebrew, whether for literary or research purposes. Offers extensive practice of reading, writing, and conversational skills.
- Advanced Literature Course. One (1) course:
- JSTU-J 303 Arts and Humanities Topics in Jewish Studies (Approved topics: "THE BIBLE AND ETHICS: LOVE, POVERTY, AND WAR" (TPC 34); "TRAUMA, THE BIBLE AND AMERICAN IDENTITY" (TPC 32))
- JSTU-L 390 Biblical Themes in Modern Hebrew Literature
- JSTU-L 391 David: The Man and the King
- One (1) of the following:
- JSTU-J 320 Rabbinic Judaism: Literature and Beliefs
- REL-A 318 Rabbinic Judaism: Literature and Beliefs
- One (1) of the following:
- JSTU-J 375 Women in the Bible
- REL-A 375 Women in the Bible
- ENG-L 367 Literature of the Bible
- HON-H 303 Interdepartmental Colloquia (Approved topics: "THE AGNOSTIC BIBLE" (TPC 16))
- REL-A 300 Studies in African, European, and West Asian Religions (Approved topics: "THE BIBLE AND ETHICS: LOVE, POVERTY AND WAR" (TPC 33))
- REL-A 314 Gender and Power in the Hebrew Bible
- REL-A 315 Prophecy in Ancient Israel
- REL-A 415 Topics in Ancient Israelite Religion (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- REL-A 430 Topics in the History of Judaism (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- REL-R 300 Studies in Religion (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
JSTU-J 303 Arts and Humanities Topics in Jewish Studies
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Selected arts and humanities topics and issues in Jewish studies.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 9 credit hours.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
JSTU-L 390 Biblical Themes in Modern Hebrew Literature
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- An examination of how modern Hebrew literature, read in English translation, has perceived and reinterpreted narratives of the Hebrew Bible. Among the issues to be examined are the contemporary individual, social, and historical factors contributing to the process of \"rewriting\" the Bible in the image of our times. No knowledge of Hebrew necessary. Readings and lectures in English.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
JSTU-L 391 David: The Man and the King
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Reads literary works against the background of biblical and post-biblical narratives that interpret the image of David as a man and king affected by power. Explores depictions of David in cinema, opera, and fine arts to demonstrate the diverse ways in which he has been viewed throughout history.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
JSTU-J 320 Rabbinic Judaism: Literature and Beliefs
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- The rabbis of late antiquity were masters of the Bible who produced a corpus of writings in which they interpret holy scriptures. These writings, known as rabbinic literature, remain to this day the foundation of normative Jewish behavior and traditions. This course explores what these rabbis believed and how they interpreted the Bible.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JSTU-J 320 or REL-A 318.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
- Summer 2025CASE GCCcourseSpring 2025CASE GCCcourseFall 2024CASE GCCcourse
REL-A 318 Rabbinic Judaism: Literature and Beliefs
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- The rabbis of late antiquity were masters of the Bible who produced a corpus of writings in which they interpret holy scriptures. These writings, known as rabbinic literature, remain to this day the foundation of normative Jewish behavior and traditions. This course explores what these rabbis believed and how they interpreted the Bible.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JSTU-J 320 or REL-A 318.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
- Summer 2025CASE GCCcourseSpring 2025CASE GCCcourseFall 2024CASE GCCcourse
JSTU-J 375 Women in the Bible
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Considers representations of women and the feminine in the Hebrew Bible, New Testament, and literature of early Judaism and Christianity. Explores how these texts have been interpreted in the history of Western culture, and how they continue to shape attitudes about women, gender, and sexuality in the contemporary world.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JSTU-J 375 or REL-A 375.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
REL-A 375 Women in the Bible
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Considers representations of women and the feminine in the Hebrew Bible, New Testament, and literature of early Judaism and Christianity. Explores how these texts have been interpreted in the history of Western culture, and how they continue to shape attitudes about women, gender, and sexuality in the contemporary world.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JSTU-J 375 or REL-A 375.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
ENG-L 367 Literature of the Bible
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Hebrew Bible and New Testament with emphasis on questions of reading and interpretation.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
HON-H 303 Interdepartmental Colloquia
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- Consent of Hutton Honors College
- Description
- Honors seminar focusing on topics in arts and humanities.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
REL-A 300 Studies in African, European, and West Asian Religions
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Selected topics and movements in African, European, and West Asian religions.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
REL-A 314 Gender and Power in the Hebrew Bible
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Traces the relationships among gender, sexuality, and political power in Jewish antiquity, primarily through the Hebrew Bible. Examines how fertility, virginity, sexuality, and foreignness intersect with gender-constructions in these texts. Demonstrates the diverse ways in which gender is depicted, attuned to differences in context and genre.
REL-A 315 Prophecy in Ancient Israel
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- The prophetic movement and its relationship to religious, social, and political traditions and institutions in the ancient Near East. The thought of major prophetic figures in Israel, such as Hosea, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of REL-A 315 or REL-R 310.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
REL-A 415 Topics in Ancient Israelite Religion
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Selected problems in ancient Israelite religion, such as pre-Yahwistic religion, Israel\'s cultic life, royal theology and messianism, the wisdom movement, sectarian apocalyptic.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
REL-A 430 Topics in the History of Judaism
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Special topics such as problems in Jewish mystical tradition, the nature of religious community, charismatic leadership, religious biography.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours in REL-A 430 and REL-R 445.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
REL-R 300 Studies in Religion
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Selected topics and movements in religion.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 12 credit hours.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
- Intermediate Biblical Hebrew I. One (1) course:
- Modern Hebrew.
- Minor GPA, Hours, and Minimum Grade Requirements.
- At least 9 credit hours in the minor must be completed in courses taken through the Indiana University Bloomington campus or an IU-administered or IU co-sponsored Overseas Study program.
- At least 9 credit hours in the minor must be completed at the 300–499 level.
- Except for the GPA requirement, a grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the minor.
- A GPA of at least 2.000 for all courses taken in the minor—including those where a grade lower than C- is earned—is required.
- Exceptions to minor requirements may be made with the approval of the department's Director of Undergraduate Studies, subject to final approval by the College of Arts and Sciences.
Notes