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The Minor in Hebrew Language

The Department of Comparative Literature is pleased to announce that a Minor in Hebrew Language is available. All students who would like to study Hebrew beyond the basic level are invited to consider this minor. The minor in Hebrew is intended to provide students with a good working knowledge of the Hebrew language, taught in a context that emphasizes the characteristics of Jewish and Israeli culture and society.

What are the requirements for the minor?

You will need a total of 21 credits, as listed below. However, some students, such as those who have previously studied Hebrew, may be able to accelerate their program by exempting courses or using the "Credit by Examination" arrangement as a substitute for some of the courses listed below.

Students must take Hebrew 001, 002, and 003, 3 credits in Hebrew at the 100-300 level, and 6 credits in Hebrew at the 400 level, for a total of 21 credits (students with some prior knowledge of Hebrew may be exempted from the beginning courses).

Can the minor be combined with study abroad?

At the present time, Penn State's Education Abroad Program in Israel is not operating. We encourage students to pursue study abroad opportunities to other locations, such as centers of learning in Europe, that may be of interest for studying Hebrew and related topics.

Students who undertake study abroad can substitute appropriate credits, upon approval by the advisor for the minor. We encourage you to check in advance to make sure that your credits will transfer. In particular, students who study abroad on non-Penn State programs should check with the advisor for the minor to answer questions about credit transfers. Visit the Office of Education Abroad Programs, 222 Boucke Building, for more information on Study Abroad.

What majors can the minor be combined with?

Students in any Penn State undergraduate major are welcome to consider this minor. It was not designed to be limited to any specific major or group of majors.

How will my Hebrew minor be recognized?

If you sign up for the minor and complete the requirements, the minor will be indicated on your Penn State transcript. Upon graduation, you will also receive a certificate. It will thus be part of your formal academic record and credentials. On your resume, for example, you can list your major and then add "Minor in Hebrew."

How do I sign up for the minor?

Forms for "Admission to a Minor Program" can be obtained in 311 Burrowes Building. You should then make an appointment to see Ms. Ruth Edelstein, advisor for the minor, in 314 Burrowes Building. You can leave a message for her in 311 Burrowes Building, call (814) 863-0589, or email her to find out when her office hours are. She will help you to complete the form and answer any questions you might have concerning the minor or Study at Tel Aviv. After obtaining your advisor's signature, return the form to the department. The form will be processed and copies will be distributed to the appropriate offices.