Yiddish Courses for Fall 2022

Content for Fall 2022

For all meeting days and times please see the Online Schedule of Classes.

Yiddish 101A (4) Elementary Yiddish.  Burko, A.

In this beginners’ course students will learn to speak, read, and write Yiddish, the original language of East European Jews. Using the communicative method and the new textbook In Eynem, students will focus in class on speaking by playing out short dialogues. Grammar will be taught inductively, through examples. The course will introduce Yiddish culture through a variety of songs, stories, film clips, and illustrations.  This course will teach Yiddish in the context of modern Yiddish culture. Students will learn the vocabulary and grammar necessary to communicate about several important topics (studies, fam- ily, living situation etc.). By the end of this course, students will be able to: interact with native speakers and discuss familiar topics write in simple language about familiar topics read and understand simple texts about familiar topics read and understand more complex authentic texts using context and reading strategies. Students are expected to participate actively both in class and separately when working on group assignments.

Note: Regarding “in-person” instruction please contact Professor Karen Feldman.

Yiddish 103 (3) History of Yiddish Culture in English. Burko, A.

“History of Yiddish Culture”.  This course will trace the development of Yiddish culture from the first settlement of Jews in German lands through centuries of life in Eastern Europe, down to the main cultural centers today in Israel and America. The course will examine how changes in Jewish life have found expression in the Yiddish language. It will provide an introduction to Yiddish literature in English translation, supplemented by excursions into Yiddish music, folklore, theater, and film.  

Note: Regarding “in-person” instruction please contact Professor Karen Feldman.