Beginner I Yiddish (Sunday Afternoon)
Tuition: $480 | YIVO members: $375**
Students: $240 (Must register with valid university email address)
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This is a live, online course held weekly on Zoom. Enrollment will be capped at about 15 students. All course details (Zoom link, syllabus, handouts, assignments, etc.) will be posted to Canvas. Students will be granted access to the class on Canvas after registering for the class here on the YIVO website. This class will be conducted in Yiddish and English.
Instructor: Philip Schwartz
Who should take this course?
This course is appropriate for those who are new to Yiddish or would like a review.
What topics will this class cover?
This class will cover the Yiddish alphabet, basic grammar, and vocabulary. You will develop different language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. In addition to studying the first two units of the textbook, In eynem, we will also dedicate some time to the fall holidays and get to know Yiddish culture through songs and excerpts from literature.
Is knowledge of the Yiddish alphabet required?
No, knowledge of the Yiddish alphabet is not required. However, students who have no prior experience with reading and writing the Yiddish or Hebrew alphabets are highly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Yiddish alphabet before class, as the course will move at a fast pace. The tools and videos provided here will be helpful in getting a handle on reading and writing the alef-beys, and are designed for independent use.
Course Materials:
This course will use the textbook In eynem: The New Yiddish Textbook, Vol I & II by Asya Vaisman Schulman, Jordan Brown, and Mikhl Yashinsky (Purchase).
Philip Schwartz grew up in Germany and has also lived in Ukraine, Israel, Poland, and Sweden. He holds BA and MA degrees in Jewish studies, history, and Slavic studies. Currently, he is based in Vienna, Austria, teaches Yiddish at different Polish and American institutions, and writes for contemporary Yiddish publications such as Forverts, Afn Shvel, Yidish-branzhe, and Yidishland.
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