The Supernatural Power of Language: Jewish Magic from Antiquity to Present Day Can words summon protection, healing, or harm? In this seminar we will examine Jewish traditions that attribute supernatural power to language, letters, and sacred texts. We will engage with fundamental questions, including the tension between biblical prohibitions against practicing magic and the widespread use of magical practices up to the present day. We will explore spells, divine names, prayers, rituals, and magical texts, as well as the materials and media on which they were written, asking how words are believed to shape reality and mediate between human and divine realms. Using a community of learners approach, the course emphasizes both individual and collaborative inquiry through scholarly readings, primary sources, and digital media.

Introductory Modern Hebrew I In this course students will become acquainted with the basic grammatical and formal concepts necessary for the comprehension of the Modern Hebrew language. We will focus on the fundamentals of reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with a particular emphasis placed on the acquisition of conversational ability. We will also make use of audiovisual, situational, and cultural exercises, and give attention to the elements of Classical form and style that provided a foundation for Modern Hebrew, which was revived as a vernacular in the late 19th century. No previous knowledge of Hebrew is required. 6 hrs.

Introductory Modern Hebrew III: Modern Hebrew Through Culture Explore the acquisition of Modern Hebrew through cultural immersion. This course, a continuation of Modern Hebrew 0102, introduces students to Hebrew vocabulary and grammar while examining cultural elements such as rituals, religion, social milestones, and cultural symbols. Students will engage in comparative discussions between Israeli and American cultures, fostering a deeper understanding of the language within its cultural context, and developing communication skills in Hebrew.

Social Capital, Social Networks and Trust: In Israel and in the United States This course will introduce students to Social Capital, and the components that go along with it: Social Networks, Trust, and Social Norms. Additionally, we will discuss the role of social capital in various substantive areas including Democracy, Civic Engagement, Community, Education, Economy. Based on academic literature, videos and lectures we will explore various perspectives, manifestations and effects of Social Capital, mainly in Israel and in the US. The ultimate aim is to enable students to understand the theoretical definitions, conceptualizations, and typologies of social capital and its components, and how to relate theory to the real world by learning to use the practical side of it and to develop and use it according to needs of individuals, communities, and organizations.

Social Capital, Social Networks and Trust: in Israel and in the United States This course will introduce students to Social Capital, and the components that go along with it: Social Networks, Trust, and Social Norms. Additionally, we will discuss the role of social capital in various substantive areas including Democracy, Civic Engagement, Community, Education, Economy. Based on academic literature, videos and lectures we will explore various perspectives, manifestations and effects of Social Capital, mainly in Israel and in the US. The ultimate aim is to enable students to understand the theoretical definitions, conceptualizations, and typologies of social capital and its components, and how to relate theory to the real world by learning to use the practical side of it and to develop and use it according to needs of individuals, communities, and organizations.

Introductory Modern Hebrew II This course is an intensive continuation of Modern Hebrew 0101. Students will expand their knowledge of Hebrew grammar and vocabulary, will increase their proficiency in oral communication, and will study selections of both audio and visual media related to modern-day Israel.

Intermediate Modern Hebrew I This course is a continuation of HEBM 0103.  By engaging with topics about Israeli society and culture and by using authentic materials and different media, students will strengthen their intermediate level of communicative competence – reading, writing, listening, and speaking – and gain a deeper understanding of Israeli popular culture and politics. Topics will vary depending on students’ interest.

Intermediate Modern Hebrew II This is the fifth in the sequence of Modern Hebrew courses that focus on the acquisition of reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills. This course will further increase the students' fluency in spoken Hebrew, as well as their facility in reading authentic texts dealing with both secular and religious Jewish cultures, the literature of modern-day Israel, Israeli history, and current events. By the end of the semester, students should attain the level of educated, non-native speakers of Modern Hebrew, in terms of knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, composition, and communicative competence.

Michal Strier

Reviews and ratings for Michal Strier at Middlebury College.Michal Strier teaches Supernatural Power of Language, Introduction Modern Hebrew I, Intro Modern Hebrew III and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Michal Strier good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

This course was a great first-year seminar course. Professor Strier is very engaging and works well with students (and sometimes brings baked goods to class). The workload was light and the content was fairly interesting. 

Michal is a great professor who makes class interesting and engaging. She explains difficult ideas clearly, encourages discussion, and genuinely cares about her students. I’d definitely recommend her.

This class was very fun and a really good way to start your day. Professor Strier was really passionate about teaching Hebrew and really helped explain every single concept within the course outside the class if needed