Yiddish 20B
Spring, 2014
Professor E. Kellman
Brandeis University
Department of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies
Class meetings: M T W Th 11:00-11:50 (Rabb 345)
Office: Lown 300B ex. 62129
Office hours: Monday and Wednesday 12:00-1:00 (and by appointment)
e-mail address:
Continuing Yiddish
Course description and objectives
The goals of this second-semester elementary course in Yiddish language and culture are for students to master the mechanics of reading and writing the language and the fundamentals of Yiddish grammar, particularly the case system and the three basic tenses, and to begin to communicate freely in speech and in writing. The essential features of the Yiddish verbal system, including complemented, prefixed, modal auxiliary and periphrastic verbs will be taught in depth in Yiddish 20B.
The main emphasis in Yiddish 10A was on grammar and reading skills. Yiddish 20B focuses additionally on speaking and writing. As much as possible, class meetings will be conducted in Yiddish, and group oral practice will take place regularly, in order to reinforce grammatical accuracy and idiomatic usage and give you and your classmates an opportunity to communicate with one another. You will have opportunities to discuss topics and express opinions, develop oral presentations and conduct interviews with your classmates.
In addition to Chapters 7-16 in the textbook College Yiddish, by Uriel Weinreich, supplementary grammar, reading and vocabulary materials will be used. Songs, poetry and proverbs will help introduce you to the various dialects of the language and the folklore of Jewish Eastern Europe.
Writing is another important component of Yiddish 20B. You will regularly write short compositions in Yiddish, for the purposes of reinforcing grammar and usage and building vocabulary.
Reading skills will continue to be emphasized. Upon completing Yiddish 20B, you will be able to read basic texts in Yiddish. You will have a grasp of the basic grammar of the language and be able to bring your knowledge of Yiddish grammar to bear in your oral and written work and in reading.
Attendance, class notes and getting assignments
You are expected to come to every class meeting. If you must miss a class, contact a classmate and go over the notes for that day with him or her. You are expected to turn your homework assignments in on time even though you may have missed the previous class meeting.
Homework assignments
Homework will be assigned at each class meeting and will usually be due at the following class meeting. It will consist of oral reading practice, written exercises in grammar, answers to questions about reading texts or preparation for oral work in class. Written assignments will be marked "excellent," "satisfactory" or "unsatisfactory." Except in cases of prolonged illness or emergency, written assignments will not be accepted more than one class meeting after they are due. If you have to miss class for any reason, contact a classmate and get the homework assignment for the next class meeting. As a last resort, if you are unable to reach a classmate, contact me by e-mail to get the assignment. Every homework assignment counts toward your final grade.
Testing
Quizzes over grammar and vocabulary will be given frequently and will be scored on the basis of 100 percentage points. There will be cumulative midterm and final tests over grammar, vocabulary and readings. The midterm test will be given during the seventh or eighth week of the semester, and the final test during the exam period. Your oral and reading skills will be assessed formally as well.
Grading
Your final grade will be based on homework exercises (20%), compositions (10%), quizzes (20%), midterm test (15%), final exam (20%), and oral and reading skills (15%).
Students with disabilities
If you are a student with a documented disability on record at Brandeis and wish to have a reasonable accommodation made for you in this class, please see me at the start of the semester.
Course books and electronic resources
College Yiddish, by Uriel Weinreich
Optional: Modern Yiddish-English English-Yiddish Dictionary, by Uriel Weinreich or Comprehensive Yiddish-English Dictionary, by S. Beinfeld and H. Bochner
(Comprehensive Yiddish-English Dictionary is available as an electronic resource in LOUIS. You may opt to purchase it or the Weinreich dictionary.)
Supplementary materials will be distributed in class.