Studying in Dutch
| Language of instruction | Dutch |
| Duration of programme | 3 Years |
Hebrew Language and Culture
Contents of the programme
Hebreeuwse taal en cultuur
We have all heard or seen something in Hebrew at some time or another. But most of us don’t realise how important a language Hebrew has been in the birth of our civilization.
Biblical Hebrew is the language of the Old Testament or the Tenach, a book that has had an enormous impact all across the globe for centuries. It is also the language of Judaism that a considerable body of literature has been written in for almost three thousand years.
Amsterdam has long been the centre of Jewish life in the Netherlands. The city can boast of a number of important library collections such as the Bibliotheca Rosenthaliana, which is part of the University Library. If you are fascinated by the Hebrew language, culture and history, the UvA is a good choice: Amsterdam is the right spot to study Hebrew.
Hebrew and Arabic are both Semitic languages. These languages have been taught at the UvA for three centuries.
At the UvA, students learn to master modern as well as Biblical Hebrew. They attend lectures on the history and culture of the Jews and take courses on linguistics and the science of literature with students majoring in other languages. They also take courses in research and argumentation skills and the philosophy of science.
In the second and third year, in addition to courses in modern Hebrew and medieval and rabbinical Hebrew, there are courses in related languages such as Armenian and Yiddish. Students write a thesis and can do an internship or do part of the study programme abroad.
After completing the bachelor’s programme in Hebrew Language and Culture, you will graduate as a Bachelor of Arts.
The job market
Academic training does not directly lead to a specific profession, and as such graduates can find work not only in their field of specialisation but also in jobs that demand a critical, independent and inquisitive nature. There is not a large demand for graduates of Hebrew Language and Culture. As such it is advisable to take your future plans into account when you compose your study programme.
Graduates of Hebrew Language and Culture find work in professions such as translator or interpreter, pr-officer, policy officer or press relations officer.
Potential employers include companies with branches in Israel, the Diplomatic Service (Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs), museums such as the Jewish Historical Museum in Amsterdam, archives, libraries and cultural organisations, media and publishing companies, translating agencies, and Jewish agencies.