2017.01_Polis_academicbrochure.pdf

Polis – The Jerusalem Institute of Languages and Humanities is developing a new and innovative method for teaching ancient languages. The methodology features total immersion, and treats Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew, Latin, Classical Syriac, Classical Arabic, Sumerian, and others as living languages. This practice prepares our students to understand ancient texts without reliance on dictionaries or the intermediary of translation into their mother tongue. The same techniques are applied in our modern Arabic and Hebrew language courses.In the framework of this pedagogical project, the Polis Institute offers two MA programs, each with a corresponding one year certificate program. The Ancient Philology program focuses on Ancient Greek and Biblical Hebrew with courses in linguistics, philology, paleography, history, and literature.  The Near Eastern Languages program emphasizes Arabic and Hebrew, as well as the history, literature, and cultures of the region. MA and One Year Program candidates may also apply for volunteer-scholarships that cover partial tuition. The graduate students can apply to follow the Emphasis in Teaching Ancient Languages track, through which they may gain first-hand experience in teaching. The track offers the opportunity to participate in a methodological course and workshops. In addition to these programs, the new Certificate Program in Language Fluency is announced.  This program offers undergraduate and graduate students, teachers and academics from any field the possibility of mastering the most important languages of Antiquity. The first class will begin their studies with an intensive course in Ancient Greek, and continue to focus on the language over the course of two years. Our students will complete eight levels of immersive language study to acquire advanced reading, writing, and speaking proficiency. Students in this program will also have the opportunity to take theoretical and practical courses which will help them deepen their knowledge of the ancient world.