2020/2021

Academic
Programs
Contents 02 T H E P O L I S M E T H O D 13 C E R T I F I C AT E S Graduate Programs
04 L I V I N G I N J E R U S A L E M 14 TEACHING & RESEARCH
MASTER OF ARTS IN MASTER OF ARTS IN
ANCIENT PHILOLOGY NEAR EASTERN LANGUAGES
06 P O L I S C O M M U N I T Y 16 A P P L I C AT I O N
focuses on Ancient Greek focuses on Arabic and Hebrew
08 ANCIENT PHILOLOGY 17 SCHOLARSHIPS and Biblical Hebrew
P 8 P 10
10 N E A R E A S T E R N 18 ACADEMIC OFFERINGS
C E R T I F I C AT E I N C E R T I F I C AT E I N
LANGUAGES
ANCIENT GREEK FLUENCY ARABIC FLUENCY
12 ACADEMIC PROGRAMS 20 A C A D E M I C S TA F F P 13

Language Courses
ACADEMIC Polis – The Jerusalem Institute of Languages and Humanities is a non-
OVERVIEW profit academic institution founded in 2011 by a group of scholars
ANCIENT BIBLICAL
with the desire to promote the knowledge of ancient languages and GREEK HEBREW
L AT I N SYRIAC

civilizations.

At Polis, we believe that the study of Hellenistic and Roman antiquity,

MODERN
Jewish and Christian heritage, and Arabic and Near Eastern cultures is COPTIC SPOKEN S TA N D A R D MODERN
ARABIC ARABIC HEBREW
the key for a better understanding of our global world.
P 16
IN THE The Institute is situated in the neighborhood of Musrara next to the
HEART OF Old City. The Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulcher and Al-
JERUSALEM
Aqsa Mosque are all a few minutes’ walk from the Institute. As is Jaffa Courses Abroad
Street with its many shops, bars, and restaurants.

Our staff consists of an international team of Israeli, Palestinian,

European, and American scholars. Students come to Jerusalem from
across the globe, while others benefit from our methodology through I TA LY U N I T E D S TAT E S
the language courses we offer in Europe and America every summer. ROME V I R G I N I A , K E N T U C K Y, W I S C O N S I N

Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew, Ancient Greek, Latin,

Latin, Teaching Methodologies Modern Standard Arabic

P 17 P 17
2 THE POLIS METHOD THE POLIS METHOD 3

HOW WE TEACH

The Polis Method

Theoretical Principles
T O TA L I M M E R S I O N .Our classes are taught entirely in the target
language: the only language spoken, written, or read is the one being taught.
This principle marks the main difference from the traditional grammar
translation methods and is both the cornerstone and wellspring of our
methodology.

DY N A M I C LANGUAGE We recognize the

D E V E L O P M E N T.
student’s continuous progression in language acquisition based on the
Four Basic Language Skills (listening,
speaking, reading and writing) and modes PA S S I V E ACTIVE

of discourse or literary genres (dialogue ›

narration › argumentation › poetry).

ORAL
Listen Speak
Practical Techniques

WRITTEN
We have, with some modifications, been
able to utilize a few techniques developed
by various teachers and researchers, which Read Write
have proven to be useful set-pieces for
the practical implementation of our theoretical principles: TPR (Total
Physical Response), TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and
Storytelling), and Story Building. Furthermore, Polis instructors are now
experimenting on a new tool, Living Sequential Expression (LSE): a
technique that was first conceived and developed at Polis, inspired by the
work of François Gouin (1831–1896). Through LSE, students will learn
sequences of logically connected actions by performing and then reporting
on them.
4 STUDENT LIFE IN JERUSALEM STUDENT LIFE IN JERUSALEM 5

STUDENT LIFE IN

Jerusalem
Students at Polis enjoy living in Jerusalem, which is a vibrant
and dynamic city filled with different languages, cultures
and ethnicities. In addition to the well-known religious and
archeological sites, there are many bars, restaurants, museums,
and shopping malls in the city.

Jerusalem’s history makes it an incomparable setting for Polis’

programs. It’s a city where Ancient Greek, Hebrew, Latin, and
Arabic have all thrived. Living in this crossroads of cultures,
languages, and religions profoundly impacts how Polis students
understand their coursework.

street smart
Students take their language skills beyond
the classroom and into the activities of
daily life like buying falafel or attending
Greek lunch in the Polis courtyard.

2 9 0 D AY S O F AWA R D -W I N N I N G 12 SHOPPING
SUNSHINE PUBLIC TRANSPORT DISTRICTS

4 MILLION 40,000 60 MUSEUMS

TOURISTS/YEAR STUDENTS Students go on bi-weekly visits to
archaeological, religious and cultural sites as
part of the Historical Geography course.
6 POLIS COMMUNITY POLIS COMMUNITY 7

I N T E R N AT I O N A L C H A R A C T E R

Kelsey Coia
U N I T E D S TAT E S
Maria Overy
UNITED KINGDOM

My interest in Latin and Greek led me to read

From my experience as a high school
Latin teacher, I was confident that the
Polis method was worth serious thought,
and now I observe my own language
intuition in Ancient Greek growing.
for a BA in Classics, followed by a year of stud-
ies in Theology, at Oxford. I’ve found that the
immersive method has nourished my familiar-
ity in Latin and Greek. I’m confident that the
gift of experiencing ancient languages this way
will only keep on giving!
Polis Community
The students and staff of  Polis make up a community of exceptionally
diverse, intellectually curious, and highly motivated language learners.
Students—whether they be professionals or scholars, local or
international—come to Polis to share a commitment to language study
and language immersion.
OUR STUDENTS & ALUMNI

Kim Jong-Heun
SOUTH KOREA
One of the most interesting things about
studying here is that I speak, write, read
and hear the language. I can immerse
myself in conversation in Ancient Greek
without any translation and this helps me
directly understand the ancient texts.
Cooper Bryan
U N I T E D S TAT E S
Studying a BA at Harvard made
me think about being Christian
in an increasingly secularized so-
ciety. I came to Polis to learn An-
cient Greek and Hebrew so I have
a clearer lens to study the Bible. I
love The Polis Method because
it helps me gain a deeper under-
standing of ancient texts.

29 7 2
COUNTRIES YEARS MA PROGRAMS

The Polis method is the best means to study

Biblical Hebrew and Koine Greek. By speaking
and listening to these languages, I was able to read
a good amount of ancient works in their original
language with ease by the time I received the MA
in Ancient Philology degree.
REUEL MARTINEZ • BRAZIL
ANCIENT PHILOLOGY (2016)
8 MA IN ANCIENT PHILOLOGY MA IN ANCIENT PHILOLOGY 9

MASTER OF ARTS IN

Ancient Philology
LANGUAGE ECTS THEORETICAL & PRACTICAL ECTS

YEAR ONE
Ancient Greek * 24.0 Phonetics and Phonology 2.0
Biblical Hebrew * 20.0 Derivational Morphology 2.0
Historical Geography III + IV ** 4.0
Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Philology 1.5
Introduction to Jewish Sources 1.5
Medieval Sources 2.0
Patristic Sources 1.0
Greek Paleography 1.5
Critical Apparatus 1.5
Translation Theory (in Ancient Greek) 1.5
44.0 18.5

YEAR TWO
Ancient Greek * 6.0 Greek Philology 1.5
Biblical Hebrew * 12.0 Historical Geography I + II ** 4.0
History of the Near East I + II + III ** 6.0
History of  Writing Systems (in Ancient Greek) 1.5
Issues in Semitic Languages 1.5
Lexicon, Code, and Interaction 2.0
Rabbinic and Early Christian Literature 1.5
Speech in Ancient Language 6.0
Syntax of Natural Languages 2.0
18.0 26.0

Ancient RESEARCH TRACK

Master's Thesis
ECTS
20.0
NON-RESEARCH TRACK
Seminar Paper
Extra Mandatory Courses
ECTS
10.0
10.0

Philology
T O T A L E C T S 126.5

N.B. Programs are subject to change. * To choose among all levels offered: Ancient Greek I–VII, Biblical Hebrew I–V
* * Each course is 2.0 ECTS. Students should take all of them.

Elective Courses
The Master of Arts in Ancient Philology focuses on Ancient Greek and THEORETICAL Introduction to Hebrew Literature • Issues in Teaching Languages • Ancient Greek Readings
Biblical Hebrew. It is ideal for those interested in taking up careers as Greek COUSES (e.g.: Epictetus, Euripides, Plato, Letter of Aristeas) • Greek Lunch • Semitic Palaeography •
or Hebrew teachers, as well as scholars interested in classical philosophy, Ugaritic Language & Literature • Seven Seals (in Ancient Greek) • Jewish Feasts

linguistics, philology, paleography, history, literature, religion, or in the

LANGUAGE
relationship between Greek antiquity and Judeo-Christian heritage. COUSES

GREEK HEBREW SYRIAC COPTIC L AT I N

10 MA IN NEAR EASTERN LANGUAGES MA IN NEAR EASTERN LANGUAGES 11

MASTER OF ARTS IN

Near Eastern Languages

LANGUAGE ECTS THEORETICAL & PRACTICAL ECTS

YEAR ONE
Hebrew 20.0 Phonetics and Phonology 2.0
Modern Standard Arabic 12.0 Derivational Morphology 2.0
Spoken Arabic 24.0 Historical Geography III / IV ** 2.0
Introduction to Arabic Literature 1.5
Introduction to Hebrew Literature 1.5
Introduction to Jewish Sources 1.5
56.0 10.5
Hebrew * 20.0 Applied Philology Seminar 1: Arabic Folklore 1.0

YEAR TWO
Modern Standard Arabic 12.0 Applied Philology Seminar 2: Arabic in Media 1.5
Arabic Philosophy 1.5
Historical Geography I / II ** 2.0
History of the Near East I / II / III *** 4.0
Issues in Semitic Languages 1.5
32.0 11.5

RESEARCH TRACK ECTS NON-RESEARCH TRACK ECTS

Master's Thesis 20.0 Seminar Paper 10.0
Speech in Arabic / Hebrew 6.0
Extra Mandatory Courses 4.0
T O T A L E C T S 130.0

Near Eastern
N.B. Programs are subject to change. * Each course is 10 ECTS. Students can choose either Modern Hebrew or Biblical Hebrew.

* * Each course is 2 ECTS. Students must choose 4 out of 8 ECTS * * * Each course is 2 ECTS. Students must choose 4 out of 6 ECTS
offered throughout the program. offered throughout the year.

Languages Elective Courses

THEORETICAL Historical Geography • History of the Near East • Issues in Teaching Languages • Lexicon,
COUSES Code, & Interaction • Medieval Sources • Patristic Sources • Rabbinic & Early Christian
Literature • Syntax of Natural Languages • Biblical Hebrew Philology • Semitic Paleography •
Ugaritic Language & Literature • Jewish Feasts
The Master of Arts in Near Eastern Languages consists of intensive
modern and ancient language courses as well as courses in history, Eastern LANGUAGE
COUSES
Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and the philosophy and literature of the
ancient and contemporary Near East. This MA offers a specific track in ARABIC HEBREW SYRIAC COPTIC L AT I N

Semitic philology for students interested in the fields of the Hebrew Bible,
manuscripts studies, Arabic literature & philosophy, or Near Eastern studies.
12 ACADEMIC PROGRAMS ACADEMIC PROGRAMS 13

TA I L O R E D T O YO U R N E E D S C E R T I F I C AT E S I N

Academic Programs Language Fluency

Polis also offers MA-level Certificates in Language Fluency for those who are more
One-Year Program interested in learning how to speak. A BA degree is not required to participate in
the Fluency program, and those who complete it will receive a certificate from
A shortened version of the MA program is available for students wishing to stay Polis in language fluency. Currently we offer two different language options for
only for one year. Polis scholarships and other teaching and research opportunities the fluency course; Ancient Greek or Arabic.
are also valid for the one-year program.
These programs offer students, teachers, and academics from any field the
Students who successfully complete the One-Year program in Ancient Philology possibility of mastering their chosen language. Students will be able to cover all
or Near Eastern Languages will receive a certificate from the Polis Institute. the levels of the language of choice, from a total beginner’s level to acquire reading,
Students will complete 60.0 ECTS throughout the degree, including 44.0 ECTS writing, and speaking proficiency. There are additional theoretical and practical
from mandatory language courses. courses closely linked to the target language’s cultural milieu. The Arabic course
covers both MSA and Spoken Levantine Arabic.
Emphasis in Teaching Ancient Languages ANCIENT GREEK ARABIC
ANCIENT GREEK / Mandatory Language Courses 75.0 ECTS 64.0 ECTS
MA graduates or students in the second year of the MA or Fluency program ARABIC FLUENCY Mandatory Theoretical Courses 3.0 ECTS 6.0 ECTS
may apply to the Emphasis in Teaching Ancient Languages, which focuses on COURSE Elective Courses 60.0 ECTS 60.0 ECTS
REQUIREMENTS Speech in Target Language 6.0 ECTS 6.0 ECTS
the particularities of teaching ancient languages in an immersive setting. Students
T O TA L E C T S 144.0 ECTS 136.0 ECTS
following this track will gain first-hand experience in teaching and the ability to
participate in a methodological course and workshops.
ANCIENT GREEK FLUENCY ECTS ARABIC FLUENCY ECTS

YEARS ONE–TWO
Ancient Greek * 48.0 Spoken Arabic * 40.0
Ancient Greek Readings I – IV 12.0 Modern Standard Arabic 24.0
Greek Lunch (Symposion) I – IV 12.0
Critical Apparatus 1.5 Introduction to Arabic Literature 2.0
Greek Palaeography 1.5 Arabic Philosophy 1.5
Patristic Sources 1.0 APS 1: Arabic Folklore & Popular Stories 1.0
YOUR DEGREE Translation Theory (Taught in Ancient Greek) 1.5 APS 2: Arabic in Media 1.5
History of Writing Systems (Taught in 1.5 Speech in Arabic 6.0
Successful completion of the MA in Ancient Philology program entitles the student to receive an Ancient Greek)
accredited Third-Party MA Degree from either the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross (Rome) Greek Philology 1.5
or the International University of Catalonia (Barcelona). Successful completion of the MA in Near Speech in Ancient Greek 6.0
Eastern Languages program entitles the student to receive an accredited MA degree from the
University of Navarra (Pamplona).
Elective Courses
Students who successfully complete the One-Year program in Ancient Philology or  Near Eastern
Languages will receive a certificate from the Polis Institute. Biblical Hebrew • Latin • Bohairic Coptic • Classical Syriac • Modern Hebrew • Biblical Hebrew Readings • Lexicon,
Code, and Interaction • Syntax of Natural Languages • Rabbinic and Early Christian Literature • Seven Seals (in
Ancient Greek) • Issues in Teaching Ancient Languages (Emphasis Track) • Introduction to Biblical Hebrew
Philology • Issues in Semitic Languages • Rabbinic and Early Christian Literature
14 TEACHING & RESEARCH TEACHING & RESEARCH 15

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Research

Teaching & Research Students at Polis apply their language skills to pursue research questions
in a wide range of humanities disciplines. While some join Polis
Teaching and research are integral parts of Polis’ Master’s programs. During faculty and the Polis press to tackle questions in
Master’s study, students are encouraged to teach languages in which they have the field of language pedagogy, others explore
prior knowledge, and to collaborate with Polis staff on research and publication pressing questions of history, social thought,
projects. and inter-faith work. Additionally students
have the opportunity to contribute to
In the Teaching Emphasis in Ancient Languages, students learn pedagogical Polis publications.
techniques in second language-acquisition and gain practical experience in
The Polis Method as student-teachers. Students who are mid-career or aspiring
teachers can strengthen their own teaching practice.

Ben-El Dreksler Palaephatus Project

MA IN NEAR EASTERN LANGUAGES ('20) PUBLISHING

Ben-El is a teacher of Hebrew in East Jerusalem and Michael Kopf (Ancient Greek instruc-
works at the Museum of Islamic Art in Jerusalem. He tor) & the Ancient Philology students
recently completed a thesis on Huldah the prophetess at have been working on the Palaepha-
the Freie University of Berlin. “I think that all research tus de Incredibilibus project. Stu-
languages should be taught as spoken languages. That’s dents have been re-editing a 1685
just as important to living communities as it is to scholars. edition of this traditional school-text.
That’s what makes Polis special.” The book will feature the original
Greek, facing a Neo-Latin translation
in a reader-friendly layout.

Joseph Ahmad
ANCIENT GREEK FLUENCY ('19)

Joseph works at the Ecole Biblique in Jerusalem editing a DID YOU KNOW?
biblical commentary that requires working knowledge of
Polis offers several scholarships for teachers of Latin and Greek who are
Hebrew, Greek, Latin and Syriac. “Polis has been really
interested in teaching during their time at Polis.
helpful for me because the translation committee often
asks me to translate from Greek and Latin on the spot.” www.polisjerusalem.org/scholarships
16 A P P L I C AT I O N
EXPERIENCE POLIS
Studying at Polis
Students with the required academic background
(specific to each program) are invited to apply.
Applications should include:
◆ Completed application form:
polisjerusalem.org/application-graduate
◆ Letter of motivation
◆ Two letters of recommendation (at least one
must be from an academic referee)
◆ Copy of Bachelor’s diploma or equivalent with
a description of courses and grades, and official
Bachelor’s and other relevant transcripts (if
applicable)
◆ CV or résumé
◆ Copy of the main page of applicant’s passport
(with Israeli stamps, if applicable)
◆ Two passport photographs
◆ Application fee of 500 NIS
SCHOLARSHIPS 17
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Scholarships
We understand that studying and living in
A P P L I C AT I O N SCHOLARSHIPS
DEADLINE
Jerusalem can be a significant investment of one’s
DEADLINE
resources. Candidates for the Master’s, One-Year,
AUG 1, 2020 and Fluency programs may apply for scholarships. FEB 20, 2020
Recipients are eligible for tuition discounts while
TUITION FEE AMOUNT
completing volunteering hours at Polis. In order to
26,000 NIS per annum
qualify for a scholarship, applicants must submit: 25%–75%
~ 7,500 USD per annum of tuition fee (tuition discount)
◆ Completed scholarship application form:
ROOM & BOARD polisjerusalem.org/scholarships PROCESS
Students are responsible for their ◆ Letter of motivation Upon submission, the Polis Executive
own room & board. The living cost in
◆ A letter of recommendation (non-academic) Committee will study the application
Jerusalem can range from 1,000–1,600 and decide within one month from the
USD per month. describing the candidate’s professional and
deadline.
personal qualifications
VISA ◆ Signed letter confirming the candidate’s
Foreign students may need an Israeli financial need for the scholarship
visa to stay in Jerusalem for an ◆ Research paper writing sample
extended period. Polis Institute will
assist accepted students in this process.
ALL POLIS SCHOLARSHIPS
The Polis Institute offers various kinds of scholarships to help as many stu-
dents as possible. Visit our website to see all your options.
www.polisjerusalem.org/scholarships
GOT QUESTIONS? Ravenel Khashram
Contact us to learn more about C O O R D I N AT O R O F S T U D I E S
Polis Institute, the application ravenel@polisjerusalem.org
process, or scholarships! +972 (0) 74-7011048
18 ACADEMIC OFFERINGS ACADEMIC OFFERINGS 19

2020–2021
Summer Programs & International Programs

Academic Offerings Jerusalem

MA Programs PROGRAM NAME LENGTH S TA R T D AT E

PROGRAM NAME LENGTH S TA R T D AT E Spoken Arabic 1 Month Jul 6, 2020 | Sep 2, 2020
MA in Ancient Philology 2 Years Sep 2, 2020 Modern Hebrew 1 Month Jul 6, 2020
– One-Year Program 1 Year Sep 2, 2020 Ancient Greek 1 Month Sep 2, 2020
MA in Near Eastern Languages 2 Years Sep 2, 2020 Biblical Hebrew 1 Month Sep 2, 2020
– One-Year Program 1 Year Sep 2, 2020 Classical Syriac 1 Month Sep 2, 2020

Language Fluency Certificates

PROGRAM NAME LENGTH S TA R T D AT E Rome
Certificate in Ancient Greek Fluency 2 Years Sep 2, 2020
Certificate in Arabic Fluency 2 Years Oct 12, 2020
PROGRAM NAME LENGTH S TA R T D AT E

Ancient Greek 3 Weeks Jul 6, 2020

Language Courses Latin 3 Weeks Jul 6, 2020
Biblical Hebrew 3 Weeks Jul 6, 2020
PROGRAM NAME LENGTH S TA R T D AT E ( S )
Methodology 1.5 Week Jul 6, 2020
Ancient Languages
Ancient Greek II, IV, VI 4 Months Oct 12, 2020 | Feb 15, 2021
Biblical Hebrew 4 Months Oct 12, 2020 | Feb 15, 2021
Latin 4 Months Oct 12, 2020 | Feb 15, 2021
United States
Bohairic Coptic 4 Months Oct 12, 2020 | Feb 15, 2021
Modern Languages
PROGRAM NAME LENGTH S TA R T D AT E
Modern Hebrew 4 Months Oct 12, 2020 | Feb 15, 2021
Ancient Greek VIRGINIA 3 Weeks June 22, 2020
Spoken Arabic 4 Months Oct 12, 2020 | Feb 15, 2021
Ancient Greek KENTUCKY 1 Week July 14, 2020
Modern Standard Arabic 4 Months Oct 12, 2020 | Feb 15, 2021
Latin VIRGINIA 3 Weeks June 22, 2020
Modern Standard Arabic WISCONSIN TBD TBD
20 A C A D E M I C S TA F F
I N T E R N AT I O N A L C O M M U N I T Y
Academic Staff
Dr. Mercedes Rubio
A S S I S TA N T D E A N
Lecturer in Medieval Sources and Philosophy
Michael Kopf
G R E E K & L AT I N C O O R D I N AT O R
Ancient Greek Instructor, PhD Student
Eyal Nahum
H E B R E W C O O R D I N AT O R
Biblical and Modern Hebrew Instructor
Maram Jaraysi
A R A B I C C O O R D I N AT O R
Modern Standard Arabic and Spoken Arabic
Instructor
Taghreed Constantinides
METHODOLOGY PROGRAM ADVISOR
Spoken Arabic Instructor
Dr. Reuven Kiperwasser
LECTURER
Lecturer in Rabbinic & Early Christian
Literature
Halely Harel
COPTIC INSTRUCTOR
Bohairic Coptic Instructor, PhD Candidate at
the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Henri Gourinard
LECTURER
Lecturer in History of the Near East and
Prof. Christophe Rico
Historical Geography DEAN | HEAD OF THE ANCIENT
PHILOLOGY PROGRAM
Ancient Greek Instructor, Lecturer in Greek
Philology and Translation Theory
Prof. Tania Notarius
Professor at the École Biblique et
HEAD OF THE NEAR EASTERN Archéologique Française (Jerusalem)
LANGUAGES PROGRAM
Lecturer in Semitic Philology and Linguistics
Lecturer at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Prof. Shukri Abed The goal of Polis is to revive the study of the humanities
LECTURER
Lecturer in Arabic Philosophy and and share that knowledge with as many people as possible.
Arabic in Media
Professor Emeritus at Al-Quds University Whether you are a classicist, linguist, polyglot, historian
of Antiquity or a person interested in biblical languages.
Prof. Jerónimo Leal We aim for Polis to be a place where people from all
LECTURER
Lecturer in Patristic Sources and
over the world can gather to experience the sources of
Critical Apparatus Mediterranean and European cultures. I consider it to be
Professor at Università della Santa Croce &
Istituto Patristico Agustinianum (Rome) tremendously important that every student here reaches his
or her full academic potential. We are just waiting for you
Prof. Juan Chapa to come and join the Polis family.
LECTURER
Lecturer in Greek Paleography
Dean of the Faculty of  Theology at the
University of Navarra (Spain)
 Contact & Visit Us

8 HaAyin Het St
+972 (0) 74-7011048 info@polisjerusalem.org
9511208 Jerusalem

www.polisjerusalem.org
THE POLIS INSTITUTE
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