Undergraduate Course: Introducing Biblical Hebrew (Honours) (BIST10057)
Course Outline
| School | School of Divinity |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This course offers a structured introduction to biblical Hebrew, working through a text book and supplementing it with further examples and exercises. Students learn the foundations of syntax, grammar, and vocabulary, and by the end of the course will be able to translate simple prose passages from the Hebrew Bible. One biblical text (e.g. Gen 22) is studied in depth in Hebrew at the end of the course. |
| Course description |
Academic description:
This course provides a structured introduction to the language of classical Hebrew. At the successful completion of the course, students will be able to read simple prose texts from the Hebrew Bible. The course offers a structured introduction to grammatical concepts, word formation, and syntax, along with acquisition of a core stock of vocabulary. While the emphasis falls on Hebrew-to-English, learning is reinforced through English-to-Hebrew exercises.
Syllabus/outline content:
The course assumes no background in the language, and begins with mastering the alphabet and writing system. Introduction to grammar begins with nouns and the system of the 'strong' verb. The latter part of the course extends this through the additional main 'binyanim' (verbal themes) and the variations encountered in the so-called 'weak verbs'. The course concludes by reading one self-contained prose text, such as the account of creation in Genesis 1, or the Akedah (Genesis 22).
Student learning experience information:
The course has three class sessions each week in which the grammatical concepts are explained and put to use in exercises. A further weekly tutorial consolidates the previous week's learning. The tutorial session includes a brief quiz each week to test understanding of recently covered grammar points, and the quality of vocabulary acquisition. All four sessions provide ample opportunity for immediate feedback and practising the 'oral' aspects of the language. A cumulative midsemester test provides a helpful checkpoint, as well as giving practice in the kind of assessment faced in the final exam.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2019/20, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Semester 2 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 44,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
152 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
60 %,
Coursework
40 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Weekly quizzes: 30% - a short weekly quiz will test how well students have learnt the grammar and vocabulary from the previous week.
Mid-semester test: 10% - a 50-minute cumulative test, covering the material from the first half of the course.
Exam: 60% - including translation from the set text, unseen translations, and grammar questions.
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| Feedback |
Verbal and written feedback will be given frequently in class, especially on weekly quizzes and the mid-semester test. |
| Exam Information |
| Exam Diet |
Paper Name |
Hours & Minutes |
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| Main Exam Diet S2 (April/May) | | 2:00 | |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Identify and explain the basic elements of biblical Hebrew grammar
- Read and translate biblical Hebrew prose (including 'sight' reading)
- Translate simple English sentences into biblical Hebrew
- Demonstrate an ability to identify key linguistic terms and their meanings
- Use electronic and print resources for the study of biblical Hebrew
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Reading List
The course text book may change depending on the course structure. Some typical examples include:
John A. Cook & Robert D. Holmstedt, Biblical Hebrew: A Student Grammar (revised edition, 2011)
Jo Ann Hackett, A Basic Introduction to Biblical Hebrew (Hendrickson, 2010)
G. Pratico & M.V. van Pelt, Basics of Biblical Hebrew Grammar (Revised Edition¿ Zondervan, 2007)
C. L. Seow, A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew (Revised Edition, Abingdon 1995)
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
- Ability to learn a new language.
- Work with linguistic analysis of a particular language.
- Applying previous knowledge to learn a related but new topic |
| Keywords | Biblical studies,ancient language,Semitic language,Hebrew |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Suzanna Millar
Tel: (0131 6)50 8904
Email: |
Course secretary | Ms Katrina Munro
Tel: (0131 6)50 8900
Email: |
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