Content

This unit focuses on phonology, morphology and syntax of the Classical Biblical Hebrew. Prose and poetic texts from different literary genres (narratives, laws, psalms, wisdom literature) will be studied with an aim of understanding their grammar. The development of Hebrew language will be addressed, through the comparative reading and translation of archaic Biblical poems, classical, and late Biblical texts. The students will be introduced to electronic and library tools that will help them to engage in textual criticism of the Hebrew Bible.

Unit code: AL9600A

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Languages

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: St Athanasius College

Show when this unit is running

Learning outcomes

1.

Translate prose and poetic texts from Hebrew into English, using standard lexicographical (Dictionaries and Grammars) and electronic (software programs) tools

2.

Demonstrate advanced knowledge of Biblical Hebrew vocabulary

3.

Demonstrate advanced knowledge of Biblical Hebrew grammar (stress on syntax and system of verbal tenses)

4.

Read simple unvocalised text

5.

Engage in original biblical exegesis based on their own translation of the Hebrew text

Unit sequence

Prerequisite – AL1600A or AL8600A

Pedagogy

Lectures, classroom discussion, guided reading from set texts, additional reading resources and notes

Indicative Bibliography

  • Alonso Schökel, Luis. A Manual of Hebrew Poetics. Vol. 11. Subsidia Biblica. Rome: Pontificio Istituto Biblico, 1988.
  • Arnold, Bill T. and John H. Choi. A Guide to Biblical Hebrew Syntax. New York, N.Y.: Cambridge University Press, 2003. Bible software program: BibleWorks 10.
  • Elliger, Karl and Wilhelm Rudolph (eds). Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. German Bible Society, 1997.
  • Steinmann, Andrew E. and Andrew H. Bartelt. Fundamental Biblical Hebrew/Fundamental Biblical Aramaic. Concordia Publishing, (recommended for purchase)
  • Steinmann, Andrew E. Intermediate Biblical Hebrew. Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing, 2010.
  • Tov, Emanuel. Textual Criticism of the Hebrew Bible. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2011.
  • Waltke, Bruce K. and M. O'Connor. An Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Syntax. Eisenbrauns, 1990.
  • Williams, Ronald J. (revised and expanded by John C. Beckman). Williams' Hebrew Syntax (3rd ed.). University of Toronto Press, 2007.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Oral Examination

Oral Exam 1000 words equiv

1000 10.0
Written Examination

Invigilated Exam 2.5 hours

0 40.0
Essay

Written Assessment Task – Weekly exercises 3500 words equiv

3500 50.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 30 Sep, 2019

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-31 15:44:52 +1100