Content

This unit introduces students to the Syriac language as a basis for enhanced study of patristic literature preserved in Syriac, Peshitta (the standard Biblical text in Syriac) and for future study of the Syriac language. The primary focus of this unit is foundational Syriac vocabulary, grammar and syntax. Translation of selected biblical texts into English is an important component of this unit. The focus will be on consonant unvocalized text written in Estrangelo script. Nevertheless, the students will also become familiar with Serto script.

Unit code: AL8709A

Unit status: Archived (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: Languages

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: St Athanasius College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Demonstrate knowledge of basic Syriac vocabulary

2.

Identify the fundamentals of Syriac grammar and syntax

3.

Translate basic Syriac texts using lexicographical aids

4.

Form basic sentences in Syriac

Pedagogy

Lectures and tutorials

Indicative Bibliography

  • Thackston, Wheeler M. INTRODUCTION TO SYRIAC, An Elementary Grammar with Readings from Syriac Literature, Bethesda, Maryland: IBEX Publishers, 1999. (recommended for purchase)
  • Brock, Sebastian P. "Introduction to Syriac Studies," in: J. H. Eaton (ed.), Horizons in Semitic Studies: Articles for the Student, University Semitics Study Aids 8; Birmingham: Department of Theology University of Birmingham, 1980, 2-8.
  • Brock, Sebastian P. "The Development of Syriac Studies," in: K. J. Cathcart (ed.), The Edward Hincks Bicentenary Lectures, Dublin: University College Dublin, 1994, 94-113.
  • Hallam, Steven C. Basics of Classical Syriac: Complete Grammar, Workbook, and Lexicon, Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2016.
  • Jennings, William. A Lexicon to the Syriac New Testament, Peshitta, Oxford, At the Clarendon Press, 1926.
  • Muraoka, Takamitsu. Classical Syriac: A Basic Grammar with a Chrestomathy, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, 2005.
  • Nöldeke, Theodor. Compendious Syriac Grammar: With a Table of Characters by Julius Eutling, translated from the second and improved German ed. by James A. Crichton, London, 1904.
  • Payne Smith, Robert. A Compendious Syriac Dictionary by Robert Payne Smith, Oxford: Clarendon 1903.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

Written assessment task 1000 words Student will be asked to prepare a translation and grammar analysis of a selected Syriac text

0 20.0
Written Examination

Invigilated exams Two grammar exams – each equivalent to 1000 words (2000 words total)

0 30.0
Essay

Written assessment task Weekly written exercises. Total of 3000 words

0 50.0
Approvals

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

Unit record last updated: 2021-06-07 08:43:50 +1000