Content

This unit introduces students to the foundations of Biblical Hebrew necessary for translation and exegesis of selected Hebrew texts from the Old Testament. It provides instruction on the script, basic vocabulary, word forms and syntax of Biblical Hebrew, as well as introductory translation techniques. Methods of learning will include reading, listening and speaking the language alongside regular written exercises and assessment activities.

Unit code: AL8309T

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: Languages

Delivery Mode: Online

Proposing College: Trinity College Theological School

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Learning outcomes

1.

Recognise and recall foundational features of Biblical Hebrew including the script, basic vocabulary, word forms and syntax

2.

Describe and analyse elementary grammatical and syntactic issues in generic and selected texts from the Old Testament

3.

Translate from Hebrew to English simple Biblical Hebrew texts.

4.

Use aids to understanding Biblical Hebrew such as lexicons, dictionaries, and software tools

5.

Articulate an interpretation of selected Biblical Hebrew texts, employing critical exegetical commentaries on the Old Testament

6.

Read the script of Biblical Hebrew aloud

Pedagogy

Webinar lectures and tutorials, online quizzes

Indicative Bibliography

  • Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia: A Reader's Edition. German Bible Society. Eds., George Athas, Yael Avrahami and Donald R. Vance. Peabody, MA; Stuttgart: Hendrickson, 2015.
  • Athas, G and Young I. M. Elementary Biblical Hebrew: An Introductory Grammar. 5th ed. Croydon Park, NSW: Ancient Vessel Press, 2016.
  • Buth, Randall. Living Biblical Hebrew for Everyone. Jerusalem: Jerusalem Perspective, 1999.
  • Kelley, Page H. Biblical Hebrew: An Introductory Grammar. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2nd Edition, 2018 (Textbook and Answer Key Separate Volumes).
  • Andersen, Francis I. and A. Dean Forbes. Biblical Hebrew Grammar Visualized. Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 2012.
  • Van Pelt, Miles. English Grammar to Ace Biblical Hebrew. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010.
  • Pratico, Gary D. and Miles V. Van Pelt. Basics of Biblical Hebrew. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2001.
  • Tyndale House STEPBible. Available from: https://www.stepbible.org/

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

Skill demonstration: Translation, reading and grammar exercises (equivalent to 2400 words)

1200 40.0
Written Examination

Written Examination (equivalent to 2400 words)

2400 40.0
Multiple Choice Quizzes or Tests

Quizzes (equivalent to 1200 words)

1200 20.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Carolyn Alsen on 20 Jul, 2019

Unit record last updated: 2019-08-01 13:28:53 +1000