Content

This unit introduces students to foundational tools for engaging with biblical texts in their original languages, with attention to relevant cultural knowledge, focusing on basic grammar, vocabulary, and the use of scholarly resources for translation and interpretation.

Unit code: AL1002Z

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 1

Unit discipline: Languages

Delivery Mode: Blended

Proposing College: St Francis College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Identify the Hebrew and Greek alphabets and a basic vocabulary of 100 words.

2.

Apply foundational grammatical rules to interpret simple biblical phrases.

3.

Utilise key vocabulary and scholarly tools (lexicons, grammars) to support reading and translation tasks.

4.

Apply relevant cultural knowledge in interpreting biblical texts.

Unit sequence

This unit is a prerequisite to second and third year units in Languages.

Pedagogy

Synchronous and asynchronous lectures and text-based tutorials

Indicative Bibliography

Cook, John A., and Robert D. Holmstedt. Beginning Biblical Hebrew: A Grammar and Illustrated Reader. Baker Academic, 2013.

Decker, Rodney J. Reading Koine Greek: An Introduction and Integrated Workbook. Baker Academic, 2014.

Duff, Jeremy. The Elements of New Testament Greek. 3rd ed. Cambridge University Press, 2005.

Fields, Lee M. Hebrew for the Rest of Us: Using Hebrew Tools to Study the Old Testament. 2nd ed. Zondervan Academic, 2023.

Harris, Dana M. Introduction to Biblical Greek Grammar: Elementary Syntax and Linguistics. Zondervan Academic, 2020.

Hoffman, Mark G. Vitalis. Understanding New Testament Greek: Learning Greek for Translation and Exegesis Using Bible Software and Resources. Accordance module, 2019.

Merkle, Benjamin L., and Robert L. Plummer. Beginning with New Testament Greek: An Introductory Study of the Grammar and Syntax of the New Testament. B&H Academic, 2020.

Mounce, William D. Basics of Biblical Greek. 4th ed. Zondervan Academic, 2019.

Mounce, William D. Greek for the Rest of Us: Learn Greek to Study the New Testament with Interlinears and Bible Software. 3rd ed. HarperCollins, 2023.

Silzer, Peter J., and Thomas J. Finley. How Biblical Languages Work: A Student’s Guide to Learning Hebrew and Greek. Kregel, 2004.

Van Pelt, Miles P., and Gary D. Pratico. Basics of Biblical Hebrew. 3rd ed. HarperCollins, 2019.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Portfolio 0 100.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 15 Apr, 2026

Unit record last updated: 2026-04-15 10:11:51 +1000