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: AL1309T

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 1

Unit discipline: Languages

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 simple Biblical Hebrew texts into English.

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.

Pedagogy

Online lectures, tutorials and video conferencing using multimedia and interactive sessions

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.
  • Andersen, Francis I., and A. Dean. Forbes. Biblical Hebrew Grammar Visualized. Winona Lake: Eisenbrauns, 2014
  • 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).
  • Kushner, Lawrence, The Book of Letters: a Mystical Aleph Bet. Woodstock: Jewish Lights Publishing, 1999
  • 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.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Multiple Choice Quizzes or Tests

Quizzes (equivalent to 1200 words)

1200 30.0
Skill Demonstration

Skill demonstration: Translation exercises (equivalent to 1200 words)

1200 30.0
Written Examination

Written Examination (equivalent to 1500 words)

1500 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Maggie Kappelhoff on 28 Oct, 2020

Unit record last updated: 2021-06-07 08:43:49 +1000