Biblical Hebrew 1

THL102 / THL 416

This subject introduces students to Biblical Hebrew as a basis for enhanced study of the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) and for further study of Biblical Hebrew. Its primary focus is foundational Hebrew vocabulary, grammar and syntax. Translation of selected biblical texts into English is an important component of the subject.

Duration

One Semester

Availability

Semester 1 every year

Subject Points

8

Core/Elective

This subject can be your core language subject or an elective if you already have a language subject completed.

Delivery Mode

Both internal and distance modes are offered. Every week all students will watch 4 to 5 very short on-line lectures prepared by Dr Marie-Louise with attached practice exercises before attending the weekly tutorial on campus or via Adobe Connect. The subject is set up this way because the best way to learn languages is in small daily amounts and then to apply the learning with the help of the lecturer. The times of the weekly tutorials are negotiated with the students in the two weeks prior to the beginning of the semester. There will be at least two different tutorial times and students only need to attend one. All tutorials are recorded so students can review the tutorials later.

Prerequisites

None

John A. Cook & Robert D. Holmstedt, Beginning Biblical Hebrew: a grammar and illustrated reader, Baker Academic, 2013. ISBN 9780801048869

The year of publication and ISBN given corresponds to the copy placed in Closed Reserve at the Roscoe Library; there may be other valid ISBNs that differ because of a different publisher or format. Please contact your lecturer or the Roscoe Library staff to confirm text before purchasing. If purchasing, we recommend that you use booko.com.au.

Prescribed Texts

4 Quizzes

1 Translation Exercise

Weekly Journal Activities

Assessments

Content

This subject will cover the following topics:

  • Biblical Hebrew script and phonology

  • The history of Biblical Hebrew and its cultural significance

  • Vocabulary for basic Biblical Hebrew

  • Nouns, adjectives and simple numbers

  • Pronouns and pronominal suffixes

  • Verbs and Verbal paradigms

  • Introduction to prepositions, particles and conjunctions

  • Simple verbal and non-verbal clauses

  • Simple accents

  • Introduction to print and digital resources for studying Biblical Hebrew

  • Basic reading, pronunciation and translation exercises

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

  • be able to read, write and pronounce simple Biblical Hebrew phrases;

  • be able to demonstrate knowledge of the historical context and cultural significance of Biblical Hebrew;

  • be able to demonstrate the acquisition of a basic vocabulary of Biblical Hebrew and an understanding of basic Biblical Hebrew grammar;

  • be able to translate selected texts from the Hebrew Bible and discuss relevant issues relating to vocabulary, grammar and syntax;

  • be able to demonstrate competence in the use of print and digital resources for the study of Biblical Hebrew; and

  • be able to demonstrate self-guided learning.