Unit information: Elementary Biblical Hebrew (Trinity and Baptist College) in 2013/14

Unit name	Elementary Biblical Hebrew (Trinity and Baptist College)
Unit code	THRS30145
Credit points	10
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Reverend Dr. Knut Heim
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Religion and Theology
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

The unit - which is suitable for students with basic linguistic abilities - provides the groundwork for the use of the Old Testament in Hebrew. Beginning with script and phonology, the students move on to morphology and syntax, illustrated by the reading of selected narrative texts.

Intended Learning Outcomes

The unit aims to

1. give students a good foundation in the basic grammar and syntax of biblical Hebrew;
2. build on, and consolidate, this foundation by the study of some biblical Hebrew narrative texts;
3. introduce students to the sources available for the study and exegesis of biblical Hebrew texts.

On completion of the unit students should have:

1. acquired a good grounding in the grammatical and syntactical principles of Hebrew narrative;
2. gained sufficient understanding of the language to draw on Hebrew-based resources for the exegesis of Old Testament texts;
3. begun to appreciate the poetics of Hebrew narrative.
4. begun, through their knowledge of the Hebrew language, to acquire some exegetical skills.

Teaching Information

The module will consist of 40 class sessions. Formal instruction using a textbook leads to, and is interspersed with, the guided reading of set texts. Preparation and participation by the students will be an important feature of the latter activity. Weekly grammatical or translation exercises will help to consolidate learning and evaluate the students' progress.

The unit will consist of 40 contact hours, equating to 2 contact hours per week for 20 weeks. These hours reflect the fact that all biblical language classes require twice as much contact time with students as other non-language units.

Assessment Information

Formative assessment will be participation in, and preparation for, classes.

Summative assessment will be through two 1½ hour examinations (50% marks each), in grammar and translation, one during the unit and one at its conclusion.

Reading and References

1. Futato, Mark David, Beginning Biblical Hebrew. Winona Lake, Ind.: Eisenbrauns, 2003.
2. Waltke, B. & O'Connor, M., An Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Syntax (Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbraun, 1990).
3. Brotzman, E., OT Textual Criticism: A Practical Introduction (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1994).
4. Pratico, G., & van Pelt, M.V., Basics of Biblical Hebrew + workbook (Grand Rapids: Zondervan 2001).
5. Stuart, D. Old Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors 3rd edition, (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2001).
6. Tate, W., Biblical Interpretation: An Integrated Approach (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1997).