Unit information: Intermediate Biblical Hebrew (Trinity & Baptist College) in 2012/13

Unit name	Intermediate Biblical Hebrew (Trinity & Baptist College)
Unit code	THRS30126
Credit points	20
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	A basic knowledge of Hebrew grammar will be assumed (e.g. from successful completion of L22001 Elementary Hebrew).
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Religion and Theology
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

The unit follows on from the Elementary Hebrew Course (L22001). The basics of Hebrew grammar will be reviewed, and important topics that have not been covered in the first year course will be treated. There will be more advanced discussion of selected topics in Hebrew grammar and syntax, particularly concerning the nature of the Hebrew verbal system, and the syntax of the conjugations. Other topics of importance in reading Hebrew texts may also be introduced. The unit will also include the reading, translation and exegesis of Hebrew texts in class, including both narrative and poetry.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of the unit students should:

• be able to recognise and parse the full range of Hebrew verbal and nominal forms;
• be able to understand and begin to evaluate the grammatical arguments underlying different translations and exegeses;
• be able to make use of the basic resources for a grammatical study of the text (lexicons, grammars, syntaxes);
• be able to read simple prose and poetic texts with the aid of a lexicon.

Teaching Information

The grammar classes will involve lectures and discussions of set topics covering the grammar and syntax of Hebrew nouns, adjectives and verbs, illustrated by specific texts from the Hebrew Bible. The set Hebrew texts will be read and discussed in class. Students will need to prepare the text and will be asked to translate, parse and contribute to the exploration of wider aspects of interpretation. The attention of students will be drawn to aspects of narrative style, and the special characteristics of biblical poetry (e.g. parallelism, use of imagery and metaphor, ambiguity).

Assessment Information

Formative assessment will be by presentation of prepared translations and comments in class with feedback, and, where appropriate, class tests.

Summative assessment will be by one essay of 3,000 words to include discussion of the key issues of grammar, syntax and translation of a text agreed with the unit director.

Reading and References

• Arnold B.T. & Choi, J.H., A Guide to Biblical Hebrew Syntax (Cambridge: CUP, 2003).
• Gesenius, W., Kautzsch, W. and Cowley, A. E., Hebrew Grammar 2nd ed. (Oxford: OUP, 1910).
• Joüon, P., and Muraoka, T., A Grammar of Biblical Hebrew. 2 vols. (Roma: Editrice Pontificio Istituto Biblico, 1991).
• Martin, J.D., Davidson’s Introductory Hebrew Grammar. 27th ed. (Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1993).
• van der Merwe, C.H.J., Naudé, J.A. and Kroeze, J.H., A Biblical Hebrew Reference Grammar, (Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1999).
• Waltke, B.K. and O'Connor, M., An Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Syntax. (Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 1990).