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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2017/2018

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Divinity : Biblical Studies

Postgraduate Course: Introducing Biblical Hebrew (PG) (BIST11026)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Divinity CollegeCollege of Humanities and Social Science
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
SummaryAn introduction to biblical Hebrew for postgraduate students.
Course description Academic Description:
This course provides a structured introduction to the language of classical Hebrew. At the successful completion of the course, students will be able to read simple prose texts from the Hebrew Bible. The course offers a structured introduction to grammatical concepts, word formation, and syntax, along with acquisition of a core stock of vocabulary. While the emphasis falls on Hebrew to English,learning is reinforced through English in to Hebrew exercises.

Syllabus/Outline Content:
The course assumes no background in the language, and begins with mastering the alphabet and writing system. Introduction to grammar begins with nouns and the system of the 'strong' verb. The latter part of the course extends this through the additional main 'binyanim' (verbal themes) and the variations encountered in the so called 'weak verbs'. The course concludes by reading one self-contained prose text, such as the account of creation in Genesis 1, or the Akedah (Genesis 22).

Student Learning Experience Information:
The course has three class sessions each week in which the grammatical concepts are explained and put to use in exercises. A further weekly tutorial consolidates the previous week's learning. The tutorial session includes a brief quiz each week to test understanding of recently covered grammar points, and the quality of vocabulary acquisition. All four sessions provide ample opportunity for immediate feedback and practising the 'oral' aspects of the language. A cumulative mid semester test provides a helpful checkpoint, as well as giving practice in the kind of assessment faced in the final exam.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
High Demand Course? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2017/18, Available to all students (SV1) Quota:  None
Course Start Semester 1
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 200 ( Lecture Hours 44, Feedback/Feedforward Hours 1, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 151 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 75 %, Coursework 0 %, Practical Exam 25 %
Additional Information (Assessment) Examination 75%«br /»
Practical Exam 25% (in course test)«br /»
Formative 0% weekly exercises and quizzes
Feedback verbal feedback provided in weekly seminars
written feedback on practical exam
Exam Information
Exam Diet Paper Name Hours & Minutes
Main Exam Diet S1 (December)2:00
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Identify and explain the basic elements of biblical Hebrew grammar.
  2. Read smoothly (aloud) and translate biblical Hebrew prose (including 'sight' reading).
  3. Translate simple English sentences into biblical Hebrew.
  4. Demonstrate an ability to identify key linguistic terms and their meanings.
Reading List
There will be a textbook assigned for the course which may vary depending on the instructor¿ typical examples include:

John A. Cook & Robert D. Holmstedt, Biblical Hebrew: A Student Grammar (revised edition, 2011)
JoAnn Hackett, A Basic Introduction to Biblical Hebrew (Hendrickson, 2010)
G.Pratico & M.V. van Pelt, Basics of Biblical Hebrew Grammar (Revised Edition¿ Zondervan, 2007)
C.L. Seow, A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew (Revised Edition, Abingdon 1995)
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Ability to learn a new language.
Work with linguistic analysis of a particular language.
Applying previous knowledge to learn a related but new topic.
Keywordsbiblical studies,tanak,ancient language,semitic languages
Contacts
Course organiserDr David Reimer
Tel: (0131 6)50 8977
Email: David.Reimer@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMs Katrina Munro
Tel: (0131 6)50 8900
Email: Kate.Munro@ed.ac.uk
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