This course aims to improve facility in reading biblical Hebrew beyond the basic grammar and moving toward a more comprehensive understanding of Hebrew syntax, morphology, and vocabulary, especially the "weak" verb. Additionally, this course carries reading-intensive focus that aims both to increase familiarity with various different structures and styles (e.g., prose and poetry) found in the Hebrew Bible but also to enhance critical interpretation of biblical passages.
By the end of this course you will:
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- Have an improved facility in reading biblical Hebrew by gaining an increased, intermediate level of familiarity with vocabulary and grammar;
- Be able to explain the most important elements of Hebrew syntax, especially with respect to the weak verb;
- Be able to read and understand different structures and styles of Hebrew prose;
- Become familiar with the standard tools used in the analysis of the Hebrew Bible, including lexica, grammars, and electronic/online tools.
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This course is about reading and becoming familiar with biblical Hebrew. Moving past a grammatical focus, Seminar Hebrew focuses on translation with a guiding concept that translation is an act of interpretation. This course will help students develop the necessary tools for deeper, more meaningful engagement with the ancient Hebrew literature. In the context of a reading-intensive course-outline, we will carefully review various elements of advanced Biblical Hebrew grammar, especially the "weak" verb, non-indicative syntax, and diverse stylistic/syntactical structures. The course generally comprises weekly translation assignments from an individual text in the Hebrew Bible or a selection of texts connected by a common theme. In this course we will hone the skills necessary to undertake critical interpretation of the biblical text that has a wide range of applications for engaging the use and function of the Bible in scholarly and public discourse, as well as for personal reflection.
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Hebrew Elementary Course completed. |
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Weekly translation exercises; final exam. |
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