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THEO3031: ARAMAIC

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type Open
Level 3
Credits 20
Availability Not available in 2023/24
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Theology and Religion

Prerequisites

  • Biblical Hebrew (THEO1151) or Syriac (THEO2061) or another relevant Semitic language

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To impart a detailed knowledge of Aramaic grammar and syntax, enabling study of texts in this language.
  • To equip students with skills and knowledge ancilliary to other modules which they have taken or are taking.

Content

  • The module will use a standard Aramaic textbook
  • Students will translate texts from a range of representative Aramaic dialects, including significant sections of the biblical texts in Aramaic.
  • Detailed bibliographies and some textual notes will be made available.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • a basic knowledge of Aramaic grammar and syntax.
  • knowledge of the content and context of the set texts.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • The ability to translate and comprehend Aramaic texts.

Key Skills:

  • Generic language skills.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures convey information and exemplify an approach to the subject-matter, enabling students to develop a clear understanding of the subject and to improve their skills in listening and in evaluating information. In this module, the lectures are oriented to language acquisition. In these sessions, students are very much involved in demonstrating their developing skills in translation and comprehension of Aramaic grammar and syntax.
  • Examinations assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the structured presentation of information in written form under time constraints.
  • Summative essays develop subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures202 hours per week in the first two terms 1 hour40Yes
Preparation and Reading160 
Total200 

Summative Assessment

Component: ExaminationComponent Weighting: 60%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Unseen Written Examination2 hours100 
Component: EssayComponent Weighting: 40%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Essay3000 words100 

Formative Assessment

Class work in translation and comment.

More information

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