Skip to main content
Module Search
A street in Durham, with old buildings and people walking down the street
 

TMMC1057: Elementary Biblical Hebrew

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 Tied
Level 1
Credits 10
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap None.
Location Durham
Department Theology, Ministry and Mission

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • Introduction to Studying the Bible in its Original Languages (TMM1557)

Aims

  • To give the students a grounding in biblical Hebrew and a knowledge of the basic tools of translation.
  • To equip students to read closely the biblical text.
  • To equip students with skills and knowledge pertinent to other modules which they are taking or will take as part of their programme of study.

Content

  • Development of competency in elements of the Hebrew language (using standard texts, such as J. Weingreen, T.O. Lambdin, A.B. Davidson, C.L. Seow).
  • Translation of relatively simple Old Testament texts.
  • Introduction of the Old Testament text in Hebrew, in addition to the study of Hebrew vocabulary, morphology and syntax.
  • A study of the accuracy and significance of published English translations of the Hebrew text.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • Know basic grammar and vocabulary of biblical Hebrew.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • Translate relatively simple portions of biblical Hebrew. Identify basic grammatical constructions.

Key Skills:

  • Use generic linguistic skills.
  • Identify, gather and evaluate source materials for a specific purpose.

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

  • Teaching methods to be specified by each TEI, selecting from the following:
  • Lectures provide content, a conceptual framework and a survey of approaches within a subject area that enable students to locate their learning in a wider context, to make connections with other disciplines, and to evaluate and apply their learning to different contexts.
  • Practical classes enable students to practice their linguistics skills and to learn from the feedback of teachers and peers.
  • Programmed online learning materials guide students through knowledge content, its wider framework and different approaches to its application.
  • See below for assessment methods.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Language Classes161.625 
Personal Study75 
Total100 

Summative Assessment

Component: Language TestComponent Weighting: 30%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Language Test30 minutes100 
Component: Language TestComponent Weighting: 70%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Language Test1 hour100 

Formative Assessment

Weekly vocabulary tests and translation exercises may be set.

More information

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.