Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2020-2021 (archived)

Module TMMC1067: Continuing Biblical Hebrew: Texts Study

Department: Theology, Ministry and Mission

TMMC1067: Continuing Biblical Hebrew: Texts Study

Type Tied Level 1 Credits 10 Availability Available in 2020/21 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To develop the students’ linguistic knowledge and exegetical skills for the close study of selected Hebrew texts.
  • To build on students’ knowledge gained in Introduction to Biblical Hebrew or through other relevant, prior language study.
  • 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

  • Students will have studied all the basic features of the language as set out in a basic Hebrew grammar (e.g. J. Weingreen, T.O. Lambdin, A.B. Davidson, C.L. Seow).
  • Focused study of selected passages from the Hebrew Bible, reading and translating them to develop skills in exegesis and interpretation. For example, they will read and translate 80-120 verses of a prose text (e.g. Genesis 37; 39–41; 2 Samuel 7–11; Ruth)
  • Evaluation of options for translation and to consider the role of context in making interpretative decisions.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Demonstrate a rigorous approach to the exegesis of selected texts of the Old Testament.
  • Know and understand critical linguistic and literary conventions of set Hebrew texts.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Translate certain Hebrew texts at an introductory level.
  • Use introductory exegetical and interpretative skills for the close study of the biblical text.
  • Show how syntax and morphology affect exegetical and interpretative decisions.
Key Skills:
  • Use generic linguistic skills.
  • Identify, gather and evaluate source materials for a specific purpose.
  • Carry out a guided task that involves: independent inquiry; management of time and resources; using IT; meeting deadlines; evaluating the task and learning from it.

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.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Language Classes 16 1.6 25
Personal Study 75
Total 100

Summative Assessment

Component: Language Test Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Language Test 30 minutes 100%
Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Assigment 1,500 words 100%

Formative Assessment:

Weekly translation exercises may be set.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University