This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2025-2026 (archived)
Module TMMC1057: Elementary Biblical Hebrew
Department: Theology, Ministry and Mission
TMMC1057: Elementary Biblical Hebrew
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tied | 1 | 10 | Available in 2025/2026 | None. | Durham |
Tied To
Pre-requisites
- None
Corequisites
- None
Excluded Combinations
- 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
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Language Classes | 16 | 1.6 | 25 | ||
| Personal Study | 75 | ||||
| Total | 100 | ||||
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Language Test | 30% | Language Test | 30 minutes | 100% | |
| Language Test | 70% | Language Test | 1 hour | 100% |
Formative Assessment
Weekly vocabulary tests and translation exercises may be set.
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.