Module THEO2651: Biblical Hebrew

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO2651: Biblical Hebrew

Type	Level	Credits	Availability	Module Cap	Location
Open	2	20	Available in 2026/2027	None.	Durham

Pre-requisites

None

Corequisites

None

Excluded Combinations

None

Aims

To introduce students to the elements of biblical Hebrew.
To equip students with skills and knowledge for further study of Hebrew.
To equip students with skills and knowledge ancillary to other modules which they are taking or will take.

Content

Students are taught using a standard grammar of biblical Hebrew in order to build an introductory knowledge of the language’s vocabulary and grammar. By the second half of the module, they will translate longer prose passages virtually every week.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge

Basic knowledge of biblical Hebrew grammar, syntax, and core vocabulary.
Competence in the reading of biblical Hebrew prose.

Subject-specific Skills

The ability to identify grammatical forms.
The ability to translate simple Hebrew texts.

Key Skills

Generic linguistic 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.
Formative tests permit staff and students to assess progress in learning of the language, and to identify areas for remedial work.
Examinations assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, and in this module especially assess subject skills.
Commentaries allow students to demonstrate analytical skills in the evaluation and translation of texts.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total Hours	Attendance Monitored
Lectures	60	3 per week for the first two terms	1 hour	60	Yes
Preparation and Reading				140
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component	Component Weighting	Element	Length/Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Commentary	30%	Commentary	2,000 words	100%
Examination	70%	On Campus Written Examination	2 hours	100%

Formative Assessment

One in-year test.

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.