99916 - Hebrew 2 (LM)

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, students possess the linguistic tools necessary to understand written sources in the Hebrew language; they acquire a second level of competence in Hebrew and are able to update and deepen their knowledge and develop independent analytical perspectives on the basis of the most recent scholarly debate and relevant bibliography.

Course contents

The course begins on Monday 11th November 2024 and is structured in three modules.

In the firstone the study of weak verbs is completed: geminate verbs, I-yod verbs, verbs with guttural consonant.

In the second module, syntax is studied: parataxis, asyndetic and syndetic sentences, relative, conditional, temporal, circumstantial, concessive, causal, objective, subjective propositions, narrative wayehi, casus pendens, adverbial accusative.

In the third module, i.e., in the last week of the course, the essential features of Nebi'im literature are presented.

Readings/Bibliography

Attending students will receive a Hebrew handbook edited by the lecturer (in course of publication). Otherwise, the use of this book is recommended: T.O. Lambdin, Introduction to Biblical Hebrew, Darton, Longman & Todd, London 1971.

For the study of the Torah, read either J.J. Collins, A Short Introduction to the Hebrew Bible, Fortress, Minneapolis 2018, 121-226 or P. Merlo (ed.), L'Antico Testamento. Introduzione storico-letteraria, Carrocci, Roma 2018, 129-136 and 197-240.

 

Teaching methods

Each class involves the constant involvement of students, who are asked to keep up with the course teaching and regularly do the assigned exercises. In the first and second module of the course, each lesson includes the presentation of some elements of grammar, the correction of exercises, and the translation of some Hebrew sentences.
In the third module, the most famous narrative and theological junctures of the Prophets are introduced through commentary on selected pericopes.

Assessment methods

Students who attend at least 75% of the lessons are considered to be attending.

The exam is oral. Attending students will be asked to produce 1) the translation of seven verses of the biblical texts translated during the classes, 2) the analysis of five morpholigical or syntactical elements present in the verses under examination, 3) the comment of a passage of the prophetic literature, to be illustrated on the basis of what was highlighted during the course and/or in the handbook indicated in the bibliography above.

Non attending students are asked to study T.O. Lambdin, Introduction to Biblical Hebrew, Darton, Longman & Todd, London 1971, units 29-55 and to produce 1) the translation of ten lines of the biblical readings offered in Lambdin's Introduction, 2) the analysis of five morpholigical or syntactical elements present in the verses under examination, 3) the comment of a passage of the prophetic literature on the basis of what is highlighted in the handbook indicated in the bibliography above.

The exam candidates will receive a note falling into one of four assessment ranges: 1) excellent (28-30 cum laude), 2) good (24-27), 3) sufficient (18-23), 4) insufficient (fail). This will consider their ability to give a correct translation and analysis of the texts under examination, to articulate their knowledge with the appropriate terminology and to locate a specific issue in an overall competent understanding of the whole subject.

Teaching tools

Some paper material and handouts will be given to students, meant to support the translation of biblical texts. Some powerpoint slides will facilitate the study of biblical literature.

Students who require specific services and adaptations to teaching activities due to a disability or specific learning disorders (SLD), must first contact the appropriate office: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students.

Office hours

See the website of Marco Settembrini