Classical Hebrew

Contact the program coordinator for more information

Classical Hebrew is best known as being the language of the Old Testament/Tanakh of the Bible. However, it is also well known as the language of the majority of the Dead Sea Scrolls, as well as other ancient sources such as inscriptions unearthed by archaeologists.

Students entering the department with HSC Hebrew should consult the department in regard to placement at the appropriate level. The "B" (beginners) stream of Hebrew courses is designed to introduce those students with no background (or little) to the language. The advanced stream is for those students who have taken the Classical Hebrew option for HSC. Both streams offer a broad experience of Classical Hebrew, based on study of biblical texts, but also including Dead Sea Scrolls Hebrew, Hebrew inscriptions and Mishnaic Hebrew in senior units. You can also study other Semitic languages including Syriac and Aramaic.

An honours year in Classical/Modern Hebrew is available.

Students taking both the Classical and Modern strands of Hebrew may not count more than 60 senior credit points of Hebrew for the degree.

• HBRW1111 Hebrew Classical B1
  This unit, for those beginning the study of Hebrew, brings students from their first acquaintance with the Hebrew alphabet to an understanding of the Hebrew language. The unit is devoted to the study of the grammar and the principles of translation.
• HBRW1112 Hebrew Classical B2
  This unit continues the study of grammar and classical Hebrew (Biblical) texts, as follows: grammar (2 hours per week), classical text (2 hours per week).
• HBRW 2623 Hebrew Classical 3
  The books of the Hebrew Bible are studied in the light of their setting and composition history. The course consists of: set classical texts (2 hours per week); and special background area study: Mishnaic Hebrew (2 hours per week).
• HBRW2624 Hebrew Classical 4
  The books of the Hebrew Bible are studied in the light of their setting and composition history. The course consists of: set classical texts (2 hours per week); and special background area study: Late Biblical and Dead Sea Scrolls Hebrew (2 hours per week).
• HBRW 2625 Hebrew Classical 5
  The books of the Hebrew Bible are studied in the light of their setting and composition history. The course consists of: set classical texts (2 hours); and special background area study: The history of Hebrew down to 600 BCE (2 hours).
• HBRW 2626 Hebrew Classical 6
  The books of the Hebrew Bible are studied in the light of their setting and composition history. The course consists of: set classical texts (2 hours); and special background area study: Canon and text of the Hebrew Bible (2 hours).
• HBRW 2631 Hebrew Accelerated C1
  An introduction to Hebrew language for those whose existing corequisite units of study require a basic language ability. It is taught concurrently with the existing Hebrew B-stream.
• HBRW 2632 Hebrew Accelerated C2
  This unit of study brings students to a level necessary for the study of Hebrew at an advanced level. It forms a bridge between Hebrew Accelerated C1 and other senior Hebrew units.
• HBRW2641 Aramaic 1
  The course investigates the language, background and text history of the principal witnesses to Biblical Aramaic, the books of Daniel and Ezra.
• HBRW2642 Aramaic 2
  The unit introduces students to non-Biblical Aramaic dialects such as: Old Aramaic, Elephantine Papyri, Dead Sea Scrolls and Targumim.
• HBRW2643 Aramaic 3
  This unit of study investigates the language, background and text history of the principal witnesses to Biblical Aramaic, the Books of Daniel and Ezra.
• HBRW2644 Aramaic 4
  This unit introduces students to non-Biblical Aramaic dialects such as Old Aramaic, Elephantine Papyri, Dead Sea Scrolls and Targumim.
• HBRW2651 Syriac 1
  For those beginning the study of Syriac this is a preparation for more advanced study of Syriac language and literature. It concentrates on the study of elementary Syriac grammar, prose composition and an introductory study of selections of texts from the Old and New Testament Peshitta.
• HBRW2652 Syriac 2
  This unit builds on the foundation of Syriac 1. It concentrates on the study of advanced Syriac prose composition and selections of texts from the Old and New Testament Peshitta.
• HBRW2661 Akkadian Language 1
  This unit of study will introduce students to the Akkadian language and the reading of Cuneiform documents.
• HBRW2662 Akkadian Language 2
  This unit focuses on the reading and discussion of representative Assyrian texts.
• HBRW3653 Syriac 3
  This unit continues the study of Syriac texts begun in Syriac 1 and 2. This unit concentrates on the study of selections of advanced Syriac Peshitta, Patristic texts, etc.
• HBRW3654 Syriac 4
  This unit builds on the foundation of Syriac 3. This unit concentrates on the study of more advanced Syriac Patristic and Hagiographical texts, etc., as well as a brief survey of the history of Syriac literature.