This online synchronous course is offered through the Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry. Registration information can be found at this link.
Email: angela.harkins@bc.edu
Course Description:This course is an intensive introduction to the grammar and syntax of biblical Hebrew. While no prior knowledge of the language is presumed, students must memorize the biblical Hebrew consonantal alphabet and vowels (long and short) prior to our first meeting (Hackett, pp. 1-26). Please make a video of yourself reciting the alphabet from memory and reciting the names of all vowels. Write out the letters of the alphabet (consonants and vowels) and upload your video and written alphabet on the first day of class. There will be a quiz on the first day of all vocabulary found in lessons 1-6, approximately a dozen short words.Lessons 1-6 should be completed on your own with the CD-Rom that is included with the textbook.
The goals of the course are (1) to learn the grammar of biblical Hebrew and (2) to read and translate simple passages from the Hebrew Bible into clear idiomatic English. This course will expose students to the classic reference tools for biblical Hebrew and emphasize correct pronunciation.
Learning Objectives:
- Correct pronunciation of vocalized biblical Hebrew passages
- Understanding of the morphology of biblical Hebrew nouns and prepositions
- Understanding of the morphology of biblical Hebrew verbs and verbal systems
- Understanding of the arrangement of biblical Hebrew sentence structure (syntax)
- Mastery of high frequency sight words
- Translate biblical Hebrew narrative passages into clear idiomatic English
Required Textbook: Jo Ann Hackett, A Basic Introduction to Biblical Hebrew with CD, (2010).
ISBN 978-1-59856-028-2