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 10th November 2025 and is structured into three modules.

The first module covers the study of weak verbs, including geminate verbs, primae yod verbs, and verbs with a guttural consonant.

The second module covers syntax, including parataxis, asyndetic and syndetic sentences, and the following types of proposition: relative, conditional, temporal, circumstantial, concessive, causal, objective, and subjective. It also covers narrative wayehi and casus pendens, as well as the adverbial accusative.

The third module, which takes place during the final week of the course, presents the essential features of Nebi'im literature.

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.

As for the study of the Bible, students should 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, pp. 129-136; 197-240.

 

Teaching methods

Each class requires 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 Former and Latter 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) a translation of seven verses of the biblical texts translated during the classes, 2) an analysis of five instances of morphology or syntax present in the examined verses, 3) a commentary of a passage from the prophetic literature, illustrated with reference to what was highlighted during the course and/or in the indicated handbook.

Non attending students are required to study units 29-55 in T.O. Lambdin, Introduction to Biblical Hebrew, Darton, Longman & Todd, London 1971. During the exam they will be asked to produce 1) a translation of ten lines of the biblical readings offered in Lambdin's Introduction, 2) an analysis of instances of morphology or syntax present in the examined verses, 3) a commentary of a passage of the prophetic literature, illustrated with reference to the indicated handbook.

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

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

Students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities should please contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Marco Settembrini