Admission requirements
Hebrew I and II or their equivalent. If you have any doubts, please contact the course tutor.
Description
In this course, we will focus on reading two books written in Classical Hebrew, Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) and Ecclesiasticus (Ben Sira). We will discuss their many interesting grammatical and lexicographic features as well as their content. Questions of textual transmission as well as literary parallels from the Middle East in antiquity will play a role.
The basis of our work will be the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. Other biblical texts will be provided ad hoc (Qumran, Samaritan Pentateuch or even the Septuagint) as appropriate and as desired by course participants.
Course objectives
Knowledge and Insight
Improving the understanding of Classical Hebrew
Understanding of questions of translation from Classical language into modern vernaculars in different contexts
Understanding of the literary history of Ecclesiastes and Ecclesiasticus
Understanding of the ancient Middle Eastern contexts of Ecclesiastes and Ecclesiasticus
Skillreading and grammatically analysing Classical Hebrew wisdom texts
reading the apparatus of the BHS
analysing the content of texts written Classical Hebrew
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
- Seminar
Assessment method
- 10% Participation
- 10% Essay Proposal
- 50% 4,000 word essay
- 30% Translation and commentary of a suitable pericope
The final mark for the course is established by determining the weighted average. To pass the course, the weighted average of the partial grades must be 5.5 or higher.
Resit
Should the essay not be of sufficient quality a second chance can be arranged in consultation with the module teacher.
Inspection and feedback
Students are encouraged to seek feedback tutorials with the instructor after publication of the marks.
Reading list
A reading list will be made available on the course’s brightspace site. Access to a copy of the BHS is necessary (can be accessed in the UB).
Registration
Enrolment through [MyStudyMap] (https://mijn.universiteitleiden.nl/login) is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Registration Contract teaching and Exchange
Information for those interested in taking this course in context of Contract teaching (with taking examinations), eg. about costs, registration and conditions.
For the registration of exchange students contact Humanities International Office.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Herta Mohr.