Prospectus

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Biblical Aramaic

Course
2021-2022

Admission requirements

Good working knowledge of Biblical Hebrew

Description

In this intensive language course the students will be introduced to the Aramaic language through the reading of the Aramaic portions in the Old Testament (the book of Daniel and the book of Ezra). Part of these texts will be read in class, the other part will be studied by the students at home. This course will equip students with the grammatical tools required to proceed to more advanced Aramaic language modules.

Course objectives

  • Proficiency in the reading of the vocalized Biblical Aramaic text

  • Good knowledge of the morphology of Biblical Aramaic

  • Good knowledge of the essentials Biblical Aramaic syntax

  • Good knowledge of the vocabulary of Biblical Aramaic

  • Skills to translate and analyse the texts in Biblical Aramaic

  • Knowledge of the literary composition and the historical background of the books of Daniel and Ezra

Timetable

The timetables are available through My Timetable.

Mode of instruction

Seminar

  • Students are expected to attend the weekly seminars of the Bachelor course ‘Bijbels Aramees’;

  • Students will be given a reading assignment for self-study; extra tutorials may be scheduled depending on students’ needs.

Assessment method

Assessment

  • Written examination Aramaic grammar: 20% (mid-term)

  • Written examination Aramaic grammar and texts, literature: 40% (written examination at the end of the semester)

  • Reading list (independent study of reading list (texts that are not read in class; literature): 40% (oral examination at the end of the semester)

Weighing

The final mark for the course is established by determining the weighted average. The grades for the written examination and the oral examination at the end of the semester need to be sufficient.

Resit

In case of an insufficient for the written and/or oral examination at the end of the semester it is necessary to take the resit. The resit will consist of a written exam covering all sections of the course, including the reading assignment. The grade for the mid-term will be cancelled.

Inspection and feedback

How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.

Reading list

Students need to purchase the following grammar before the start of the semester:
F. Rosenthal, A Grammar of Biblical Aramaic. Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz, 2006.

Further information will be distributed on Brightspace.

Registration

Enrolment through uSis is mandatory.
General information about uSis is available on the website.

Contact

  • For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.

  • For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Arsenaal

Remarks

If you want to take this course, you are urged to contact the instructor well before the beginning of the semester.