Biblical Studies
Biblical Studies and Classical Hebrew
BBCL1001 Reading Bible: Narrative, Law and Ritual
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Assessment: Tutorial participation (10%), 1xTutorial presentation (equivalent to 500wds) (10%), 1xEssay (2000wds) (40%), 1x2-hr exam (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit provides an introduction to the study of the Bible, focusing on understanding the literary techniques biblical authors used to convey their message when writing narrative, legal and ritual texts. The first five books of the Bible are the focus of textual study in this semester.
BBCL1002 Biblical Themes: Joshua to Kings
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Assessment: Tutorial participation (10%), 1xTutorial presentation (equivalent to 500wds) (10%), 1xEssay (2000wds) (40%), 1x2hr exam (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit focuses specifically on narrative books of the Hebrew Bible including Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings. The unit focuses on the themes of these biblical books, as well as exploring the historical background of the texts and the events they describe. Attention will be directed to other relevant writings of the period in the Ancient Near East.
BBCL2603 Messianism in Biblical Prophetic Texts
This unit of study is not available in 2017
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 Junior credit points including at least 6 from (BBCL1001 or BBCL1002 or HBRW1111 or HBRW1112 or HBRW2631 or HBRW2632 or RLST1002) and 6 from (Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies, Ancient History, History, English, Studies in Religion or Arabic Studies) Assessment: 1x1500wd tutorial report (30%), 1x3000wd Essay (60%), Tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit presents an overview of prophetic works of the Hebrew Bible, examining literary, socio-political, and religio-historical aspects of the texts, with special emphasis on the theme of Messianism in the biblical prophets.
BBCL2607 Biblical Poetic Books
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 Junior credit points including at least 6 from (BBCL1001 or BBCL1002 or HBRW1111 or HBRW1112 or RLST1002) and 6 from (Hebrew or Biblical and Jewish Studies or Ancient History or Anthropology or Archaeology or History or English or Philosophy or Studies in Religion or Arabic Studies) or (BBCL2603 or BBCL2609 or BBCL2610) Prohibitions: BBCL2003 Assessment: 1x1500wd Tutorial report (30%), 1x3000wd Essay (60%), Tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit examines the Biblical Poetic Books such as Psalms, the Song of Songs and Lamentations. The main focus of the course is on how the literary conventions of the genre of Hebrew poetry are used by the poets to set out the theological and philosophical concepts the texts are designed to express. These literary conventions will be studied in the light of other Ancient Near Eastern literature of a similar genre.
BBCL2609 Historical Jesus to Written Gospels
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 Junior credit points including at least 6 from (BBCL1001 or BBCL1002 or HBRW1111 or HBRW1112 or RLST1002) and 6 from (Hebrew or Biblical and Jewish Studies or Ancient History or Anthropology or Archaeology or History or English or Philosophy or Studies in Religion or Arabic Studies) or (BBCL2603 or BBCL2607 or BBCL2610) Prohibitions: BBCL2003 Assessment: 1x2000wd research essay 1 (40%), 1x2000wd research essay 2 (40%), 1xequivalent to 500wds short tutorial presentation (10%), tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit examines the relationship between the historical person of Jesus of Nazareth and the literary-theological achievement of the early Christian Gospels (including non-canonical Gospels). Students are encouraged to apply rigorous historical method and careful literary analysis in order to gain a nuanced understanding of how the leader of a Jewish renewal movement became the object of devotion in earliest Christianity. The unit will read Biblical texts in English translation.
BBCL2610 The New Testament as Literature
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: 12 Junior credit points including at least 6 from (BBCL1001 or BBCL1002 or HBRW1111 or HBRW1112 or RLST1002) and 6 from (Hebrew or Biblical and Jewish Studies or Ancient History or Anthropology or Archaeology or History or English or Philosophy or Studies in Religion or Arabic Studies) or (BBCL2603 or BBCL2607 or BBCL2609) Assessment: 1x2700wd research essay (50%), 1xequivalent to 1500wds tutorial presentation and paper (30%), 1x300wd research proposal (10%), tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study provides an overview of the New Testament as a literary and theological work, seeking to understand both the early Christian 'story' and the various modes in which it was retold and applied in the first century CE. Students explore the various genres of NT literature, including 'gospel', epistolary forms, parable and apocalyptic. Particular attention is paid to reader-response criticism of the Gospels and intertextuality in the NT epistles. Documents will be read in English translation.
BBCL2801 Biblical In-Country Study A
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Assessment: As prescribed by the host institution. On successful completion of this unit of study, students will receive a "Satisfied Requirements" result at the University of Sydney. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Approved course in an overseas tertiary level institution.
BBCL2802 Biblical In-Country Study A
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Corequisites: BBCL2801 Assessment: As prescribed by the host institution. On successful completion of this unit of study, students will receive a "Satisfied Requirements" result at the University of Sydney. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Approved course in an overseas tertiary level institution.
BBCL3601 Daniel and Revelation as Apocalypses
This unit of study is not available in 2017
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: BBCL2603 or BBCL2607 or BBCL2609 or BBCL2610 or BBCL3602 or HBRW2623 or HBRW2625 or HBRW2632 or HBRW3601 or HBRW3602 Prohibitions: BBCL2006 or BBCL2606 Assessment: 1x1500wd exegesis assignment (30%), 1x3000wd research essay (60%), tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The books of Daniel in the Hebrew Bible and Revelation in the New Testament are the only "apocalypses" found in any western Bible. In this unit students will apply advanced methods in analysis of biblical texts (literary, thematic, linguistic, and text critical) in order to analyse these texts in the context of the most relevant extra-biblical apocalyptic texts, such as 1 Enoch, 4 Ezra and 2 Baruch.
BBCL3602 Job, Proverbs and Other Biblical Wisdom
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2-hr lecture, 1x1-hr tutorial/week Prerequisites: (BBCL2603 or BBCL2607 or BBCL2609 or BBCL2610 or BBCL3601) or (HBRW2623 or HBRW2625 or HBRW2632 or HBRW3601 or HBRW3602) Prohibitions: BBCL2608 Assessment: 1x1500wd research assignment (30%), 1x3000wd research essay (60%), tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The Books of Job, Ecclesiastes and Proverbs form the bulk of wisdom literature in the Hebrew Bible. In this unit students will apply advanced methods in analysis of biblical texts (literary, thematic, linguistic, and text critical) in order to understand the nature of Biblical wisdom literature on all levels. This will include examining these texts within the context of other wisdom literature both within the Hebrew Bible, such as wisdom psalms and in Deuterocanonical texts, such as Sirach.
BBCL4011 Biblical Studies Honours A
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: two seminars in semester 1 and one seminar in semester 2, each two hours per week Assessment: A thesis of 15000 words and 5000 words of written work or its equivalent for each seminar Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Honours is an intensive year-long program of advanced study based around research. Honours is undertaken after successful completion of a Bachelor degree and where the overall mark is a minimum credit average (70%). Entry into Honours is selective and work at this level is challenging. Honours is available in most subjects areas taught in the Faculty, and which are listed under Tables A and B in the Handbook. Students will complete a thesis and coursework seminars throughout the year. For further information contact the Honours Coordinator in the department or consult the Handbook entry for the relevant subject area.
BBCL4012 Biblical Studies Honours B
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Corequisites: BBCL4011 Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Refer to BBCL4011
BBCL4013 Biblical Studies Honours C
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Corequisites: BBCL4012 Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Refer to BBCL4011
BBCL4014 Biblical Studies Honours D
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Corequisites: BBCL4013 Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Refer to BBCL4011
HBRW1111 Hebrew Classical B1
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x2hr seminars/week Prohibitions: HBRW1311 or HBRW2631 Assessment: 1x2-hr exam (50%), continuous assessment (quizzes, grammar assignments, equivalent to 2000wds) (40%), class participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
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 used in the Biblical texts. The unit is devoted to the study of the grammar and the principles of translation.
HBRW1112 Hebrew Classical B2
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x2hr seminars/week Prerequisites: HBRW1111 Prohibitions: HBRW1312 or HBRW2632 Assessment: 1x2-hr exam (50%), continuous assessment (quizzes, grammar assignments, equivalent to 2000wds) (40%), class participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit continues the study of grammar and classical Hebrew (Biblical) texts.
HBRW2603 Hebrew Modern 3
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x2hr seminars/week Prerequisites: HBRW1102 or HBRW2632 Prohibitions: HBRW2103 Assessment: 3 x 400wd quiz (10%), 7 x 150wd self-study (25%), 1x1hr mid-semester in-class test (25%), 1x 5min oral presentation (5%), 1x1.5hr semester exam (30%), participation (5%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit is an extension of the work done in HBRW1102. It consists of an intensive study of spoken Modern Hebrew with emphasis on communicative skills that enable students to communicate in simple Hebrew for everyday situations. Simple literary texts and language components, which are orientated around relevant themes, are dealt with. A variety of different methods are used to explain grammatical structures, morphology and syntax and to provide examples in their use.
HBRW2604 Hebrew Modern 4
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x2hr seminars/week Prerequisites: HBRW2603 or HBRW2632 Prohibitions: HBRW2104 Assessment: 10x100wd self study (25%), 1x1hr mid-semester in-class test (25%), 1x1.5hr semester exam (30%), 2x5 minute oral presentations (15%), participation (5%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit is an extension of the work done in HBRW2603. It uses a communicative approach to language learning. Students' active participation through teamwork, role-playing and other interactive techniques is an essential aspect of all classes. It is expected that by the end of this unit students will be able to take part in simple everyday Hebrew conversation.
HBRW2623 Hebrew Classical 3
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x2hr seminars/week Prerequisites: HBRW1112 or HBRW2402 or HBRW2632 or HSC Hebrew Assessment: 2x1-hr exams (60%), assigned preparation of text for class [equivalent to 500wds] (10%), 1x2000wd essay (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The books of the Hebrew Bible are studied in the light of their setting and their literary and linguistic features. The course consists of: set classical texts; and special background area study: Mishnaic Hebrew.
HBRW2625 Hebrew Classical 5
This unit of study is not available in 2017
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x2hr seminars/week Prerequisites: HBRW1112 or HBRW2632 or HBRW2402 or HSC Hebrew Assessment: 2x1hr exams (60%), assigned preparation of text for class [equivalent to 500wds] (10%), 1x2000wd Essay (30%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: This unit is available as a designated 'Advanced' unit to students enrolled in the BA (Advanced) degree program.
The books of the Hebrew Bible are studied in the light of their setting and composition history. The course consists of: set classical texts, and special background area study: Ancient Inscriptions.
HBRW2632 Hebrew Accelerated C2
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x2hr seminars/week Prerequisites: HBRW2401 or HBRW2631 Prohibitions: HBRW1112, HBRW2402 Assessment: 1x2-hr exam (50%), continuous assessment (quizzes, grammar assignments, equivalent to 2500wds) (40%), class participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit 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.
HBRW2651 Syriac 1
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1hr seminars/week Prerequisites: HBRW1112 or HBRW2402 or HBRW2632 or HSC Hebrew Prohibitions: HBRW2911 Assessment: 1x2hr exam (60%), weekly assignments, exercises and Tutorial participation (40%). Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
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
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x1hr seminars/week Prerequisites: HBRW2911 or HBRW2651 Prohibitions: HBRW2912 Assessment: 1x2hr exam (60%), weekly assignments, exercises and Tutorial participation (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
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.
HBRW3601 Hebrew Classical Advanced 4
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x2-hr seminars/week Prerequisites: HBRW2632 or HBRW2623 or HBRW2625 Prohibitions: HBRW2624, HBRW2116 Assessment: 1x1000wd Psalms written test (25%), 1x1000wd Qumran written test (25%), 1x2500wd research essay (40%), seminar participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
In this unit students will apply advanced linguistic skills to complex biblical and extra-biblical texts. Students will analyse the poetic and linguistic features of the book of Psalms, and will evaluate the historical, social and linguistic background of the Dead Sea (Qumran) Scrolls.
HBRW3602 Hebrew Classical Advanced 6
This unit of study is not available in 2017
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x2hr seminars/week Prerequisites: HBRW2632 or HBRW2623 or HBRW2625 Prohibitions: HBRW2626 Assessment: 1x1000wd Poetry written test (25%), 1x1000wd Medieval Hebrew written test (25%), 1x2500wd Research essay (40%), Seminar participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
In this unit students will apply advanced linguistic skills to complex biblical and extra-biblical texts. Students will analyse the poetic and linguistic features of biblical poetry outside the Psalms, as well as the linguistic features of Medieval Hebrew used by Jewish Biblical commentators, especially those features that differentiate Medieval from Biblical Hebrew.
HBRW3610 Advanced Hebrew Modern 7
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x2hr seminars/week Prerequisites: HSC Modern Hebrew Continuers or HBRW2604 or HBRW2632 Prohibitions: HBRW1301 or HBRW2607 Assessment: 7x140wd self-study (25%), 2x oral assignment (equivalent to 500wd) (15%), 1x1hr mid-semester test (20%), 1x1.5hr exam (30%), participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit is designed for students who have successfully completed HSC Modern Hebrew Continuers; HBRW2604; and/or have reached a similar level of knowledge. In this unit students will advance their proficiency of using the four interlinked language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. As well, engaging in a variety of text-types, students will gain a deeper understanding of issues of social, cultural and historical importance to Modern Hebrew speaking communities
HBRW3611 Advanced Hebrew Modern 8
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x2hr seminars/week Prerequisites: (HBRW2607 or HBRW3610) or HBRW2632 Prohibitions: HBRW1302 or HBRW2608 Assessment: 7 x 150wd self-study (25%), 2x 5min oral presentation (15%), 1x1hr mid-semester in-class test (20%), 1x1.5hr semester exam (30%), particpation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit is designed for students who have successfully completed HBRW3610. In it students will build on their previous experience of the language. They will further develop their communicative capabilities whilst increasing their knowledge of vocabulary, grammar and syntax. As well, students will increase their ability to analyse the content and language of a variety of Modern Hebrew texts. On successfully completing this unit, students will achieve a proficiency level equivalent to the Hebrew University third level of instruction.
HBRW3612 Advanced Hebrew Modern 9
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x2hr seminars/week Prerequisites: (HBRW2608 or HBRW3611) or HBRW2632 Prohibitions: HBRW2303 or HBRW2609 Assessment: 7 x 150wd self-study (25%), 2x 5min oral presentation (15%), 1x1hr mid-semester in-class test (20%), 1x1.5hr semester exam (30%), particpation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit is designed for students who have successfully completed HBRW3611. In this unit students will encounter a productive language-learning environment aimed at supporting both their oral and written language production. Students will engage in range of contemporary Modern Hebrew text-types that reflect social and cultural issues covering the period from the 19th century to the present time.
HBRW3613 Advanced Hebrew Modern 10
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x2hr seminars/week Prerequisites: (HBRW2609 or HBRW3612) or HBRW2632 Prohibitions: HBRW2304 or HBRW2610 Assessment: 7x150wd self-study (25%), 2x 5min oral presentation (15%), 1x1hr mid-semester in-class test (20%), 1x1.5hr semester exam (30%), particiaption (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit is designed for students who have successfully completed HBRW3612. In this intensive language-learning environment students will be focusing more closely on the contextual and linguistic features of Modern Hebrew as it is expressed in mediums such as the media, film, and internet. On successfully completing this unit, students will achieve a proficiency level equivalent to the Hebrew University fourth level of instruction.