THL100 Introduction to Biblical Languages (8)

This subject introduces students to rudimentary features of Biblical Hebrew and New Testament Greek. It acquaints students with the alphabets of both Hebrew and Greek, familiarises them with basic grammatical features of both languages and facilitates the learning of elementary vocabulary. The subject orients students to the range of grammatical and lexical tools available to support the use of scholarly resources based on Biblical Hebrew and New Testament Greek. It also raises student awareness of interpretive implications arising from cultural dimensions of biblical texts preserved in ancient languages.

Availability

* Offering has a residential school. Please view following information for further details.

Session 2 (60)
On Campus
Canberra Campus
Online *
Canberra Campus
Term 1 (75)
On Campus
Ming Hua Theological College

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: THL100. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Theology

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to recognise and reproduce the Hebrew and Greek alphabets;
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of basic Biblical Hebrew and Koine Greek grammar;
  • be able to demonstrate recognition of elementary vocabulary in Biblical Hebrew and Koine Greek;
  • be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of relevant grammatical and lexical tools;
  • be able to translate simple phrases from Biblical Hebrew and Koine Greek into English;
  • be able to demonstrate awareness of interpretive implications arising from cultural dimensions of biblical texts as ancient documents; and
  • be able to demonstrate self-guided learning.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Hebrew script and writing
  • Hebrew alphabet
  • Hebrew pointing (vowels)
  • Parts of speech
  • Basics of Hebrew grammar and vocabulary
  • Grammatical and lexical tools for Biblical Hebrew
  • Greek alphabet
  • Basics of Greek grammar and vocabulary
  • Grammatical and lexical tools for New Testament Greek
  • Information technology and biblical language studies
  • Interpretive implications of the preservation of the Bible in ancient languages

Residential School

This subject contains a 4 day Optional Residential School.

The purpose of this residential school is to provide students with both the fundamental linguistic skills and confidence needed for the successful completion of this subject.

Residential activities include the learning and consolidation of the alphabets of both Biblical Hebrew and New Testament Greek, lectures, guided spoken exercises, guided vocabulary learning, orientation to grammatical and lexical tools, library orientation and tests.

Special Resources

Online students who choose to attend the optional residential school in Canberra will need to arrange and cover the costs of travel, accommodation and meals.

Contact

For further information about courses and subjects outlined in the CSU handbook please contact:

Current students

Future students

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2019. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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