Module: Introduction to Biblical Hebrew

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Introduction to Biblical Hebrew
Module Code	RET1020 (ITS: TP124)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5

Description

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to classical Hebrew, the language of the Jewish Scriptures or Old Testament. In this module students develop knowledge of the Hebrew alphabet, vowel pointing, and basic Hebrew grammar, notably nouns, basic verb forms, and sentence structure. Students will also develop a working vocabulary of biblical Hebrew that can be used in future research and study. Students are expected to attend and contribute to lectures, to keep up to date with assignments, and to engage with assigned texts in a reflective and analytical manner

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify and write the Hebrew alphabet, including vowels
2. Recognise nouns and their different parts
3. Identify the definite article, pronouns, and the use of prepositions
4. Understand basic Hebrew verb forms
5. Read and recognise the most prevalent words in biblical Hebrew
6. Translate simple sentences from Hebrew into English

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Assignment Completion	50	No Description
Independent Study	113.5	No Description
Total Workload: 187.5

Section Breakdown
CRN	20997	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Bradford Anderson	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Participation	n/a	20%	n/a
Short Answer Questions	weekly assignments	30%	n/a
In Class Test	n/a	20%	n/a
Written Exam	n/a	30%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Alphabet and vowels

Dagesh, sheva, odd vowels

Nouns and verbs: masculine, feminine, plural

The perfect tense

The direct object

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Simon, Ethelyn, Linda Motzkin, and Irene Resnikoff: 2005, The First Hebrew Primer: The Adult Beginner's Path to Biblical Hebrew, 3rd Ed, 3rd, EKS Publishing Oakland,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None