Hebrew Language and Literature
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The aim of this course is to facilitate the acquisition of the fundamental grammatical principles of the Biblical Hebrew language in order to enable students to read, analyse, and translate simple texts. Furthermore, the course seeks to equip students with the methodological tools necessary for the critical analysis of the documentation, literature and language of the Old Testament.
Expected learning outcomes
Students are expected to acquire basic skills for reading, morpho-syntactic analysis and translation of simple texts in Biblical Hebrew. Moreover, students are required to critically examine the documentation of the Old Testament and the biblical literary passages presented in class.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Language
The first part of the course focuses on square writing, the Tiberian vocalization system, phonetics and phonology, and the basic elements of nominal and verbal morphology and syntax. The second part deals with the reading, analysis and translation of simple passages in Biblical Hebrew, with particular attention to the story of Joseph (Genesis 37-50).
Literature
Following an introduction to the study of the documentation, the historical-cultural context, the themes, the critical-literary methodologies and the linguistic variation of the Old Testament, the story of Joseph contained in Genesis 37-50 will be critically analysed.
The first part of the course focuses on square writing, the Tiberian vocalization system, phonetics and phonology, and the basic elements of nominal and verbal morphology and syntax. The second part deals with the reading, analysis and translation of simple passages in Biblical Hebrew, with particular attention to the story of Joseph (Genesis 37-50).
Literature
Following an introduction to the study of the documentation, the historical-cultural context, the themes, the critical-literary methodologies and the linguistic variation of the Old Testament, the story of Joseph contained in Genesis 37-50 will be critically analysed.
Prerequisites for admission
None
Teaching methods
Frontal lesson
Teaching Resources
The selection of pages to be studied from the following contributions will be communicated to students during the course of the lessons.
Language
- Catastini, A., 1994. Storia di Giuseppe: Genesi 37 - 50, Venezia: Marsilio.
· Chiesa, B., (ed.) 1986. Corso di ebraico biblico, vol. I; Corso di ebraico biblico: Esercizi, crestomanzia e glossario, vol. II (Edizione italiana di H.P. Stähli, 1984. Hebräisch-Kurzgrammatik, Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht.), Brescia: Paideia.
· Kutz, K.V. - Josberger, R. L., 2018. Learning Biblical Hebrew - Reading Comprehension - An Introductory Grammar, Bellingham (WA): Lexham Press.
· Lambdin, T., 2014, Introduzione all'ebraico biblico (Edizione italiana a cura di E- M. Obara), Roma: Gregorian Biblical Press.
· Pepi, L. - Serafini, F., 2006. Corso di ebraico biblico (con CD audio), Cinisello Balsamo: San Paolo.
Literature
· Catastini, A. 1994. Storia di Giuseppe: Genesi 37 - 50, Venezia: Marsilio.
· Collins, J. J. 2011. Breve introduzione alla Bibbia ebraica, Brescia, Queriniana.
· Grottanelli, C. 1998. Sette storie bibliche, Brescia: Paideia.
· Merlo, P. (a c.) 2008. L'Antico Testamento - Introduzione Storico-Letteraria, Roma: Carocci.
· Sáenz-Badillos, Á. 2007. Storia della lingua ebraica, (traduzione italiana P. Capelli), Brescia: Paideia.
· Soggin, J. A. 1987. Introduzione all'Antico Testamento - Quarta edizione, Brescia: Paideia.
Language
- Catastini, A., 1994. Storia di Giuseppe: Genesi 37 - 50, Venezia: Marsilio.
· Chiesa, B., (ed.) 1986. Corso di ebraico biblico, vol. I; Corso di ebraico biblico: Esercizi, crestomanzia e glossario, vol. II (Edizione italiana di H.P. Stähli, 1984. Hebräisch-Kurzgrammatik, Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht.), Brescia: Paideia.
· Kutz, K.V. - Josberger, R. L., 2018. Learning Biblical Hebrew - Reading Comprehension - An Introductory Grammar, Bellingham (WA): Lexham Press.
· Lambdin, T., 2014, Introduzione all'ebraico biblico (Edizione italiana a cura di E- M. Obara), Roma: Gregorian Biblical Press.
· Pepi, L. - Serafini, F., 2006. Corso di ebraico biblico (con CD audio), Cinisello Balsamo: San Paolo.
Literature
· Catastini, A. 1994. Storia di Giuseppe: Genesi 37 - 50, Venezia: Marsilio.
· Collins, J. J. 2011. Breve introduzione alla Bibbia ebraica, Brescia, Queriniana.
· Grottanelli, C. 1998. Sette storie bibliche, Brescia: Paideia.
· Merlo, P. (a c.) 2008. L'Antico Testamento - Introduzione Storico-Letteraria, Roma: Carocci.
· Sáenz-Badillos, Á. 2007. Storia della lingua ebraica, (traduzione italiana P. Capelli), Brescia: Paideia.
· Soggin, J. A. 1987. Introduzione all'Antico Testamento - Quarta edizione, Brescia: Paideia.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The oral examination is designed to evaluate the candidate's linguistic proficiency and critical-methodological competencies. The interview comprises the reading, analysis and translation of Biblical Hebrew texts that have been covered in the lessons as well as the verification of essays on the Old Testament, with a particular focus on the story of Joseph (Genesis 37-50).
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)