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Divinity – Hebrew
MA (Joint Honours Degrees) Hebrew and one of: ArabicW Art History Biblical Studies Comparative Literature
English FrenchW Geography Greek Latin
Mathematics Middle East Studies
New Testament RussianW
W Available With Integrated Year Abroad – see Modern Languages. For Entry Requirements – see page 108.
Classical or Biblical Hebrew is the focus of this subject area, though Honours options may also be taken in post-biblical Hebrew – particularly the Dead Sea Scrolls. Modern methods of studying languages help those who are beginners. For those with a background in languages (for example French and German) Hebrew would make a fascinating language to study by way of contrast, belonging as it does to the Semitic as opposed to the Indo-European family group. The different language structure allows the student to become attuned to the thought patterns of a distinctive culture with access gained to the world of Biblical literature and the extraordinary range of writing found in the Hebrew Bible.
The St Andrews staff who teach Hebrew and Old Testament have research expertise in Pentateuch, Prophets, Old Testament Theology, Dead Sea Scrolls and Pseudepigrapha. As well as having international profiles, they are also committed to ensuring a very high quality of teaching and student involvement.
Summary of Course Content
First and Second Level (1st and 2nd years) Modules at these levels lay the foundations for further study at Honours level. Language modules focus on Hebrew grammar and syntax and involve reading texts from a wide range of genres. History modules focus on the history, religion and culture of Israel, incorporating a wide range of texts from prophetic, hymnic, wisdom and apocalyptic literature.
Honours (3rd and 4th years) You may take Hebrew as part of a Joint Honours MA degree and normally take four modules at Honours level in the Hebrew part of your programme. One of these is a module devoted to advanced methods for studying biblical texts (Biblical Exegesis). Two further modules may be selected from a set of options that use Hebrew language in relation to important texts of the biblical or post-biblical periods (including the Dead Sea Scrolls). The fourth module gives you an opportunity to write an Honours dissertation or research paper on a subject of your choice (relevant to Hebrew), unless you elect to do a dissertation in the other Honours subject of your Joint Honours programme.
New Developments In recent years Introductory Hebrew has become an increasingly popular module with up to 20 students per year taking Hebrew as an optional module. Aramaic, which has become well known since the appearance of Mel Gibson’s film The Passion of Christ, can be studied at Honours level.
St Andrews is one of the few places where there is an opportunity to study the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Pseudepigrapha in detail.
Undated scroll of the Book of Esther
“Studying Hebrew leads to many quizzical looks from your fellow students. What they don’t realise is how fascinating and enjoyable time spent learning the ancient language can be. Add to that the sense that you’re dealing at close quarters with key historical material under the tutelage of world experts and there’s no comparison. Hebrew is challenging but extremely rewarding.”
Philip (Belfast, Northern Ireland)
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