A BA/BA (Hons) degree in Classical Hebrew will be offered as of next month by the University’s Department of Oriental Studies. The degree gives an overview of ancient Israelite and Jewish history and culture, covering the period ranging from the 12th century BC to the 2nd century AD, and of the development of the Hebrew language during this period.

Various language courses on Classical and post-Classical Hebrew (starting from the very basics of the language) will be on offer, which will enable the students to read ancient Jewish texts, such as the Hebrew Bible and the Dead Sea Scrolls, in their original language.

The language courses are complemented by a number of historical and cultural courses, which present a general introduction to the social and cultural context from which these ancient texts originated. These courses provide a detailed analysis of the literary and archaeological evidence from the periods under discussion.

The various language courses which the degree offers are on Classical Hebrew, Mishnaic Hebrew, the Hebrew of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and Biblical Aramaic. Some of these courses consist of basic language classes, while others consist of readings of Hebrew and Aramaic texts.

The historical and cultural courses which the degree offers cover topics such as the emergence of Ancient Israel, Judah in the Persian period, Jews and Judaism in the Second Temple period, Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls, ancient Jewish literature and the formation of the Hebrew Bible.

The BA/BA (Hons) in Classical Hebrew is a three-year full-time degree. For more information contact Louisa Borg at louisa.borg@um.edu.mt.