HEBREW
NML155H1 Elementary Modern Hebrew I (formerly NMC236H)
This course introduces students with no previous knowledge of Hebrew to the modern Hebrew language. Students will acquire basic useful vocabulary through an introduction to the fundamentals of Hebrew grammar and syntax. Emphasis on the development of oral and writing skills.
Evaluation: TBA
Texts: Ivrit Min ha-Hathalah he-Hadash, part 1 (Hebrew from Scratch)
Hebrew Verb Tables (ed. Ezri Uval, Asher Tarmon), 4th ed. (1998)
Levy, Y. Oxford Hebrew-English/English-Hebrew Dictionary (Israel: Kernerman-Lonnie Kahn, 1995)
Exclusion: Those who have completed grade 4 Hebrew (or grade 2 in Israel), NMC136Y/NMC236H
NML156H1 Elementary Modern Hebrew II (formerly NMC237H)
This course continues NML155H. Students will continue to study the fundamentals of Hebrew grammar and syntax, eventually mastering four verb patterns and two tenses. Emphasis on the development of oral and writing skills. (Offered in alternate years)
Evaluation: TBA
Texts: Ivrit Min ha-Hathalah he-Hadash, part 1 (Hebrew from Scratch) (Jerusalem, 2001)
Hebrew Verb Tables (ed. Ezri Uval, Asher Tarmon), 4th ed. (1998)
Exclusion: Those who have completed grade 4 Hebrew (or grade 2 in Israel), NMC136Y/NMC237H
NML250Y1 Introductory Biblical Hebrew (formerlyNML150Y, NMC230Y)
An introduction to ancient Hebrew, particularly the language of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. Study of basic grammar and vocabulary in order to read introductory selections of prose and poetic texts.
Evaluation: TBA
Texts: J. A. Cook and R. D. Holmstedt, "Ancient Hebrew: A Student Grammar" -- available only in photocopy form in the campus bookstore
Exclusion: Those who have completed grade 8 Hebrew (or grade 6 in Israel)/NMC230Y/NML150Y
R. Holmstedt
NML255Y1 Intermediate Modern Hebrew (formerly NMC336Y)
This course is intended to improve the student’s ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend modern Hebrew. Although the course presupposes an elementary level of Hebrew, a systematic review of grammar is included, and new grammatical structures are taught. Emphasis is on vocabulary enrichment and comprehension of modern Hebrew prose through intensive reading, discussions, and analysis of Hebrew words and structures. The future tense will be introduced and three more verb patterns will be covered in this course. Recommended for those who wish to do advanced work in Hebrew or to study in Israel. Grammar and syntax will be presented in English, but ample time will be allotted for Hebrew conversation. This course will parallel Ulpan level beit. (Offered in alternate years)
Evaluation: Term tests [4 in total – 2 in each term] (40%), weekly quizzes (30%), written assignments (15%) an oral presentation (5%) and class participation (10%)
Texts: Ivrit min ha-hathalah he-hadash 1 and 2 (2001)
Tarmon, A., E. Uval, eds., Hebrew Verb Tables, 4th ed. (1998)
Recommended dictionary:
Levy, Y., Oxford Hebrew-English, English-Hebrew Dictionary ([Israel]: Kernerman, Lonnie Kahn, 1995)
Prerequisite: NMC136Y or Ulpan level alef, new numberings NMC237H/NML156H
Exclusion: Those who have completed grade 8 Hebrew (or grade 6 in Israel), old numberings NMC236/NMC237/NMC336Y
NML350H1 Intermediate Biblical Hebrew: Wisdom Literature
An examination of wisdom literature and themes in the Hebrew Bible and later Second Temple writing; primary emphasis on Hebrew texts but including comparison with themes from non-Hebrew texts such as the Greek Ecclesiasticus, the Wisdom of Solomon, and some early Christian writings.
Prerequisites: NMC230Y/NML150Y/NML250Y
S. Metso
NML351H1 Intermediate Biblical Hebrew: Historical Writing
History writing is how a group accounts for its past, makes sense of the present and provides direction for the future. This course examines ancient Israel’s history writers, focusing on the Deuteronomistic History and Chronicler’s History. Attention will be given to linguistic forms, rhetorical style and goals, and comparison of national or ethnic self-perceptions.
Prerequisites: NMC230Y/NML150Y/NML250Y
S. Metso
NML352H1 Intermediate Biblical Hebrew: Myth and Story
An investigation of two closely-related types of ancient Hebrew narrative: myth and story. Focus will be equally on Hebrew language, rhetorical style and goals, and when appropriate, the comparative ancient near eastern backdrop for the Hebrew texts.
Prerequisites: NMC230Y/NML150Y/NML250Y
R. Holmstedt
NML353H1 Jewish Apocalyptic Literature
This course provides an introduction to the study of the origin, form and function of ancient Jewish and related apocalyptic literature which flourished between 200 BCE and 200 CE, understood in its cultural and literary contexts.
Prerequisite: NMC150H/151H/280H/280Y/NML150Y/NML250Y
Exclusion: RLG325H
S. Metso
NML354H1 Law and Ritual
Law reflects the way in which society understands and organizes itself through common agreements and forms of restraint. This course examines the different ways religious and ritual legislation was generated in ancient Jewish communities and the different functions such legislation served in these communities. All texts to be read in the original.
Prerequisite: NML150Y/NML350Y
NML355Y1 Advanced Modern Hebrew (formerly NMC336/7/434Y)
Advanced intensive study of written and spoken modern Hebrew Vocabulary building, reading facility and spoken Hebrew will be at the centre of the course. This course parallels Ulpan level 4. (Offered in alternate years)
Texts: Etinger, B., Delet laDalet
Hebrew Verb Tables (ed. Ezri Uval)
Selected Gesher books
Prerequisite: NML255Y/NMC 336Y, old numberings NMC236/237
Exclusion: Those who have OAC Hebrew (or grade 8 in Israel), old numberings NMC336/337, NMC434Y, or those speakers with (near) native fluency
NML356Y1 Topics in Babylonian Talmud (formerly NMC334Y)
The course introduces the student to Talmudic texts through selections from a particular tractate for representative study. Recognition of the dialogic structure of the legal discussions centred around the Mishnah and its elucidation is emphasized. The classical commentaries (Rashi, Tosafot, R. Hananel), the use of dictionaries, concordances, biographies of the sages, parallels and other sources will gradually become familiar to the student as aids to understanding the texts under consideration. A brief presentation of the essential features of Babylonian Aramaic will be included in the course to facilitate study. (Offered in alternate years) In 2006-07, this is a full Y credit course conducted and completedin the first term.
Evaluation: Based on preparation of texts and active class participation (10%), one test (40%) and one essay (50%)
Texts: Tractate Yevamot (Steinsaltz edition may be used in addition to
the traditional text)
Prerequisite: OAC Hebrew/NMC 237H/330Y/NML250Y/NML255Y
Exclusion: NMC334Y
T. Meacham
NML357H1 Midrash Aggadah
The themes of Eros and Thanatos will be explored in Aggadic texts from Song of Songs Rabbah. This Midrashic text stands halfway in the tradition, both making use of earlier texts and being used by editors of later compilations. These interrelations will be the focus of our study as well as the relationship of work to Scripture.
Prerequisite: NML250Y/NML255Y/NMC230Y/NMC336Y
H. Fox
NML358H1 Mishnah and Tosefta (formerly NMC331H)
Mishnah and Tosefta constitute two of the three foundational documents of Middle Hebrew. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to specific features of this level of Hebrew (syntax, grammar, vocabulary), to examine these compositions independently, and to analyze their interaction (textuality and intratextuality). Tractate Niddah will be the focus of our analysis. We will also examine current scholarly positions concerning the redaction of these documents and their relationship to each other. (Offered in alternate years)
Evaluation: two tests (30% each), one essay (30%), participation 10%.
Texts: a packet with the relevant texts will be made available to students.
Prerequisites: Knowledge of Intermediate Hebrew, modern or Biblical.
Exclusion: NMC331H
T. Meacham
NML450H1 Advanced Biblical Hebrew Grammar
Evaluation: TBA
Texts: TBA
Prerequisites: NML350Y and permission of instructor
R. Holmstedt
NML451H1 Advanced Babylonian Talmud
Students will be introduced to the problems of text criticism involving variant readings and the redaction of Talmudic texts. Problems of transmission of the text, its relationship to the Palestinian Talmud, Tosefta and other texts will be explored. Use of Medieval Talmudic commentaries will be addressed
Evaluation: TBA
Texts: TBA
Prerequisites: NML250Y/NML255Y/NMC230Y/NMC336Y and permission of instructor
T. Meacham
NML452H1 Halakhic Midrashim (formerly NMC432H/Y)
Halakhic Midrash, the rabbinic continuation of biblical law, is one of the three major literary creations of the Tannaitic period, and an important part of ancient Jewish biblical interpretation. A study of the terminology and methodology indicates the existence of two midrashic systems: D'vei R. Yishmael and D'vei R. Aqiva. We will examine the scholarly debate concerning the exact time in which midreshei halakha were composed and redacted and concerning the transfer of terminology and material between the schools.
In this course we shall begin our study with selections from Sifra or Torat Kohanim on Leviticus and Sifrei on Deuteronomy. If time allows small sections from Sifrei and Sifrei Zuta on Numbers and Mekhilta d'R. Yishmael and Mekhilta d'R. Shimon ben Yohai on Exodus will be examined. In the course of our study, we shall develop facility with midrashic terminology and midrashic logic. We shall compare the texts in the standard scholarly editions with parallel material in Mishnah, Tosefta and the Talmudim.
Evaluation: TBA
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Exclusion: NMC432H/Y
T. Meacham
NML455H1 Modern Hebrew Poetry (formerly NMC436H)
Extensive reading in the works of a major poet, to be decided by instructor. Conducted in Hebrew. (Offered in alternate years)
Evaluation: Based on one paper, one term test and class participation
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Exclusion: NMC436H
H. Fox
NML456H1 Modern Hebrew Prose (formerly NMC437H)
Prose fiction by a major author. The course will concentrate on Agnon’s short stories and one novel. Conducted in Hebrew. (Offered in alternate years)
Evaluation: Based on one paper, one term test and class participation
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Exclusion: NMC437H
H. Fox
NML457H1 Introduction to Comparative Semitics
Advanced language course placing ancient Hebrew within its geographic and typological context. Priority will be given to 1) methods used to reconstruct “proto-Semitic” and ancient Hebrew (versus the Tiberian Hebrew of the Hebrew Bible); 2) classifications of Semitic languages; 3) comparison of phoneme and lexical inventories, morphology and syntax; and 4) dialectal variation and dialect geography.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
Recommended Preparation: NML250Y1, and one NML 300-series course
R. Holmstedt
NML458H1 Advanced Readings in The Dead Sea Scrolls
The discovery at Qumran near the Dead Sea unearthed a library of an ancient Jewish community containing manuscripts of the Hebrew Scriptures, other Jewish literature now called apocrypha and pseudepigrapha, some of which were previously known, many unknown, and writings composed by the community: collections of rules, wisdom texts, scriptural commentaries, as well as liturgical and theological compositions. This course focuses on selected Scrolls with special attention to the language, form and content, and scribal characteristics of these texts.
Prerequisite: NML250Y, and one NML 300-series course
Recommended Preparation: NMC150H
S. Metso
NML459H1 Topics in Second Temple Period Texts
This course provides an advanced investigation of selected issues in ancient Jewish texts stemming from the Second Temple Period (5th cent. BCE – 1st cent. CE), and includes comparative study of biblical writings, apocrypha and pseudepigrapha, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and writings of ancient Jewish historians and philosophers. The specific topic for the course varies from one semester to another, and can deal with, e.g., language, scriptural interpretation, poetry and liturgy, theology, legal developments, and social and political history. The course has a strong research and writing component.
Prerequisite: NML250Y, and one NML 300-series course. Depending on the specific topic of the semester, knowledge of Greek or Aramaic may be recommended.
S. Metso