NEW: Hybrid modules in New Testament Greek and Biblical Hebrew
IMPORTANT DEADLINE: IF YOU ARE A NON-SU STUDENT (OR GRADUATING THIS YEAR), YOU MUST REGISTER FOR SPECIAL STUDENT STATUS BY 30 NOVEMBER 2023.
From 2024, the Department of Ancient Studies will offer 1st-year Greek and Hebrew in hybrid formaThese are 24-credit, year-long modules that offer the same content as our regular first-year Greek and Hebrew modules. They are intended for students who need Greek or Hebrew language instruction for their ordination or postgraduate study but are open to anyone who is currently enrolled at Stellenbosch for a postgraduate degree or holds a minimum 3-year bachelor’s degree (any subject).
These modules require no previous knowledge of the languages and are taught through a combination of online recorded lectures, activities, tutorials, and several in-person intensive contact sessions spaced throughout the academic year, which will combine consolidation of your learning with assessment. These modules are ideal for those in full-time work, as you can complete the components in your own time, alongside consistent support from your tutor.
- Access to a dedicated learning environment on SUNLearn
- Online lectures from award-winning language instructors
- Weekly online tutorials with a dedicated tutor
- Intensive campus-based sessions with lecturers spread out through the year
Introduction to New Testament Greek 172 - download the provisional module outline here
Ancient Greek is a rich and flexible language. From the nuances and histories of individual words, to the implications of complex grammatical constructions, learning the language of the New Testament will give you fresh insight into biblical texts. By the end of the module, you will be able to:
- translate 600 of the most common words in the NT
- recognise and so correctly interpret inflectional forms of verbs, nouns, pronouns, and adjectives
- read simple passages from the gospels independently
- contextualise biblical language within the broader history of Greek literature
The Hebrew language is a window to a world like no other. This module introduces Biblical Hebrew within its ancient west Asian context. It will enable you to:
- read the Hebrew alphabet
- know the meaning of 420 BH words analyse and interpret paradigms as
- they apply to verbs, nouns, and pronouns
- translate a selection of narrative texts
- gain an understanding of the historical and cultural context of the Hebrew Bible
How to register for these modules
If you are/will be already enrolled in a Stellenbosch University postgraduate programme for 2024 you can register for these modules as for other modules as part of regular registration.
If you are not a Stellenbosch student, or are finishing your programme in 2023, you need first to apply to become a special student, and this application must be submitted by 30 November 2023. To become a special student, you must have a first degree (it does not have to be in a relevant subject). For a full breakdown of the application process, see this document (pdf).
- 30 November 2023: Deadline for special student applications
- 5-6 February 2024: Provisional date for first intensive session (in Stellenbosch)
The other intensive sessions will happen immediately following the final week of terms 2, 3, and 4 – precise dates remain to be confirmed.
Term 2: 8 April – 17 March 2024
Term 3: 22 July – 6 September 2024
Term 4: 16 September – 25 October 2024
Questions? Contact the module convenor:
