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Semester 1

Introducing Classical Syriac (DIVI08031)

Subject

Divinity

College

CAHSS

Credits

20

Normal Year Taken

1

Delivery Session Year

2023/2024

Pre-requisites

Course Summary

The Syriac tradition is one of the oldest in the history of Christianity. Spanning 2,000 years, Classical Syriac literature encompasses multiple genres, including some of the most ancient translations of the Bible, the earliest Christian poetry, and an important witness to Christian-Muslim interactions. Currently, however, only a handful of institutions in the world offer training in this subject. This course (open to levels 8-11) will provide students with a foundational introduction to Syriac as language and field.

Course Description

Academic Description This course introduces students to Classical Syriac - the language of one of the most ancient traditions of Christianity. The course is accessible to absolute beginners and assumes no prior knowledge. Students begin by learning the alphabet and writing system, followed by a systematic study of grammar, syntax, and will acquire new vocabulary each week. Learning will be consolidated through short translation exercises and vocab quizzes. By the end of the course, students will be able to read simple Syriac prose, and conduct a detailed final exam of a set text taken from a 4th-century homily. Outline Content The course begins with an introduction to the alphabet, vocalic system, and pronunciation followed by a systematic overview of grammar. Elements of grammar will include: nouns (emphatic, absolute, construct); active and passive participles; strong and weak verbs (forms I-VI). This is supplemented by incremental vocabulary acquisition and frequent translation exercises from various textbooks. The course ends with an examination of a short extract of a homily by Ephrem of Syria (d. 373). Students will be required to analyse and parse out the grammatical, syntactic, and theological features of this text. Student Learning Experience The course meets four times a week. The course tutor will explain new grammar, but students are encouraged to ask questions and actively engage with the course material. This includes students being required to not only read and translate sentences in Syriac but to also analyse and parse out their grammar. There is an expectation that students will come prepared for lessons and go over each class in their own time, memorising vocabulary, verb forms, and other aspects of the language. There will also be an audio-visual component of the teaching, namely video and tape recordings of Syriac recitation in liturgical settings by members of the community. This will provide students with a sense of the language as a living tradition. Students will demonstrate their achievements through class tests and a final exam.

Assessment Information

Written Exam 90%, Coursework 0%, Practical Exam 10%

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