Biblical Studies and Classical Hebrew
About the major
In the Biblical Studies and Classical Hebrew major, you will learn how to read the Bible, both the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and the New Testament, in a more informed way, exploring narrative, law, poetic, wisdom, prophetic, apocalyptic, gospel, and epistle texts.
Biblical Studies units at 1000 level deal with the biblical text in English and teach the methods needed in order to understand what biblical books were trying to communicate in their ancient setting. 2000 and 3000 level units build on these skills with the English text and introduce you to the methods necessary to understand each distinctive type of biblical literature. As part of the major, you are encouraged to take courses in Classical Hebrew that will enable you to read and understand the scriptures in their original language. The language courses expose our students to the multiple levels of pre-Modern Hebrew, from the Bible through to the Dead Sea Scrolls, ancient inscriptions, and the writings of the sages and medieval commentaries on the Bible.
Students who choose to learn Classical Hebrew acquire skills for advanced research on the Bible, required for postgraduate study.
Whatever combination of units you choose, by the end of the major, you will have mastered skills for better understanding the biblical texts in their ancient historical, literary, and cultural context.
Requirements for completion
The Biblical Studies and Classical Hebrew major and minor requirements are listed in the Biblical Studies and Classical Hebrew unit of study table.
Advanced coursework
Requirements and units of study for advanced coursework can be found on the advanced coursework units of study page.
Honours
A high proportion of students who major in Biblical Studies and Classical Hebrew continue to an honours year.
The honours program allows students in Biblical Studies and Classical Hebrew to undertake advanced seminars on biblical compositions and themes, and write a research thesis on a topic of their choice.
Honours admission requirements
Admission to honours is via the Bachelor of Advanced Studies or Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and requires the completion of a major in Biblical Studies and Classical Hebrew with an average of 70% or above, normally including at least two Classical Hebrew units of study.
Prior to commencing honours, you will need to ensure you have completed all other requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or other bachelor degree, including Open Learning Environment (OLE) units and, where undertaking the Bachelor of Advanced Studies, a second major.
Requirements and units of study for honours can be found on the Biblical Studies and Classical Hebrew honours units of study page.
Contacts and further information
More information and current contact details for academic coordinators can be found at: Discipline of Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies
