A8142 Syriac 1: Reading and Grammar

Unit code A8142

Unit name Syriac 1: Reading and Grammar

Unit weighting 9 cp

Prerequisites N/A

Exclusions A7142

Curriculum objective This Course Unit introduces students to the basic Reading, and Grammar of Syriac. It enables students to read and analyse selected texts from the Syriac Bible (Peshitta) and from Eastern Church Fathers, using dictionaries and grammars. For graduate students, frequent extra assignments will be given, and a major paper to be completed by the end of the semester.

Learning outcomes At the end of this unit students will be able to:

1. Reading selected Syriac biblical passages and texts from the Church Fathers.
2. Recognise basic Syriac grammar and syntax.
3. Translate, parse, and analyse simple Syriac texts into English.
4. Use Syriac dictionaries and concordances.

Content

1. Syriac alphabet, basic grammar and syntax.
2. Lexical and grammatical study of selected Syriac texts.
3. Translation of selected texts into English.
4. Introduction to the use of Syriac Bible, and Patristic texts, and Syriac-English dictionaries.

Assessment profile In this unit, the required assessment tasks will enable students to demonstrate how successfully they can:

1. Memorise/practise required Syriac grammar paradigms and vocabulary.
2. Translate, parse and analyse basic Syriac texts.
3. Using dictionaries, and other tools to enhance study of Syriac texts.