Ancient Near Eastern Language: Syriac

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

170 hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject is an introduction to the grammar and reading of Syriac. It covers grammatical concepts and paradigms, sentence formation and translation and reading simple texts. Background information on the cultural context in which Syriac was spoken is woven into the subject matter. The aim is for students to acquire the elements of the grammar, syntax and vocabulary of Syriac, and attain reading skills sufficient to begin reading literary and dramatic texts

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

• be familiar with the elements of the grammar, syntax and vocabulary of Syriac and have attained reading skills sufficient to begin reading simpler literary texts
• have discovered the importance of reading ancient texts in the original languages for the study of history and the ancient world in general.

Assessment exercises totalling 2000 words due during the Summer semester 50% a 2000 word examination due at the end of the Summer semester 50%.

Hurdle Requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of classes in order to pass this subject. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. After five working days late assessment will not be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

The lecturer will advise students of the required texts closer to the commencement of teaching.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

• be skilled in critical thinking and analysis.
  
• possess effective written communication skills.
• have an understanding of social, ethical and cultural context.