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Honours in Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies

‘Honours’ is an intensive year-long program of advanced study with research at its centre. The Honours year enables students to engage with the subject of their major in depth by undertaking research of their own, under the supervision of an expert in the their field. For some students, Honours is the culmination of their formal education while for other students, Honours is the first step on the path to careers as professional researchers and academics. Many staff in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences find Honours teaching the most rewarding part of their job.

Entry Requirements

Student need to have results at Credit (65%) level or better in eight Senior units of study (48 credit points) in Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish studies if they wish to take Honours. Department permission is required for enrolment in honours.

Students whose bachelor's degree was undertaken at another university, or students who completed their bachelor's degrees at the University of Sydney more than two years ago should contact the Honours Coordinator to discuss whether the classes they have taken are equivalent to these prerequisites.

Assessment

Honours in Biblical Studies consists of a thesis of 15000 words and 5000 words of written work, or its equivalent, for each seminar. Each of the three seminars meets weekly for 2 hours, for one semester. The thesis is worth 40% of the final mark, and each seminar is worth 20%.

Honours in Hebrew Studies (Classical) consists of a thesis of 15000 words and 5000 words of written work, or its equivalent, for each seminar. Each of the three seminars meets weekly for 2 hours, for one semester. The thesis is worth 40% of the final mark, and each seminar is worth 20%.

Honours in Hebrew Studies (Modern) consists of a thesis of 12000 words (in Hebrew) or 15000 words (in English) and 5000 words of written work, or its equivalent, for each seminar. Each of the three seminars meets weekly for 2 hours, for one semester. The thesis is worth 40% of the final mark, and each seminar is worth 20%.

Honours in Jewish Studies consists of a thesis of 15000–20000 words and 7000-8000 words of written work, or its equivalent, for each seminar. Each of the two seminars meets weekly for 2 hours, for one semester. The thesis is worth 60% of the final mark, and each seminar is worth 20%.

While you will receive marks for all pieces of assessment, your academic transcripts will record only your final, overall Honours mark.

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Seminars

  • All students take "Methodology", on offer in Semester 2.

Biblical Studies and Classical Hebrew honours seminars:

  • Biblical Themes (Dr Ari Lobel)
  • Biblical Texts in Hebrew (Assoc Prof Ian Young / Dr Ari Lobel)
  • The Book of Daniel (Assoc Prof Ian Young)

Modern Hebrew honours seminars:

  • "Language in use" as reflected in Modern Hebrew Discourse I
  • "Language in use" as reflected in Modern Hebrew Discourse II

Judaic Studies honours seminars:

  • Biblical Themes (Dr Ari Lobel)
  • Biblical Texts in Hebrew (Assoc Prof Ian Young)
  • The Evolution of Judaism in the New World (Prof Suzanne Rutland)
  • Modern Hebrew Literature (Ms Yona Gilead)

Thesis

The honours thesis constitutes an original piece of research and writing in a field that is supervised by a member of staff. It must demonstrate both a command of a wide range of secondary source material in Hebrew, Biblical or Jewish studies, as well as a command of a particular disciplinary or interdisciplinary approach to the topic of the research.

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Thesis Supervision

Contact the Department's Honours Coordinator to discuss your preferred field of Honours study. The Honours Coordinator will then be able to suggest the most appropriate member of staff within the department to supervise the thesis. The list below, whilst not exhaustive, gives an idea of the areas of interest of staff from the Department.

  • Assoc Prof Ian Young supervises research in Language and Text of the Hebrew Bible.
  • Lucy Davey supervises research in Classical Hebrew – poetic texts * Biblical Studies * Ugaritic.
  • Dr Ari Lobel supervises research in Modern, Biblical and Mishnaic Hebrew * Biblical and Talmudic law and philosophy * Biblical interpretation * Aramaic.
  • Yona Gilead supervises research in Sociocultural theories of second/foreign language (L2) learning & teaching * Methodology of L2 learning and teaching * Modern Hebrew language-learning processes and behaviours.
  • Prof Suzanne Rutland supervises research in Australian Jewry, the Holocaust and Jewish education in Australia.
  • Dr Avril Alba supervises research in the Holocaust, its memory and representation, Museums and memorials, Judaism and modernity, Jewish theology/ post Holocaust theology.
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Enrolment

In the first instance you should discuss your intention to apply for Honours with the Honours Coordinator. Students will enrol in BBCL, HBRW or JCTC4011, 4012, 4013 and 4014. These, however, are merely generic or ‘shell’ units for your coursework component.

Enrolments are completed online. Go to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Honours webpage for further information on Honours and on the online enrolment application procedure.

Contacts

The Honours Coordinator can answer any queries relating to the Honours program.