| Part II | Option | Convenor: Professor Yaron Peleg |
Course Description 2025-26
The topic ‘Pre-modern Hebrew studies/Jewish literature’ subsumes two options, of which the student must choose one: (a) Northwest Semitic language(s) (which could include various forms of Aramaic, Ugaritic, Canaanite Dialects, NWS/Hebrew Inscriptions, or Historical Hebrew Grammar), or (b) pre-Modern Jewish literature, for which students may choose Rabbinic Hebrew, Medieval Hebrew, or Judaeo-Arabic. Choices for pre-modern Hebrew studies/Jewish literature are subject to enrolment and/or offerings of the particular year.
The topic 'Modern Hebrew literature' examines contemporary Israeli literature in historical perspective.
Classes and Supervisions
| Michaelmas | Lent | Easter | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. of classes | 8 (two-hour) | 8 (two-hour) | 4 (two-hour) |
| No. of supervisions | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Form and Conduct
The ‘pre-modern Hebrew studies/Jewish literature’ section of the paper is assessed by a research essay or textual commentary of no more than 5,000 words, including footnotes and excluding bibliography. Each student will develop the research question of the essay or choose a primary text for commentary in consultation with the instructor. One electronic copy (pdf) of the project shall be submitted to the Programmes Administrator in the Faculty Office so as to arrive not later than the fourth Friday of Full Easter Term.
The ‘Modern Hebrew literature’ section of the paper is assessed by two coursework essays (of a maximum of 3,500 words, and minimum of 3,000 words, including footnotes and excluding bibliography), one to be handed in on the first Tuesday of Lent term and one to be handed in on the first Tuesday of Easter term. A choice of two essay questions will be announced on the first day (Thursday) of fifth week in Michaelmas term and on the first day (Thursday) of fifth week in Lent term. Both essays will be subject to a mini-viva voce examination, conducted in person or online, at the end of Easter term. Both essays carry equal marks.
Candidates must complete the relevant coursework of one section by its respective deadline(s), namely either the coursework assigned for the ‘pre-modern Hebrew studies/Jewish literature’ section OR the coursework assigned for the ‘Modern Hebrew literature’ section.
This description is subject to change, for the latest information, students should consult the Undergraduate Handbook available on the Faculty Intranet.