MA Greek and Hebrew
About this course
Greek and Hebrew is one of the most intellectually distinctive combinations available in the humanities, bringing together the two languages that together underlie most of Western religious, philosophical and literary culture. Ancient Greek is the key to one of the richest literary traditions in human history, encompassing Homer's epics, the tragedies of Aeschylus and Sophocles, the dialogues of Plato, the histories of Thucydides and Herodotus and the New Testament texts that shaped Christian theology. Biblical Hebrew is the language of the Old Testament and the Hebrew Bible, and its study opens the textual and cultural world of ancient Israel and early Judaism, alongside a rich tradition of rabbinic literature and medieval Hebrew writing. Studied together at the University of St Andrews over four years, they give you access to the primary sources of two of the world's most consequential religious and intellectual traditions. You will develop real competence in both languages, reading texts in the original alongside literary, cultural and historical analysis that puts those texts in context. The programme develops your skills in linguistic analysis and textual interpretation alongside the cultural and historical knowledge needed to understand what you are reading. A year abroad extends your academic formation and personal experience, and the combination of two ancient languages develops the rigorous analytical and interpretive habits that are among the most valuable intellectual skills a university education can provide. Graduates with expertise in Greek and Hebrew move into careers in theology, biblical studies, religious education, translation, academic research, publishing, chaplaincy and the heritage sector. The analytical and linguistic skills the programme develops transfer well into law, the civil service, journalism and education. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study in biblical studies, classical languages, theology, Jewish studies or early Christian history, where the linguistic foundations the degree provides are a direct and substantial advantage.
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