COURSE CURRICULUM

The master’s in Classics and Ancient Civilizations at Leiden University is a one-year program that can be pursued in four different specialisations, one of which is Hebrew and Aramaic Studies. This track is designed to give students both a broad overview of the relevant sub-disciplines and the opportunity to gradually develop their own research skills. While the program is interdisciplinary in nature, students are encouraged to select a primary focus on either Hebrew or Aramaic, tailoring their studies to their own academic interests and future career goals.If you choose to specialise in Aramaic, you will explore the wide range of Aramaic languages and literatures, including Syriac, Targumic Aramaic, and Imperial Aramaic. These can be studied both individually and in the broader context of their 3,000-year history. Regularly offered subjects include the historical grammar of Aramaic, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and Semitic epigraphy. This allows students to understand the linguistic, cultural, and religious developments that shaped the ancient Near East and influenced later traditions.Alternatively, if you are drawn to Hebrew, you will study Hebrew in its broadest sense alongside related languages such as Ugaritic or Phoenician. The program covers Hebrew linguistics both in its present-day context and across its long history, from biblical Hebrew through the development of the Tiberian tradition to modern Hebrew. Core subjects typically include the study of biblical texts, the historical grammar of Hebrew, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and Semitic epigraphy, providing students with both linguistic depth and cultural insight.Throughout the program, emphasis is placed on building strong research skills, enabling students to critically engage with texts, inscriptions, and broader scholarly debates. The curriculum may vary from year to year, reflecting ongoing research and teaching innovations. Students are encouraged to consult the Prospectus for the most detailed and up-to-date information.