Classical Syriac Beginner II
ܣܕܪܐ ܕܫܪ̈ܘܝܐ
ܐ ܒ ܓ ܕ ܗ ܘ ܙ ܚ ܛ ܝ ܟ ܠ ܡ ܢ
ܣ ܥ ܦ ܨ ܩ ܪ ܫ ܬ
Winter/Spring Term,
Taught by: Ephrem A. Ishac
General Description of the Course:
This course functions as a direct continuation of Classical Syriac Beginner I. Having established the fundamentals of the writing system and basic morphology (Chapters 1–4 of the Syriac Primer), this semester aims to complete the remaining grammatical structures of the language. The core focus of Syriac II is the transition from learning rules to practical application. We will proceed from Chapter 5 through the end of the New Syriac Primer. A significant portion of the course will be dedicated to Chapter 6, which constitutes an intensive reading module comprising 20 distinct text sections. These texts will be used to practice translation, grammatical analysis, and syntax. Consistent with the methodology of the first level, this course views Syriac as a living heritage (Kthobonoyo). To maintain student engagement and ensure the learning process remains enjoyable, the strict grammatical study will be balanced with "Fun Stations." These include listening to Syriac songs, watching YouTube materials, and engaging in conversational exercises to foster a love for the language.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Master the advanced grammatical concepts presented in the second half of the Syriac Primer, including derived verbal stems and complex sentence structures.
2. Translate and Analyze the 20 reading selections from Chapter 6, demonstrating the ability to parse verbs and nouns within a textual context.
3. Comprehend spoken Syriac through multimedia resources (songs and videos), bridging the gap between ancient texts and modern liturgical/spoken usage.
4. Construct more complex written sentences and engage in basic conversation regarding daily life and past events.
Assessment:
The course will be given once every week (2 teaching hours: 100 minutes) in the Winter/Spring semester. Students are expected to show a commitment through active participation.
Student performance will be assessed through:
1. Attendance and Active Participation (20%): Engagement in oral exercises, reading aloud, and "Fun Station" activities.
2. Weekly Quizzes and Homework (40%): Regular assignments to revise the 20 text sections and grammatical rules.
3. Final Exam (40%): A comprehensive exam concluding the semester, testing translation and grammar skills.
General Format & Requirements:
● Prerequisites: Completion of Syriac I or knowledge of Syriac Primer Chapters 1–4.
● Structure: The course will cover Chapters 5–8 (End of Book).
● Reading Load: Special emphasis is placed on Chapter 6 (Reading Selections). Students are expected to prepare these short texts in advance to discuss them in class.
● Methodology: We will read together with audio-visual breaks to reinforce listening skills.
Textbook and Readings:
George Anton Kiraz, New Syriac Primer: Fourth Revised Edition, Gorgias Press: Piscataway 2024.
George Anton Kiraz, The New Syriac Primer: An Introduction to The Syriac Language, Gorgias Press: Piscataway 2007.
Abd al-Masih Naaman Qarabashi, Hergē d-qeryono Reading Lessons for different levels], Mar Yuhanun Kilisesi: Hengelo 1985.
(can be accessed online at the Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate - Syriac Studies Department):
http://dss-syriacpatriarchate.org/syriac-language/teaching-syriac/?lang=en
Dictionaries:
Payne Smith, Jessie, A Compendious Syriac Dictionary. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1903.
Online access: https://archive.org/details/ACompendiousSyriacDictionary/page/n11
Costaz, Louis, Dictionnaire syriaque-français. Syriac-English dictionary. Beyrouth: Imprimerie catholique, 1963.
Online access: https://archive.org/details/Syriac-French-English-Arabic-Dictionary
Other Helpful books and films:
Brock, Sebastian P., A Brief Outline of Syriac Literature. Mōrān ’Eth’ō 9. Baker Hill, Kottayam: St. Ephrem Ecumenical Research Institute, 1997
https://archive.org/details/ABriefOutlineOfSyriacLiterature_267/page/n1
Brock, Sebastian P., An Introduction to Syriac Studies, Gorgias Press: Piscataway 2006.
- Instructor: Ephrem Ishac