1. LATIN
Ordinary Level Course
(a)
Composition (i.e. sentences).
(b)
Formal Grammar (including scansion confined to the Elegiac Couplet and the
Hexameter).
(c)
Prescribed Texts:- 2009
Livy, Book XXX, (Chapters 9 – 17; 19-23; 29-37)
or
Virgil, Aeneid, Book II (Lines 1 – 506).
(d)
Unprescribed text:
Two passages from the works of the following authors*:Cicero (Orationes), Caesar, Livy, Virgil (Aeneid), Ovid.
(e)
History (including Art and Literature):
The period from the death of Caesar to the death of Trajan.
Candidates will be expected to have studied Roman art and architecture within the
prescribed period, under such headings as: patronage, portrait sculpture, murals,
mosaics, historical reliefs, (e.g. the Ara Pacis and Trajan’s Column), the Roman
house, roads, arches, bridges, aqueducts, basilicas, amphitheatres, public
buildings, temples.
Questions will also be set on the life, works and literary importance of Latin
authors from the prescribed history period (including Caesar and Cicero) and, in
addition, Catullus.
Candidates will be required to answer three questions and to choose at least one
from each section – (i) Roman history (ii) Roman art and literature.
Higher Level Course
(a)
Composition (continuous prose).
(b)
Formal Grammar (including scansion confined to the Elegiac Couplet, the
Hexameter, the Sapphic and the Alcaic).
(c)
Prescribed texts:
As for Ordinary Level Course.
(d)
Unprescribed text:
Three passages from the works of the following authors:Cicero (Orationes), Caesar, Livy, Virgil (Aeneid), Ovid, Sallust, Horace
(Odes), Catullus.
(e)
History (including Art and Literature):
As for Ordinary Level Course.
* The list of authors given is an indication of the range of suitable material.
Four passages will be set on the Ordinary Level paper, two passages of prose and two of
verse. Candidates will be required to translate two of these four passages, one of prose
and one of verse.
On the Higher Level paper candidates will be required to select three out of four passages
set.
Vocabulary aid will be provided in the case of all unprescribed passages appearing on the
examination papers.
Allocation of Marks
Ordinary Level Course
Translation into Latin (5 sentences)
75
Prescribed text (prose or verse)
Translation ……………………………….
Subsidiary questions (3 ex 5)………………
60 }
30 )
Named authors (2 passages ex 4) ………………………….
90
130
Grammar and Scansion:
Two questions on grammar ……………….
One question on scansion ………………….
20 }
10 }
30
History, Art and Literature:
(3 questions ex 6) = (25 x 3) ……………………..
75
Higher Level Course
Translation into Latin …………………………………….
75
Prescribed text (prose or verse)
Translation ………………………………
Subsidiary questions (3 x 5) ………………
60 }
30 }
Named authors (3 passages ex 4)………………………….
90
130
Grammar and scansion :
Two questions on grammar **……………
20}
One question on scansion ………………… 10}
30
History, Art and Literature:
(3 questions ex 6) = (25 x 3)………………………..
75
N.B. – In the 1989 Leaving Certificate Examination and thereafter, candidates at both
levels will have the choice in Question 1 of the examination paper, either (a) of
translation into Latin, as at present or (b) of answering a series of comprehension
questions, on a passage of unprescribed Latin prose. Each of the two sections will carry
75 marks.
Prescribed Texts
N.B. See prescribed Material for year of examination
______________________________________________________________________________________
** One of the questions will require the writing of notes on points of grammar occurring
in a sentence. The points on which comment will be required will be underlined. The
second question will follow the format of the grammar questions on the Ordinary Level
paper (principal parts of verbs, etc.) but will be more testing.
2. ANCIENT GREEK
Ordinary Level Course
(a)
Scansion (confined to the lambic Trimeter and the Hexameter).
(b)
Prescribed texts (2008) :The Joint Association of Classical Teachers’ (J.A.C.T.) Greek Course:
Reading Greek – Text. (Published by the Cambridge University Press) – Sections
Fourteen to Nineteen (inclusive).
N.B.
(1) Sections One to Thirteen (inclusive) must be read as an essential
preparation for study of the prescribed sections, and for translating unseen text. (2)
The companion volume, Reading Greek Grammar, Vocabulary and Exercises is an
essential part of the J.A.C.T. Greek Course and must be used in conjunction with
“Reading Greek Text”, in accordance with the instructions given in the Prefaces to
both volumes
(c)
Unprescribed text:
Three passages from the works of the following authors†:Xenophon, Thucydides, Homer, Euripides, the Four Gospels and the Acts of the
Apostles.
(d)
History (including Art and Literature):
(i) The period from the beginning of the Peloponnesian War to the death of
Alexander the Great.
Questions of a general nature will also be set on Athenian and Spartan
constitutional history and institutions, from their origin to the end of the fifth
century B.C.
(ii) Literary questions of a general nature will be set on the life and works
(including their relevant background) of the major Greek authors from Homer to
Aristotle.
A study should also be made of the art of the Greeks.
Questions of a general nature will be set and candidates will be expected, through
the use of film strips and modern illustrations, to have an acquaintance with
examples of sculpture, archaic and classical (including architectural sculpture),
the architecture of temples, and Attic black and red figure vase paintings.
________________________________________________________________________
†The list of authors given is an indication of the range of suitable material.
Four passages will be set on the Ordinary Level paper and candidates will be required to
translate three of these four passages. On the Higher Level paper candidates will be
required to select three out of four passages set.
Vocabulary aid will be provided in the case of all unprescribed passages appearing on the
examination papers.
From the questions set in this section of the examination paper candidates will be
required to answer three, and at least one of the three will be chosen from (i) and
from (ii).
Higher Level Course
(a)
Translation into Greek from an idiomatic passage in the vernacular
(b)
Scansion (confined to lambic Trimeter, the Hexameter and Trochaic Tetrameter).
(c)
Prescribed texts:
The Joint Association of Classical Teachers (J.A.C.T.) Greek Course: The
Intellectual Revolution (Published by Cambridge University Press) – Pages 60 –
95, inclusive. (Selections, in Greek and in translation, from Thucydides, Books 6,
7 and 8)
or
The Joint Association of Classical Teachers (J.A.C.T.) Greek Course: A World of
Heroes, (Published by Cambridge University Press) – Pages 100 – 139, inclusive.
(Selections in Greek and in translation, from Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus).
(d)
Unprescribed text:
Three passages from the works of the following authors:Xenophon, Thucydides, Homer, Euripides, the Four Gospels and the Acts of the
Apostles, the works of Sophocles and Plato (simpler dialogues), Herodotus.
(e)
History (including Art and Literature):
As for Ordinary Level Course.
Allocation of marks
Ordinary Level
(a) Prescribed Text:
Translation …………………….
Questions ………………………
60}
} ……….
40}
100
(b) Named authors and works: (70x3) ……………….. 210
(c) History, Art and Literature: (30x3) ………………
90
Higher Level
(a) Translation into Greek …………………………….. 50
(b) Prescribed text:
Translation ……………………
Questions ……………………..
50 }
} ……….. 80
30 }
(c) Named authors and works: (60x3) ……………………..
180
(d) History, Art, Literature: (30x3) …………………………
90
The following are the prescribed texts for the Leaving Certificate Examination 2008:-
Ordinary Course
The prescribed texts for 2008 are the same as for 2007
Higher Level
N. B. In the 1998 Leaving Certificate Examination and thereafter, candidates at Higher
Level will have the choice, in Question 1 of the examination paper, either (a) of doing
translation into Greek, as at present, or (b) of answering a series of comprehension
questions on a passage of unprescribed Greek prose. Each of the two sections will carry
50 marks.
3. CLASSICAL STUDIES
Ordinary and Higher Level Courses
The general aim of these courses is to pursue the aims of the Intermediate Certificate
Course at a level appropriate to the needs of senior post-primary pupils. Teachers are
advised to note the introduction to the Intermediate Certificate Course in Classical
Studies. A Classics library should be built up gradually, while the resources of local
libraries ought to be utilised as far as possible.
A memorandum containing additional notes on the treatment of topics in the syllabus,
together with booklists et al., may be obtained form the Department of Education and
Science Post-Primary Branch, Floor 3, Hawkins House, Dublin 2.
The fundamental unit of each course is the topic.
Teachers are referred to the
Intermediate Certificate Course, Section III: Notes for the guidance of teachers, 1, where
advice on the treatment of topics is offered.
Ten topics, common to both courses, are prescribed for examination. These topics are
arranged in three groups as follows:Group 1:
Topics (1-4);
Group II:
Topics (5-7);
Group III:
Topics (8-10).
Candidates are required to answer questions on four topics in the examination, taking at
least one topic from each group.
LIST OF TOPICS
GROUP 1:
Topic 1. Athens at War.
Ordinary Level Prescribed Matter: The Peloponnesian War, (Thucydides), Penguin
Classics, the following sections:-
Book 1:
Chs. 1-23; 31-55; 66-68; 139-146.
Book 2:
Chs. 1-27; 31; 34-65; 70-78.
Book 3:
Chs. 1-28; 36-50; 52-68;
Book 4:
Chs. 2-23; 26-41; 78-101; 117-118.
Book 5:
Chs. 2-26; 43; 63-75; 84-116.
Book 6:
Chs. 6; 8-32; 42-53; 60-73; 88-93; 96-104.
Book 7:
Chs. 1-8; 10-19; 21-25; 27-28; 36-56; 59-87
Higher Level Prescribed Matter: As for the Ordinary Course with the addition of the
following:-
Book 8: Chs. 1-2; 37; 47-49; 53-54; 65-77; 81-86; 89-97; 104-106.
The major aim of this topic is to examine the course of the Peloponnesian War and to
understand its effect on Athenian society and politics as recorded by Thucydides. Events
in the war which seriously affect life in the city e.g. the Plague and the Sicilian
Expedition, should be given a special emphasis. Particular attention should be paid to
Thucydides as a historian.
Topic 2.
Alexander the Great
Ordinary Level Prescribed Matter: The Campaigns of Alexander (Arrian), Penguin
Classics.
Higher Level Prescribed Matter: As for the Ordinary Course, with the addition of the
Life of Alexander, contained in the Age of Alexander (Plutarch), Penguin Classics.
The major aim of this topic is a study of the character and achievements of Alexander as
portrayed by his biographers. Some appreciation of the following will also be expected:
earlier Greek contacts with the Persian Empire; the special nature of Macedonian society;
the Macedonian war-machine; the subsequent impact of Alexander’s empire.
Topic 3 Life and Thought in the Late Roman Republic.
Ordinary Level Prescribed Matter: (i) Fall of the Roman Republic (Plutarach),
Penguin Classics (the lives of Pompey, Caesar and Cicero only); (ii) Latin Literature, An
Anthology (edited by Michael Grant), Penguin Classics, the following sections: Cicero
(all the selections); Catullus, the following poems: Love and Harsh Words; Evening with
Licinius; The Effects of Love; Consolation; The Same; At a Brother’s Grave; Wine;
Happiness; To Cicero; Love and Hatred; A Prayer; Attis in Exile; Caesar (all the
selections); Sallust (all the selections).
Higher Level Prescribed Matter: As for the Ordinary Course, with the addition of
Lactor 7, “Roman Politics; available from Lactor Secretary, K. R. Hughes, 17 Belgravia
Mews, Palace Road, Kingston-Upon-Thames, Surrey KT1 2LP (Tel./Fax 0181-5497389).
The major aim of this topic is a study of the literary, intellectual and political atmosphere
of the Late Republic as reflected in key written sources for the period.
Topic 4: Roman Historians.
Ordinary Level Prescribed Matter: (i) The annals of Imperial Rome (Tacitus), Penguin
Classics, pages 31 to 227 (i.e. the reigns of Augustus and Tiberius); (ii) The Twelve
Caesars (Suetonius), Penguin Classics (the lives of Augustus and Tiberius only).
Higher Level Prescribed Matter: As for the Ordinary Course with the addition of (i) the
remainder of the Annals of Imperial Rome (Tacitus); the lives of Claudius and Nero in
the Twelve Caesars (Suetonius); (iii) Lactor 8 “Inscriptions of the Roman Empire, A.D.
14-117” (Numbers 1 to 48 only) available from L.A.C.T. Publications (see address under
Topic 3).
The major aim of this topic is to gain an understanding of the early principate through an
examination and comparison of two key ancient historical sources. The characters of the
various emperors as they appear in the sources should be carefully studied. Lactor 8
should be studied for the inscriptional, non-literary evidence which it provides for the
reigns of the emperors to be examined.
GROUP II:
Topic 5. Greek Drama.
Ordinary Level Prescribed Matter. (i) King Oedipus (Sophocles). Penguin Classics;
(ii) Medea (Euripides). Penguin Classics.
Higher Level Prescribed Matter: As for the Ordinary Course, with the addition of the
following: (i) Prometheus Bound (Aeschylus), Penguin Classics; (ii) The Frogs
(Aristophanes), Penguin Classics.
The major aim in this topic is to gain an appreciation of the achievement of the major
Greek dramatists. A detailed knowledge of the plays is not required. Some knowledge of
the following will be expected: an appreciation of the plays in their ancient context, such
as their function in Athenian society; the role of the poet in Athens; the tragedians’
reliance on Greek myth and legend; the conditions of performance; the Greek concept of
the tragic hero; the function of the chorus; the dues ex machine; the role of the comic
playwright in society.
Topic 6. Ancient Epic.
Ordinary Level Prescribed Matter: (i) The Odyssey (Homer), Penguin Classics: (ii)
The Aeneid, (Virgil) Books 1 to 6, Penguin Classics.
Higher Level Prescribed Matter: As for the Ordinary course, with the addition of (i) the
remainder of the Aeneid; (ii) The Tain (translated by Thomas Kinsella), Oxford
Paperbacks.
At Ordinary Level the key text for study is the Odyssey, and a detailed knowledge of the
story and of its major characters will be expected.
Candidates should have some
appreciation of the more obvious features of Homer’s style and method which come
across in translation, such as his use of flashbacks and similes. The Aeneid is to be read
principally for comparative purposes e.g. the comparison of the voyages of Odysseus and
Aeneas, and the contrast between the two Underworlds depicted.
At Higher Level a detailed knowledge of both Odyssey and Aeneid is expected, as well
as ability to compare the two works.
There should be some understanding of the
structure of the two works and an appreciation of the contrasting societies in which the
works were written. An elementary knowledge of the nature of primary epic and of
Virgil’s method in handling this form of writing is required. Virgil’s motives for writing
the Aeneid should be treated.
The Tain is to be read principally for comparative
purposes, although some knowledge of content may be required.
Topic 7. Writers of the Augustan Period.
Ordinary Level Prescribed Matter: Latin Literature, An Anthology (edited by Michael
Grant), Penguin Classics, the following selections:- Virgil: (a) The Eclogues: The Song of
Silenus, and The Birth of the Saviour; (b) The Georgics: Orpheus and Eurydice, and A
Farmer’s Calender; (c) The Aeneid: The Underworld, and Hercules and Cacus Horace:
(a) Odes and Epodes: Gather Ye Rosebuds, We all Must Die, Cease to Mourn; (b) The
Satires and Epistles: The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse, and The Bore, Livy:
Livy’s Preface, The Sabine Women, Class Warfare.
Propertius: Two Requests,
Susceptibility, Gone, Gone to Clitumus, Cynthia Is Dead, Cynthia, Ovid Baucis and
Philemon.
Higher Level Prescribed Matter: As for the Ordinary Course, with the addition of the
following selections from Latin Literature, An Anthology: Virgil, The Georgics: Rustic
Happiness. Horace: (a) Odes and Epodes: Enjoy The Present Hour, A Quiet Life, Rustic
Joys, The Good Man Fears Nothing, Enjoy Your Possessions While They Are Yours,
Ode To Spring; (b) The Satires and Epistles: The Journey To Brundisium. Livy: Horatius
On The Bridge, The Romans Defeated By Hannibal At Cannae, The Defeat of Hannibal.
Propertius: Love and Peace, The God of Love. Ovid: Elegiac Poems: Ovid’s Misery in
Exile, Myself, Advice to Women, The Art Of Love, Unfair.
The major aim of this topic is a study of the literary, social and political atmosphere of
the Augustan period as reflected in the writings of the principal authors of the period. A
detailed knowledge of the prescribed pieces is not required. Some knowledge of the
historical background to the period and of the influence of patronage in Rome at this time
will be necessary.
GROUP III:
Topic 8. Art and Architecture in Greek Society.
The prescribed text for the Ordinary and Higher Course is A Handbook of Greek Art (G.
M. A. Richter), Phaidon Paperback.
Ordinary Level Prescribed Matter: Chapters 1, 2, 3 (i.e. to page 184).
Higher Level Prescribed Matter: (Chapters 1, 2, 3, 11 (to page 356 only).
The aim of this topic is to gain a good understanding of certain aspects of representative
examples of Greek Art and architecture, based on a general understanding of the
techniques and development of the art forms studied. The role of these art forms in the
everyday life of the people should be appreciated.
Topic 9. The Philosopher In Society: a Study of Socrates and Plato.
Ordinary Level Prescribed Matter: The Republic (Plato). Penguin Classics, the
following sections:
The introduction (pages 61 to 66); First Principles of Social Organisation (pages 116 to
122), Civilised Society (pages 122 to 125); Qualities Required in The Guardians (pages
126 to 128); Secondary or Literary Education (pages 129 to 149); Musical Requirements
(pages 158 to 161); Summary pages (161 to 163); Physical Education (pages 166 to 176);
The Three Classes and Their Mutual Relations (pages 177 to 182); The Rulers’ and
Auxiliaries’ Way of Life (pages 182 to 187); Final Provisions For Unity (pages 187 to
195); Justice In The State (pages 196 to 206); The Status of Women (pages 225 to 236);
The Ideal and the Actual (pages 260 to 263); The Qualities of Character Required in the
Philosopher (pages 276 to 280); The Prejudice Against Philosophy (pages 281 to 292);
The Simile of the Cave (pages 317 to 325); Selection and Curriculum (pages 347 to 355).
Higher Level Prescribed Matter: As for the Ordinary Course, with the addition of the
following: (i) Letters VII and VIII (Plato). Penguin Classics; (ii) The Life of Dion,
available in The Age of Alexander (Plutarch), Penguin Classics.
The major text for study at both levels is the Republic. The aim of this topic is an
examination of Plato’s main objectives for a state.
The texts for study on the Higher Course are meant to provide a study of the practical
application of Plato’s theoretical ideas in the city of Syracuse.
Topic 10. Roman Art and Architecture.
Ordinary Level Prescribed Matter: (i) Roman Art and Architecture (Mortimer
Wheeler). Thames and Hudson, the following pages: 7 to 24, 89 to 205; (ii) Visual
Publications Roman Art Series of filmstrips, with accompanying handbook for teaches.
Following are the titles of these filmstrips; (a) City and Temple; (b) Arch and Theatre; (c)
Structures; (d) Pompeii, (e) Sculpture, Painting and Mosaic. (Available from Visual
Publications, The Green, Northleach, Cheltenham, Glos. GL54 3EX.)
Higher Level Prescribed Matter: As for the Ordinary Course, with the addition of the
remainder of Roman Art and Architecture (Mortimer Wheeler), except Chapter 6.
The aim of the topic is to carry out an examination of the Roman achievement in
building, engineering, art, sculpture and mosaic.
4. HEBREW STUDIES
The aims of the course are, (i) to pursue the aims of the Intermediate Certificate course in
Hebrew Studies at a level appropriate to the needs of and capacities of senior postprimary pupils, and (ii) to enable students to deepen their understanding of the history,
religion and civilization of the Hebrew people by focussing in greater depth upon major
themes regarding institutions, religious ideas and roles as they were expressed and
developed during the course of Israelite history.
As in the Intermediate Certificate course, these aims are to be pursued primarily through
the study of prescribed Hebrew texts which focus upon major topics. A study (in the
vernacular) of the wider background to these texts and topics, especially regarding
historical detail, is also necessary.
The Leaving Certificate course in Hebrew Studies will be examined at both Ordinary and
Higher levels, and separate Ordinary and Higher Level examination papers will be set.
The same examination syllabus is prescribed for both Ordinary and Higher Level
examinations. However, while a descriptive approach to the study of the prescribed topics
is recommended at Ordinary Level, a more analytical approach is required at Higher
Level.
The syllabus is divided into four sections, A, B, C and D, each of which covers two major
topics from Israelite history. The texts prescribed for the study of the eight topics are as
follows:-
Section A
1.
Family
The texts in this section are designed to enable the student to gain insight into the
structure, roles, values and purpose of the family, as perceived by the Hebrews
throughout the people’s Biblical and early post-Biblical development.
Old Testament Gen 2.18; 15.1-5; 21.1-8; 24.1-27, 61-67;
Ex 20.1-17; Deut 24.1-4; 25.5-10;
Ruth 4; Ps 128; Prov 31.10-31.
Mishnah:
2.
Ta’Anit 4m.8; Av 5m.21 (first half); Peah 1m.1.
Government and Monarchy
The texts in this section are designed to provide the student with an understanding of –(a)
the place of Monarchy in Israelite society, and the tensions and conflicts to which it give
rise; (b) the religious understanding of the monarchic institution in the Hebrew faith.
Old Testament:
Gen 42.12-27; Deut 17.14-20;
Judg 9.1-21 ; 1 Sam 8;24;
2 Sam 15.1-16; Kings 1.15-53.
Mishnah:
Av 3 m.2 (first part); Sot 7 m.8; Sonh 2 m.3.
Section B
1.
Prophetic Protest
The texts in this section are designed to provide the student with an understanding of –
(a) the role and position of the prophet in relation to both the leadership and the masses;
(b) the nature and substance of prophetic protest even as it continued in early postBiblical times.
Old Testament:
2 Sam 12.1-25; 1 Kings 18.17-39; 21;
Amos 5.4-24; 1s 58; Jer 1; 22.11-19.
Mishnah:
Av 1 m.2, 10, 18; 2m.3; 5m.17; 6m.5.
2.
Wisdom
The texts in this section are designed to provide the student with an understanding of –
(a) the context and background of wisdom teaching; (b) the values and ideas contained in
wisdom literature, and their early post-Biblical expression and development.
Old Testament:
Prov 2.1-8; 24.13-34; Eccles 3.1-15; 12.
Mishnah:
Av 1m. 12, 14; 2m.5, 12; 3 m. 18; 4m.1,2; 6m.5.
Additional reading recommended, but not prescribedOld Testament:
Job; 1 Kings 3. 5-14; 4.29-34 (in English version); 5.9-14.
Mishnah:
Ber 9 m.5.
Section C
1.
Worship (Sacrifice and Prayer)
The texts in this section are designed to provide the student with an understanding of. –
(a) the role and development of worship amongst the Hebrews; (b) the place of sacrifice
and liturgy; (c) the position of the Temple; (d) the role of the Priesthood and the Levites.
Old Testament:
Num 6. 22-27; Deut 6.4-9; 12.11-19;
1 Kings 8.1-21; Ps 20; 24; 122; 134.
Mishnah:
Sot 7m.6; Ber 1m.3; 4m.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; 5m.1, 2, 3, 5;
Av 2m. 13; Tamid 6m.4.
2. Festivals and Symbols
The texts in this section are designed to provide the student with – (a) a knowledge of the
form and substance of the Festivals in Hebrew life, both Biblical and early post-Biblical;
(b) an understanding of the form, substance and significance of the religious symbols that
figure prominently in the life of the Jewish people within both the calendar and daily
contexts.
Old Testament:
Ex 12; 13.1-16; Lev 23; Josh 5.4-12 (Pass); 1 Sam 20.18-42
(N. Moon);
1 Kings 8.55-66 (Tab); 2 Kings 23.21-25
(Pass); Neh 8.3-18 (Tab); 1 Mac 4.52-59;
Num 15.37-41; Deut 6.4-9; 11.13-31.
Mishnah:
Sukkah 1m.1; 3m.4; Pesachim 10m. 1, 5; Bikkurim 3m.3, 6;
Yoma 6m.2; 8m.1,9; Rosh Hashanah 4m.8, 9;
Megillah 1m.8; 3m.6; (Pu and Ch.).
Section D
1. Election and Covenant
The texts in this section are designed to enable the student to understand how the idea of
covenant is used to define the relationship between the people and God.
Old Testament:
Gen 15.7-21; Ex 19.1-8; Deut 26.5-9, 16-19;
29.9-28; 30.19-20; Josh 24.1.-28;
1 Sam 12.7-25; 2 Sam 7; 2 Kings 23.1-8;
Jer 31.31-34; Neh 9-10.1 (= 9 in English version).
Mishnah:
Av 1 m.1; 3 m. 15; Ta’Anit 2m.4.
2. Messianism
The texts in this section are designed to enable the student – (a) to perceive the nature of
Messianism expressed across Biblical and early post-Biblical literature; (b) to understand
the idea in relation to the historical circumstance that nurtured it.
Old Testament:
Dent 30.1-10; 1s 11.1-10; 40.1-11; 54;
Jer 31.1-20; 32.6-15; 36-44; Ezek 37;
Micah 4.1-5; Mal 3.19.24; Zach 9.9-17; Ps 20.
Mishnah:
Ber 1 m.5; Sot 9m. 15.
Ordinary Level Examination Paper
This paper will have four sections corresponding with the four section of the syllabus. It
will carry a total of 400 marks, 100 marks for each section. Time allowed will be 3
hours.
In each section of the paper, two passages of prescribed Hebrew text will be given, one
relating to each of the two topics in the corresponding section of the syllabus. A group of
questions (which may include a question on Hebrew grammar) will be set on each
passage. The questions will demand a satisfactory understanding of the given passage
and a knowledge of the wider background to the events and issues referred to in the
passage, especially in regard to historical details. Candidates must deal with one passage
only in each section.
Candidates are encouraged to support their answers with appropriate quotation or
reference, whenever possible. It will be an advantage to them if they give supporting
quotation in Hebrew, and if they translate the quotations given. Square script should be
used.
Candidates are reminded that their answers to all questions attempted should reveal
evidence of their understanding of the issues raised by the questions, and should not
concentrate excessively or exclusively upon simple repetition or memorised notes.
Higher Level Examination Paper
This paper will have the same format and content as the Ordinary Level Paper, except
that one question on each of the eight prescribed topics will be different from the
questions set on the corresponding topics on the Ordinary Level Paper.
A higher standard of answering in general will be expected on this paper than on the
Ordinary Level paper, and candidates will be expected to give evidence of a deeper level
of analytical understanding of the texts and topics studied.